Divergent Christian & Non-Religious Attitudes to Sexual Relationships (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)

Divergent & Non-Religious Attitudes to Homosexuality

Changing Attitudes to Homosexuality

• Various changes in the laws have made it easier to be openly homosexual and have made society more aware and accepting of homosexuality. For example

  • In 1967, sex between two men over 21 and "in private" was decriminalised

  • In 2002, same-sex couples were given equal rights when it comes to adoption

  • In 2004, a law allowing civil partnerships was passed

  • In 2007, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation was banned

  • In 2014, gay marriage became legal in England, Wales and Scotland

• Medical research has shown that homosexuality is most likely to be caused by genetic and hormonal factors when a baby develops

• As society began to recognise homosexuality as acceptable, more institutions began to grant equal rights and status for homosexual couples 

• Increased openness of gay celebrities has led to greater acceptance 

• Organisations such as Stonewall have changed many people’s attitude and led to greater equal rights

Non-religious Attitudes to Homosexuality

• Atheists may not have a problem with homosexuality or sex outside of marriage

• Many people believe that homosexuality is natural because it occurs within the rest of the animal kingdom

• Legally, homosexuality has equal rights within law and society

• Many atheists would believe that sex is for pleasure as well as procreation and so homosexuality would have a purpose

• Humanists believe that all consenting adults should be allowed to share a sexual relationship providing it is not harming anyone else

Divergent & Non-Religious Attitudes to Sexual Relationships Outside Marriage

Non-religious Attitudes to Sex Outside of Marriage

• Attitudes towards premarital sex (sex before marriage) have changed in recent years

  • Having several sexual partners prior to, or even instead of, marriage is more socially acceptable

  • Many people believe that it is important to see if you are sexually compatible as a couple before deciding to commit

• Although humanists and atheists do not disagree with sex before marriage, premarital sex is acceptable only with certain limits

  • Sex must be consensual and rape in any form is seen as completely unacceptable

  • Sex must be between two people who are of legal age

  • A sexual partner must ideally be single

• Non religious people may find adultery offensive because it usually causes harm to relationships and to families

  • Most people believe that sex should involve a degree of stability

  • High levels of promiscuity are frowned upon

  • Sex ought to be safe given the risk of disease and pregnancy, and so many people believe that a barrier form of contraception must be used 

  • Most atheists would agree and have similar views, however they may not object to multiple sexual partners

Christian responses to Divergent and Non-Religious Views

• Many Christians would believe that changing attitudes towards sexuality is a threat to religion and society

  • They might argue that an increase in sex outside of marriage and promiscuity has led to many societal problems including the breakdown of many families

  • Some would argue that a greater acceptance of homosexuality is wrong because the bible states that it is sinful and cannot lead to procreation which is the main purpose of relationships

    • However, most Christians would believe that homosexuals should be treated well and not be the victim of hatred or discrimination

  • Some Christians may believe that a greater acceptance of sex before marriage and of having several sexual partners before marriage could lead to adultery when couples are married

  • Christians would encourage couples to get married and be in a stable relationship before having sex which may result in a family