COLLEGE OF ST.

JOHN – ROXAS
Member: Association of LASSSAI – Accredited Superschools (ALAS)
Gov. Atila Balgos Ave., Banica, Roxas City

THE CATHOLIC SEXUAL ETHICS

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A Paper Report Submitted

to Sem. Kent Joseph Sayson Quillo
College of St. John Roxas Faculty

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In Partial Fulfilment
Of the Requirements for the RS104 course
Christian Morality

by

Alvidera, John Fred

Andrada, Wendy
Anisco, Ann Fenelope
Sanchez, Francess Marie

November 2023
I. INTRODUCTION

Catholic Sexual Ethics is a moral framework that is based on the teachings of the
Catholic Church regarding human sexuality. These teachings cover a wide range of topics, such
as chastity, contraception, marriage, reproductive technologies, homosexuality, and the ethical
considerations surrounding these aspects of human sexuality. These teachings are based on the
sanctity of life and the inherent dignity of every individual.

This ethical framework emphasizes the significant responsibility people bear in their
sexual lives and aims to provide guidance and moral direction for navigating the complexities of
human sexuality while fostering respect for oneself and others within the framework of God's
plan for human flourishing. It is informed by principles derived from scripture, natural law, and
the teachings of the Church.

II. CATHOLIC VIEW ON HUMAN SEXUALITY AND THE PURPOSE OF SEXUALITY

The Catholic Church's perspective on human sexuality and its inherent purpose is deeply rooted
in theological and ethical traditions. Over the centuries, the Church has consistently maintained a
1
particular stance on sexual ethics, guided by its interpretation of divine revelation and natural law.

Human sexuality indicates the capacity of persons to love one another and be united with others
in friendship and community. Sexuality affects all aspects of the human person in the unity of his body
and soul. It especially concerns affectivity, the capacity to love and to procreate, and in a more general
way the aptitude for forming bonds of communion with others. (CCC 2332)2

The Catholic Church teaches that human love and sexuality come from this truth: that God, who
is love, created all people in his image—male and female he created them—to share his love and
therefore to reflect his love in the world and in their lives. The Catholic Church's understanding of human
sexuality believes that human sexuality is a sacred gift from God and should serve a higher purpose,
primarily within the context of marriage.3

1
The Cardinal Newman Society, Human Sexuality in Catholic Education (2020), p.1

2
Catechism of the Catholic Church, Part III, Section II, Chapter 2, Article 6 - The Sixth Commandment
3
Love and Sexuality, In God's Image, Men and Women Are Made for Love!
 That is why the Church teaches that sex should only happen within a marriage between a man and
a woman. They also say that using methods to prevent pregnancy (like birth control pills) is against their
teachings. They consider things like masturbation, sex before marriage (fornication), watching explicit
material (pornography), and homosexual acts to be sinful.4

The Purpose of Sexuality

The Church says that sexuality has two main purposes: to bring a husband and wife closer
together in love and to have children. They believe that sex is a special and good thing, given to us by
God and that our bodies and sexuality are important and should be respected. Some theologists like Saint
Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas have also believed in this view.5

III. MARRIAGE LIFE IN CATHOLIC MORAL THEOLOGY

4
Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 2019. Paragraph 2370
5
Love and Sexuality, Gifted with the Capacity to Give Life