Bible & Theology Course for the Laity, DVK, Bangalore

Full Reports on the Bible & Theology Course - 2004

A confident, enthusiastic, and well-spoken young priest, Fr Lucose Chamakala gave valuable insights into the topic of human sexuality in the light of the Bible and the social background.

Introduction

Christian tradition is marked by historical developments and influenced by a number of religious beliefs, cultural practices, and philosophical influences. Christian sexual morality was greatly influenced by these factors. Inadequate knowledge of Biology, religious taboos, tradition of subhuman treatment of women, dualistic philosophical conception of human nature, etc. all considerably influenced Christian understanding of human sexuality. Human sexuality can be properly understood only within the context of a particular anthropology; that is, within the context of understanding the human person, and the meaning of human life and its destiny; or by biblical anthropology - the theology dealing with the origin, nature, and destiny of human beings.

Biblical anthropology is very much different from the classical anthropology. In classical anthropology, a dualistic conception of human beings (body and spirit) is maintained in the sense that the human body is viewed as something evil or inferior. This is suggested by the expression that the spirit is imprisoned in the body. According to biblical theology, human nature is essentially good. In this sense, not just the spirit, but the human body and human sexuality must be viewed as something good. However, human nature is in need of healing because the essential goodness of creation is abused by human selfishness. This healing is accomplished by incarnation or personification.

Catholic sexual morality is something that is vastly misunderstood. Many view it as being conservative, unscientific, far from the actual human needs and problems, and limiting human freed and joy. As mentioned, Catholic sexual morality was influenced by various historical factors. Still, the Catholic vision of sexuality teaches a way of sexual life that is liberating (healing, energizing, or beneficial) and genuinely good for human beings, respecting and protecting the real meaning of sexuality. In other words, the aim of Catholic sexual morality is to enable every human person to enjoy in fullness the gift of sexuality. However, in some particular contexts, this goal is not achieved effectively.

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

Copyright © 2003-2005, SyroMalabar.com.  All rights reserved.