Human Sexuality (OCR GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Notes

8.1.1 Human Sexuality

Historical Context and Legal Developments:

• In the past, the Church held significant influence over societal norms, particularly regarding sexuality.
• The prevailing belief was that sex should only occur within marriage between a man and a woman, primarily because of its potential to create new life.
• This view was widely accepted, and any sexual activity outside of this framework was considered sinful and socially unacceptable.
• However, legal and societal attitudes towards sexuality, particularly regarding homosexual relationships, have evolved significantly over time:
  • 1967: Homosexual acts were legalised in the UK for individuals over the age of 21, provided they were not in the armed forces.
  • 1994: The age of consent for homosexual acts was reduced to 18.
  • 2000: Homosexual individuals were permitted to serve in the armed forces.
  • 2001: The age of consent for homosexual acts was further reduced to 16, aligning it with heterosexual acts.
  • 2004: Civil partnerships between same-sex couples were legally recognised, granting them similar rights to married couples.
  • 2013: Same-sex marriage was legally recognised in the UK, marking a significant shift towards equality in marriage laws.

Religious Views on Human Sexuality

Christianity:

• Traditional Views: Historically, many Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England, have viewed sex before marriage as sinful.
  • This belief is rooted in the idea that sex is sacred and intended for procreation within the confines of marriage. The Bible, particularly the New Testament, teaches that sexual immorality is a sin, with passages such as "whoever sins sexually sins against their own body" supporting this view.
• Liberal Christian Views: Some liberal Christians believe that sex before marriage is acceptable if it occurs within a loving and committed relationship that is likely to lead to marriage. This perspective emphasises love and commitment over strict adherence to traditional doctrines.
• Homosexuality: Traditional Christian teachings, based on passages such as "Do not have sexual relationships with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable" from the Old Testament, have often condemned homosexual acts as sinful. However, there are varying interpretations:
  • Roman Catholic Church: The Church accepts individuals with homosexual orientations but teaches that homosexual acts are sinful. The Church emphasises celibacy for homosexual individuals, as there is nothing in the Bible explicitly condemning homosexual orientation, only the acts.
  • Church of England: The Church of England welcomes same-sex couples who are in faithful relationships but does not permit same-sex marriages in the church.

Islam:

• Sex Before and Outside of Marriage: In Islam, sex before marriage is considered Zinnah, a grave sin. Islamic teachings emphasise that sexual relations should only occur within marriage to protect individuals and society from harm, such as affairs and other immoral behaviours. The Quran and Hadith strictly forbid adultery, and in some Islamic countries, adultery is punishable by severe penalties, including the death penalty under Sharia law.
• Homosexuality: Homosexual acts are generally condemned in Islam and are illegal in most Muslim-majority countries. Many Muslims believe that same-sex relationships go against the natural law created by God, and individuals are encouraged to resist any inclinations towards partners of the same sex. However, there are exceptions, such as in Jordan, where same-sex activity was legalised in 1951.

Contemporary Perspectives

• In modern British society, there is a strong emphasis on equality and non-discrimination, including in matters of sexuality.
• In contemporary British society it is widely accepted that people have sex outside of marriage and raise children out of wedlock.
• Cohabitation is common and though affairs are not seen as positive they are a frequent occurrence.

Religion/Context	View on Homosexuality	Explanation/Details
Traditional Christian	Homosexual acts are seen as sinful.	Based on the Old Testament verse: "Do not have sexual relationships with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable" (Leviticus 18:22).
Roman Catholic	Accepts homosexual individuals who do not engage in penetrative sex.	The Church teaches that homosexual orientation is not sinful, but homosexual acts are. Celibacy is encouraged for those with homosexual orientation.
Church of England	Welcomes same-sex couples in faithful relationships but does not allow same-sex marriages in church.	The Church acknowledges the validity of same-sex relationships but maintains traditional views on marriage being between a man and a woman.
Islam (General)	Homosexual acts are generally forbidden, and same-sex relationships are against the law in most Muslim countries.	Homosexuality is viewed as contrary to the natural law created by God, and Muslims are encouraged to resist same-sex inclinations. Severe penalties exist in some countries.
Jordan (Islamic Context)	Legalised same-sex activity in 1951.	Jordan, a predominantly Muslim country, is one of the few in the region where same-sex activity is legal, reflecting a more progressive stance on the issue.
Contemporary British Society	Homosexual relationships are valid, and discrimination based on sexuality is illegal.	British law recognises same-sex marriages and protects individuals from discrimination based on their sexual orientation. Religious views vary, with some more tolerant than others.