Bible & Theology Course for the Laity, DVK, Bangalore

Full Reports on the Bible & Theology Course - 2004

Biblical Understanding of Human Sexuality & Marriage

The Bible does not offer a systematic presentation of human sexuality. It should not be considered as a textbook of sexual ethics. Biblical texts should be interpreted properly by considering also the modern advanced scientific knowledge. A literal interpretation of biblical texts will not offer the true significance of ideas. Sexuality is neither an evil nor a misfortune, rather it is willed by God, and a gift from the creator. Jesus also considers this original will of God (Mt 19:3-12).

Genesis 1

1. Genesis Chapter 1 affirms the fundamental equality of man and woman as persons crated in the image and likeness of God. Being the image of God, human persons are endowed with special dignity and worth. The Hebrew word "adam" is a generic term and not a proper name. It referred to both the man and the woman. "God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them." (Gen 1:27)
2. Sexuality is a good and great gift of God to human beings, both male and female. Through a responsible exercise of their sexual powers in pursuit of the great rewards towards which sexuality is ordered, human beings honour God.
3. Gen 1 reveals that God is the author of human marriage. Human fertility is a blessing and not a curse. "God blessed them, saying: "Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth." (Gen 1:28)

Genesis 2

1. Genesis Chapter 2 speaks first about the creation of human being as male, and uses the word adam to designate this male. To give the man a partner who is fit for him, a human being equal in dignity to him, God the Lord makes the woman (Gen 2:20b-22). Thus, the complementary nature of man and woman, and the affective (emotional) dimension of marriage are beautifully presented in this chapter. Man and woman are made for each other and meant to live in an intimate communion. Woman is a person equal to man, but she is not a clone, in that she differs from man.
2. By stating that the man and the woman were naked and felt no shame (Gen 2:25), the biblical author indicates that the husband and the wife have a distinctive form of integrity that permitted a spontaneous and unveiled communication between them.

Also, it is a fact that there are some confusing and misleading passages in the Bible, especially concerning human sexuality (Eg: Lev 15:1-16). This reminds us of the fact that the Bible is the Word of God in the words of men.

Introduction   Biblical understanding   Song of songs   Catholic tradition
Sexual cells: Basics   All embracing reality   Complementarity & Wholeness
Conclusion   Human Sexuality Index

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