Sexual Norms and Practices Michael Cassolato J.P. Goethals Connor Kinzer Peter Vaughan Judaism Christianity Islam

Preface Similarities and differences in the views of Jews, Christians, and Muslims on sexual norms and practices. Sexual sin and consequences Appropriate sexual practices Overall views of “sex” according to scripture

View On Sexual Practices Judaism God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them, saying to them: “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it…” (Genesis 1:27-28) Sex is necessary to reproduce and should take place only between a husband and his wife.

View On Sexual Practices Christianity “…every man should have his own wife, and every woman her own husband. The husband should fulfill his duty toward his wife, and likewise the wife toward her husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:2-3) Similar belief to Judaism; sex is only pure when taking place between a husband and his wife.

View On Sexual Practices Islam “The believers must win through- those who humble themselves in their prayers; who avoid vain talk; who are active in deeds of charity; who abstain from sex, except with those joined to them in the marriage bond, or whom their right hands possess- for they are free from blame…” (Surah 23: 1-6) Similar belief to Judaism and Christianity: sex should only occur between a married couple.

Sexual Sins Judaism Can not have sex with a woman while she is unclean from menstruation No adultery No incest No interspecies sexual intercourse No homosexuality Leviticus 18:19-23

Sexual Sins Christianity One should not prostitute themselves nor should one join in a prostitute (1 Corinthians 6) Avoid all sexual temptations; it is better to marry than to be filled with temptation (1 Corinthians 7:8-9) Lusting after a person is the same as committing adultery (Matthew 5:27-8)

Sexual Sins Islam Do not allow lust to draw you into temptation Must stay pure until marriage No homosexuality Do not commit adultery

“Appropriate” Sexual Practices Judaism Sex is considered a holy act when done: when the woman is not on her menstrual cycle, when it takes place between a husband and wife for the purpose of procreation, or when done with true love between a husband and his wife There are laws against premarital sex as well as extra-marital sex

“Appropriate” Sexual Practices Christianity A husband and wife should share the same bed and not keep themselves from one another. As long as the sexual acts are taken place between a husband and his wife, it is considered “appropriate”

“Appropriate” Sexual Practices Islam Procreation is the major purpose of sex, but it is not forbid for the purposes of enjoyment in marriage Story of Zakariya

Overall View Judaism Sex should only be experienced in a time of joy The right to have sex is the woman’s Spouses should not use sex as a weapon against each other Foreplay between a husband and his wife is not prohibited Primary purpose is procreation

Overall View Christianity A husband and wife having sex rids of the temptations they may feel about immoral sex Same primary purpose of procreation Sex should be a celebration of the love between a man and his wife; romance is an important part of the relationship and men should love the physical parts of his wife in addition to her character qualities

Ties to Marriage Islam Sex is a gift from God and should only be used in the manner he described The gift of sex is for a man and woman to enjoy after they have committed to each other through marriage Be patient and remain pure; God is aware of the sexual needs we have Same primary purpose of procreation

JEPORDY of the RELIGIONS