Sexual Ethics: A Theological Introduction

by Todd A. Salzman, Michael G. Lawler

Two principles capture the essence of the Catholic tradition on sexual that each and every marriage act must remain open to the transmission of life, and that any human genital act must occur within the framework of marriage. In the Catholic tradition, moral sexual activity is institutionalized within the confines of marriage and procreation, and sexual morality is marital morality.

But theologians Todd Salzman and Michael Lawler contend that there is a disconnect between many of the Church's absolute sexual norms and other theological and intellectual developments explicitly recognized and endorsed in the Catholic tradition, especially since the Second Vatican Council. These developments include the shift from a primary static worldview to a historically conscious worldview, one that recognizes reality as dynamic, evolving, changing, and particular. By employing such a historically conscious worldview, alternative claims about the moral legitimacy of controversial topics such as contraception, artificial reproduction, and homosexual marriage can faithfully emerge within a Catholic context. Convinced of the central role that love, desire, and fertility play in a human life, and also in the life of Christian discipleship, the authors propose an understanding of sexuality that leads to the enhancement of human sexual relationships and flourishing.

This comprehensive introduction to Catholic sexual ethics ― complete with thought-provoking study questions at the end of each chapter ― will be sure to stimulate dialogue about sexual morality between Catholic laity, theologians, and the hierarchy. Anyone seeking a credible and informed Catholic sexual ethic will welcome this potentially revolutionary book.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 18, 2012

Reviews

[graceofgod · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not rating this three stars because I agree with it, but because the book challenged certain views I had and in short, "made me think." Moreover, I would be lying if I said that these arguments did not appeal to me in some sense. That said, I still find the arguments lacking. If only from a magisterial standpoint. While the author does show certain contradictions within traditionalist Catholic sexual ethics, they do not adequately explain or prove why one should (in effect) throw out Casti Connubii or Humanae Vitae. What gives a private Catholic individual or theologian the right to question specific elements of the Magisterium? Like I said, it isn't that I am "opposed" to everything in the book per se, but rather that I find that the arguments seem to have a shaky basis.

Either way, it was an interesting read.

[Samuel Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read a book that rearranges your thoughts on important subjects such as sexuality, bringing with it sufficient gleans from the historical context and weaving out an argument that opens the gates wide open for further investigation- that is a book worth the time you give it. This is one of those books. Even so, I want to see what others have written in areas I do not agree- namely the categorization of the homosexual act, as a natural human expression of sexual personhood (in a just setup) just as would be, the heterosexual act. Such developments in thought on human sexuality will remain critical turning points in the future towards a fully attained freedom for gay communities.