Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Religious Studies
Advisor's Name
Christine Gudorf
Advisor's Title
Committee Chair
Advisor's Name
Lesley Northup
Advisor's Name
Whitney Bauman
Date of Defense
10-26-2011
Abstract
This thesis addressed nonmarital sex from a Christian perspective. It questioned the traditional rule of “no sex before marriage” and attempted to define a broader guideline for moral sex that is not dependent on one's marital status. It drew upon five sources for ethical reflection: Scripture, tradition, secular knowledge, experience, and moral discernment. By examining the Biblical commandments concerning sex, this thesis found that the inspiration behind many of the commandments limiting sex to marriage is androcentric and patriarchal. Because of this, the commandments should no longer be accepted with little reflection. Drawing on James Nelson's work, the importance of mutuality and proportionality in relationships was developed. Proportionality presumes that the level of sexual activity in a relationship is commensurate with the level of commitment. Mutuality combined with proportionality provide the foundation for an ethic that allows for nonmarital sex so long as these two concepts are present.
Recommended Citation
Lanoue, Curtis S., "Just Sex: Sexual Ethics for Twentyfirst Century Christians" (2011). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 498.
http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/498