discussion reply to the following:
1. I have chosen to use a Christian ethics view on this discussion for differences between Christian and Non-Christian sexual and gender ethics position. This ethics system is what I most closely relate to as I am in my walk with God. Having fallen short of some of the topics in the discussion, I will be able to relate from both the Christian and Non-Christian perspective, and fall back to what is biblical.
2. The differences in sexual ethics between Christians and non-Christians is vast. Non- Christian ethic systems believe that sex and sexual orientation is a choice, form of expression, or a way to express/find oneself. This allows room for same-sex intimacy, LGBTQ+ identity association, and more. A Christian ethic system believes that sex is for male and female only, and that it is a gift from God. It’s only purposes are for reproduction and enjoyment between a couple in covenant with God. The opposite point of views in this topic and the movement to try to govern these things is why it is so controversial.
3. Discerning the correct action and/or plan of the plethora of issues in the topic of sex and gender positions can be easy from a Christian ethical system. In the topic of same sex marriage, the Bible specifically states that marriage, covenant, or sexual intimacy is to be shared between man and woman only. That is a clear rule or guideline set by God for the people whom he created. Magnuson also states this, “As noted already, human beings are created male and female—sexual beings. God’s design, purpose, and command is to create male and female, who will together be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue it, and rule over it as God’s representatives.”1 There is no swaying from that. That makes it easy to decern the proper response to that topic. Another topic to discern would be sex before marriage. People who don’t follow a Christian based ethical system believe that sex before marriage is okay, and that freely having sexual relations with others is not a bad thing to practice. Those who carry a Christian ethical system, know that this is actually a sin, and is not to be done outside of marriage. A Christian would decern this by reading scripture and turning to God’s word. God’s word states, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”2
4. A non-Christian ethical system that one could use to make a decision on this topic is having a secular view. Many who have this believe that having sex before marriage and same-sex sexual relations is okay, and that is it not a “rule” to break. Some simply believe that there is no God or rules to follow from Him or the bible, others will argue that it is okay as long as they end up marrying that person. This approach is wrong in the question of sex before marriage and same sex marriage because the bible specifically states that man and woman were created for each other and that sex is only meant to be between two people under the covenant of God.