“The Good of Marriage and the Morality of Sexual Relations: Some Philosophical and Historical Observations“(pdf file)
by John Finnis Finnis examines Aquinas’ claim that “sex acts are immoral when they go ‘against the good of marriage.'” This article is less comprehensive than the George and Lee article and more technical, but a helpful understanding of sex from the perspective of natural law philosophy.
“Designed for Sex“
by J. Budziszewski
The article explains the notion of design and how it fits into natural law notions of sex. Complex information is presented in a simple, easy-to-read manner.
“The Virtuous Life: Chastity“
This is one of few articles addressing this issue and aimed specifically at men. It identifies the problems with casual sex–that it is degrading to women and poor preparation for marriage–in a concise and easy-to-read way.
“Marriage still the best way to play happy, healthy families, says study“
by Polly Curtis, The Guardian
Although studies have shown that marriage is associated with better health and that children do best in a number of different categories when raised in households with two married parents, the number of such households is decreasing rapidly–cohabitation rates have increased 65% in the last decade in the UK. Although all the statistics in the article are specific to the UK, this article could still be useful in responding to those who say that what is most important in a household is that parents love each other/their children, and not whether or not they are married.
“Dare We Get Real About Sex?“
by Carson Holloway, Touchstone Magazine
Formerly, US sexual morals were stricter than in Europe and this strict sexual morality continued until the 1960s, but since then sexual moral standards have loosened considerably. This change came because of general acceptance of the notion that anything done by consensual adults is acceptable–no sexual act is objectively morally wrong. Holloway argues that this means that it is inevitable that pedophilia will eventually be recognized as legitimate. Holloway offers a response to the type of reasoning that would legitimate pedophilia, however, this argument assumes that sex has a moral dimension, which is denied by many. It is difficult to offer an explanation of the moral nature of sex that both invalidates pedophilia and avoids condemning a majority of Americans for their sexual practices. Holloway finishes his article with a call for conservatives to think through their definition of sexual ethics in an attempt to come up with a position that does not allow a travesty such as pedophilia to be practiced.
“A Basic Theology of Marriage“
by Christopher West
West examines the issue of marriage from a Catholic perspective, defining marriage in terms of a communion of two persons, and describes the implications of his view on the issues of divorce and sex.
“What Is the Theology of the Body and Why Is It Changing People’s Lives“
by Christopher West
A helpful introduction to the theology of the body that provides insight into the collection of Pope John Paul II’s 129 short talks on sexuality.
“Sex in the Body of Christ“
by Lauren Winner, Christianity Today
Winner starts her article with an examination of the lack of chastity in today’s American culture, and specifically within the Church. Studies have found that two thirds of Christian singles have had sex before marriage. And while there are pro-chastity movements within the Church such as the True Love Waits movement, those who signed the True Love Waits pledge typically only delayed sex before marriage, and then only under certain conditions. Winner defines chastity as “sex within the body of Christ,” which means having sex only within the boundaries of marriage. Chastity is not only a rule, but a spiritual discipline, or exercise–something you deliberately practice, not merely a state of being.
“Deeper Into Chastity“
by Lauren Winner, Christianity Today
Winner describes her journey to Christianity and how it eventually pointed her toward chastity.
“Bodies of Evidence“
by Frederica Mathewes-Green, Touchstone Magazine
Mathewes-Green discusses the meaning of sex–its purpose and proper sphere. Looking at sex from a natural point of view, she concludes that the meaning of sex for humans is broader than reproduction. The fact that humans can have sex face to face suggests that sex is also about connection. Part of the reason that sex is for the long-run is that human newborns are much less self-sufficient than those of other animals, and need both parents to care for them. The reason that sex is not just till children reach self-sufficiency, but for a lifetime, is that human beings seek love, not just the physical pleasure that sex can bring. It is a sign of Christ’s relationship to the world–unconditional love makes both the giver and receiver more like God.
“Marriage and the Complementarity of Male and Female“
by William E. May
May begins by examining passages from Genesis 1 and 2, and derives some important truths from them: As the author of marriage, God set out the defining characteristics of marriage: it is to be between one man and one woman, it is for the procreation of children. The complementarity of men and women is apparent in sexual intercourse–both the man and the woman are active, and both give and receive. Men are inclined toward giving in a receiving way, while women are structured so as to be inclined to receive in a giving way. Complementarity is also demonstrated in men’s and women’s roles in parenting. May also comments on Genesis 3 and Ephesians 5, which indicate that marriage is “a holy sign of the life-giving, love-giving union between Christ and his bride the Church.”
“The Communion of Persons in Marriage and the Conjugal Act“
by William E. May
One of the defining characteristics of marriage, instituted by God, is that a husband and wife, in marrying, form a communion of persons, just as God is a communion of persons. Human marriage is merely an anticipation of Christ’s marriage to His bride, the Church, in heaven. The conjugal act is the way a husband and wife actualize the communion of persons.