...“Our value systems—our sexual standards—have many sources: parents, peers, religious training, ethnic subcultures, the larger culture, and our appraisal of all these influences” (Rathus et al., 2005, p. 5-6). Prior to this course, I legalism to form my values on sexual experiences. I was raised to believe that sex before marriage was wrong. I grew to use the situational ethics approach when I became an adult and I still use that value system after the course. Legalism refers to the approach that formulates a value system based on moral law (Rathus et al., 2005, p. 5-6). Situational ethics refers to basing decision-making on the situation at hand. Critical thinking plays a role in my sexual decision making. To be more specific, I used the principles of critical thinking when I lost my virginity at the age of 18. Prior to turning 18, I was taught that it was wrong to have sex before marriage. Even though I was taught that, I did not actually believe it. I was skeptical of what I was taught, so I examined other individuals’ experiences and also examined the assumptions that I would be wrong if I had sex before marriage. I listened to stories of people who waited and listened to stories of people who did not wait until marriage. Then I was cautious in drawing any kind of conclusions that it was wrong or right. I considered the alternative of not having sex before marriage and it did not appeal to me because I wanted to experience sex. After all, everyone else was doing...
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...experiences and opinions of others who had waited to have sex or had sex before marriage. I used critical thinking when making my decisions, but was always cautious about drawing any kind of conclusions on what was right or wrong. I also considered the alternative, not having sex. I have to be honest, everyone else was having sex and I wanted to experience for myself. Having sex was actually a big deal for me, just like most teenagers. I have to be honest though, I wish I would have waited. I believe this is normal for most people. Scientific and historical perspectives have helped me form my opinions of numerous opinions. For example, in Ancient Greece was common and acceptable for men to have sexual relationships with adolescent boys. Homosexuality was more acceptable, and the historic...
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...State legislatures, voters and more recently the courts have made sweeping changes over the past two decades in laws defining whether marriage is limited to relationships between a man and a woman or is extended to same sex couples. Gay marriage and gay rights are a major controversy in the world today. It is a constant debate on whether or not traditional marriage is out-of-date and that a new way is better. Although many believe in gay rights, it is difficult to support something that is against the foundation of America, and something that is harmful to the people of America. The Founding Fathers envisioned a government that would promote and encourage Christianity. The founding fathers wanted a firm foundation of christianity for America;...
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...Everything around us is changing. Our society is broader and our global network is smaller than ever. Technology has permitted us the opportunity to become global citizens. Our world has evolved from the days of Abraham and Sarah, of being a patriarchial, agrarian society. We are now a society of consumers and capitalism drives our economy. Everything about our society has changed. Even for some, the definition of marriage, a covenant before God between one man and one woman, is also being challenged by gay rights activists. As man has evolved in his practice of Christianity, no longer being bound by the Mosaic law, has God changed his purpose for marriage? We know him to be, according to Psalm 102:27, a spiritual being who will never change or end. As God never changes neither does his definition of marriage. I will prove that the sanctity of marriage should be upheld as the standard of Christianity between one man and one woman. Marriage is a covenant before God. It is consummated by sexual intercourse between the man and the woman. Andreas Köstenberger, author of God, Marriage, and Family, advises on five marital concepts to which all Godly relationships must commit. First, marriage is permanent. Divorce is not an option except in certain circumstances advised by Jesus in Matthew 19:9 Those seeking to marry should seek out wise counsel. Second, marriage is sacred before God and he honors it because he created it. Next, marriage is the most intimate relationship...
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...Everything around us is changing. Our society is broader and our global network is smaller than ever. Technology has permitted us the opportunity to become global citizens. Our world has evolved from the days of Abraham and Sarah, of being a patriarchial, agrarian society. We are now a society of consumers and capitalism drives our economy. Everything about our society has changed. Even for some, the definition of marriage, a covenant before God between one man and one woman, is also being challenged by gay rights activists. As man has evolved in his practice of Christianity, no longer being bound by the Mosaic law, has God changed his purpose for marriage? We know him to be, according to Psalm 102:27, a spiritual being who will never change or end. As God never changes neither does his definition of marriage. I will prove that the sanctity of marriage should be upheld as the standard of Christianity between one man and one woman. Marriage is a covenant before God. It is consummated by sexual intercourse between the man and the woman. Andreas Köstenberger, author of God, Marriage, and Family, advises on five marital concepts to which all Godly relationships must commit. First, marriage is permanent. Divorce is not an option except in certain circumstances advised by Jesus in Matthew 19:9 Those seeking to marry should seek out wise counsel. Second, marriage is sacred before God and he honors it because he created it. Next, marriage is the most intimate relationship...
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...writing this with a neutral stand point on homosexuality. I am not for homosexuality and neither am I against it. INTRODUCTION Homosexuality is sexual attraction, romantic attraction or sexual behavior between members of the same sex or gender. The most common terms for homosexual people are lesbian for females and gay for males, though gay is sometimes used to refer to both male and female homosexuals. There are a number of homosexuals that do not openly identify themselves as such due to homophobia and heterosexists discrimination. Homophobia is the showing of negative attitudes and feelings towards homosexuals and homosexuality. It can be expressed as contempt, aversion or hatred and is sometimes related to religious beliefs Many gay and lesbian people are in committed same-sex relationships which are seen to be equivalent to heterosexual relationships. Some people admire and encourage such relationships while others condemn them and base their argument on religion. Religion and homosexuality are two aspects that have always clashed historically and recently. Many religions argue that it is the homosexual actions that are sinful rather than the state of being homosexual. Some religions condemn homosexuality while some accept it. Here we look at different religious views on homosexuality. DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS VIEWS ON HOMOSEXUALITY A. Christianity Christian denominations hold different views on the issue of homosexuality, some condemn it out rightly while others...
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...In order to graduate I had to do a research paper. The topic was "Survival in the Real World" and then we picked a topic from there. I, of course, did mine on homosexuality. One of the greatest poets of the twentieth century, Dr Seuss, once said, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" ("Quotations" 13). That is, essentially, the greatest advice a person can receive and is at the heart of gay rights. As a young homosexual grows into adulthood and enters the "real world" he or she will, without a doubt, encounter someone who "minds." Whether it be socially, legally, religiously, or even internally challenges will emerge. These challenges must be recognized, understood, confronted, and, hopefully, overcome. Some of these challenges cannot be confronted without taking legal action or changing the way another person thinks, therefore rendering the challenge, for most people, difficult or otherwise impossible to overcome. In these cases the individual's only method of overcoming the issue is through various resource organizations or support from friends and/or family. In other cases, the challenge is an emotional one and can only be overcome through an internal process of acceptance and understanding. Those cases are the most common for homosexuals and include important processes such as "coming out." Assumptions and homophobia are one of the biggest problems for homosexuals if they are to get the majority of...
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...CHRISTIAN APPROACH TO HOMOSEXUALITY 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION I. BIBLE AND HOMOSEXUALITY 1. Biblical View of Sexuality 2. Old Testament on Homosexuality 2a. Stories of Sodom and Gibeah 2b. Levitical Texts 3. New Testament on Homosexuality 3a. Paul’s Statements in Romans 3b. Other Pauline Texts II. BIOLOGY AND HOMOSEXUALITY III. LAW AND HOMOSEXUALITY IV. CHURCH AND THE HOMOSEXUAL CONCLUSION BIBLIOGRAPHY 2 INTRODUCTION On 2nd July 2009, in a landmark judgement, the Delhi High Court struck down the provision of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalised consensual sexual acts of adults in private, holding that it violated the fundamental right of life and liberty and the right to equality as guaranteed in the Constitution. Pronouncing the order in Naz Foundation (India) Trust v. Government of NCT, Delhi and Others, Writ Petition (Civil) No. 7455 of 2001, a division bench of Chief Justice A.P Shah and Justice S. Murlidhar said “We declare that Section 377 IPC, insofar it criminalizes consensual sexual acts of adults in private, is violative of Articles 21, 14 and 15 of the Constitution.” While gay-rights movements...
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...over homosexuality within the Church, how and in what balance can the Anglican three-legged stool of Scripture, tradition and reason be used as a starting point for the benefit of the whole Church and gay and lesbian people in particular? The issue of homosexuality is a vital one for all churches. The Anglican Church is one of those that contains proponents on both sides of the argument and one of the ways it has viewed revelation is to see it being arrived at through a three fold cord- Scripture, tradition and reason. The essay’s main concern will be with experience and the dialogue of the interpretive community. This is because in an area of strong disagreement dialogue and the interpreters themselves are the keys to how both Scripture and tradition should be used. Natural law seems to be philosophically dead and yet the naturalness of an act is still used by some as an argument against homosexuality. As for science, it has offered no firm conclusions about why some people are homosexual. Therefore this essay will not cover these areas. SCRIPTURE “Slavery seeks refuge in the Bible only in its last extremity…. Goaded to frenzy in its conflicts with conscience and common sense, … it courses up and down the Bible, ‘seeking rest and finding none.’ The law of love, glowing on every page, flashes through its anguish and despair.” (Theodore Dwight Weld, The Bible Against Slavery: or, An Inquiry into the Genius of the Mosaic System, and the Teaching of the Old Testament on the...
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...HOMOSEXUALITY The issue of homosexuality is gaining ground and spreading like wild fire in this modern age both in the political, social spheres and not sparing the church. It has come out as the term goes, left its closet, and it is knocking on different doors ranging from homes to schools and surprisingly even on the Christian institutions. The advocates of homosexuality have gone to the extent of preaching their doctrine of love, tolerance, equality, and justice through television channels, radio programmes, newspapers, and magazines and going to the point of demonstrating with their banners flying high in different cities of the world and not excluding the major cities of this nation, United Kingdom. The activists of homosexuality do not want to be perceived as abnormal or dangerous not even to be called sinners. Their main goal is that they want to plant a seed of identity in our community; and furthermore they have that zeal at the back of their mind to be received with open and loving hands and if possible to be approved by any denomination. In case of those who are not familiar with the term, homosexuality, it well defined as the scenario whereby beings of the same sex or gender are attracted to each other for sexual fulfilment or gratification. In different countries several issues have been raised in relation to homosexuality. Governments and states are splitting and bills are being introduced by the pro homosexual politicians to ensure that...
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...Biblical Worldview: According to Paul Justin Wilson BIBL 110-D21 November 12, 2015 Having a worldview contributes to each person’s evaluation of origins, which in return will impact each individuals life choices. Holmes defines a worldview that “is not disengaged theology; rather it represents the beliefs and values and purposes that guide our work, play, family, and society.” While many worldviews seek answers to life’s fundamental questions, Christians stand on the foundation of a biblical worldview. A biblical worldview is an overall concept of the world and humankind’s part in it, grounded on God’s authority, which He reveals to each person through the Bible. Specifically, Paul addresses the issue of the Christian worldview in his letter to a church in Rome. Paul clearly sets forth the foundations of the Christian belief. Through the truths Paul cites, he builds a solid basis for a biblical worldview: all people are sinful; Christ died to forgive sin; humankind is made right with God through faith; this begins a new life with a relationship with God. The Christian life is not abstract theology unconnected with life, but it has practical implications that will affect how choices are made in a person’s life each day. Having a biblical worldview sets the foundation of transformation by God’s word in every aspect of life. Paul addresses the issue of creation in Romans 1, “For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly...
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...TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary 3 Background Facts 4 Business, Government and Society &/Legal Issues Identified 5 Presentation of Analysis and/or Literature Review 7 Literature Review 7 Judicial Review and Ultra Vires 8 Abuse of Discretion 9 Improper Purposes 9 Unreasonableness 9 Irrelevant/Immaterial Considerations 9 Natural Justice 10 Legitimate Expectation 11 Discussion of Findings 12 Recommendations/Solutions 16 Conclusion 18 Bibliography 19 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Using case law, this research paper will provide a critical analysis on the legal issues raised in the case of David vs. The Empowerment Board of Antigua. Several issues of administrative law were identified in this case, and the researchers have sought to examine their respective implications to David and the Empowerment Board. The findings of this case focus less on the final decision of the Empowerment Board, but concentrates on the prevailing factors involved in the decision. The principles of Substantives Ultra Vires, Natural Justice and Legitimate Expectations form a major part of this study and consequently the researchers have recommended options to be considered by both David and the Empowerment Board. BACKGROUND FACTS Across the globe there is growing pressure by homosexual couples to get their “unions” officially recognized by governments. This would enable them to be legally...
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...delectable euphemism for irrumo? Hopefully, it has not. Roman sexual attitudes have changed greatly since the time of the Caesars, but the facts and records of yesteryear's sexual escapades have not. In fact, sexuality in ancient Rome generally lacked what we would today call 'heterosexual', or 'homosexual'. The colloquialisms of the lower class and silvery loquations of the upper-class possessed innumerable profane terms, some of which have direct lines to modern profanity. There was, of course, the pearly, carnal decadence of the elite, so often portrayed in the media – however, the milk baths and wine showers that come to mind were extravagances and eccentricities, leaving the rest of the people with a very different sexual life. Homosexuality and pedophilia were tenuous topic, despite their common recognition and plentiful literary references. Most important of all, perhaps, was a gaping chasm differing what was a 'normal' relationship in the Classical world and a modern relationship. To say the least, it was an exciting time to be vigorous and lascivious in Rome. To say the least, there is a large gulf between our own taboos and Roman sexual attitudes. The single most startling and definitive point of evidence to differentiate modern Western sexual attitudes...
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...Executive Summary 3 Background Facts 4 Business, Government and Society &/Legal Issues Identified 5 Presentation of Analysis and/or Literature Review 8 Literature Review 7 Discussion of Findings 14 Recommendations/Solutions 15 Conclusion 17 Bibliography 18 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This research paper will provide a critical analysis on the legal and social challenges raised by the legalization of same sex unions/marriages in the Caribbean, specifically Barbados. Several social issues as well as legal constraints and considerations were identified during the research. The paper presents arguments for both the retention of criminalization as well as arguments for the de-criminalization of homosexuality, the first step towards legalizing same sex unions/marriages. The findings, as presented provide the reader with alternative views and arguments; the conservative moral religious argument is presented as well as the more liberal human rights motivated arguments. This will provide the reader with more information supported by sound argument, allowing them to formulate their own opinions on the issues identified. Based upon the research and the discussion of the findings, the author suggests several alternatives to deal with this divisive issue. BACKGROUND FACTS Across the globe there is growing pressure by homosexual couples to get their relationships officially recognized by governments. This would...
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... | | | |Christian Doctrine or Christian Unity? | |There seems to be a great deal of controversy about “doctrine”. To those outside the Church the mere mention of the word | |conjures up visions that range from “outdate historical notions” to “things that Christians fight over”. It does not fair much | |better inside many churches. Today the mention of doctrine seems to carry an almost negative connotation to it. There are many | |prominent leaders inside of Christianity today who make an impassioned plea for us to ignore doctrine and just “love Jesus”. Are| |these valid requests? Is God the one behind all of this? Is doctrine on its way out? We hear comments such as, “let the body of | |Christ come together”, and “leave your doctrine and return to Jesus” resonating in the messages of many pulpits and songs today.| | | |Why is this so? What are the reasons for this type of plea coming from Christians? These arguments take many forms, but follow | |the same basic pattern. The following points can be seen in a majority of them. The pattern is similar to this: ...
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