Created through love and for love Motivation/Activity: Notions about love/ love songs I.

Created through love

a. John 3:16 proofs of Gods unconditional love for man a.1 incarnation a.2 revelation

b. Gen. 1:27 God created man in his own image and likeness b.1 human dignity b.2 human nature/ nature of man

Nature of Man Body material, physical, biological, temporal, temple of the spirit Characteristic: a. Vegetant - in need of/ capable of 1. Nourishment 2. Growth

3. Reproduction
b. Sensient capable of knowing and feeling because of senses 1. Internal senses consciousness, imagination, memory, instincts 2. External senses sight, smell, hear, taste, touch

* The body is a proof of gods love. It was made special, endowed with gifts/ qualities necessary for survival and salvation. Soul principle of life, gives life to the body, spiritual, eternal Faculties: a. Intellect the faculty of the human soul naturally directed towards the Truth Conformity of the mind to reality 1. Reasons 2. Conscience

b. Will the faculty of the human soul naturally directed the Good anything in the accordance with the will of God. 1. 2. Freedom

Emotion

*The soul was endowed by God with the faculties which are mans vehicle for love through the body II Created for love

Characteristics of Love What Love is NOT What Love IS Love is a commitment, a responsive act of the will and a decision (of the intellect) to care and aspire for the good and happiness of the love one Characters Of Love: 1. It is unselfish often involving putting off ones own immediate needs 2. it is unchanging not based on the whims of feelings, convenience or other circumstances 3. it is unconditional does not demand something in return, neither payment nor appreciation nor reward. Christian Love: 1 cor. 13:4-13

1. Feelings should not be the basis for love because they are transient and passing 2. Sex love is more than sex can give such as commitment, patience, sacrifice, respect 3. Out of Control true love knows what is right, good and proper, it always seek for the good of the other 4. Affection/ Attraction can die down and disappear completely but true love lasts 5. Blind because true love is reasonable, it see and understands what is right and good 6. Falling in Love we dont fall in love so as not to fall out of love. The right attitude is growing in love Classifications of Love

1. Levels a. Eros love of the flesh/ carnal, physical attraction, sexual pleasure (ex. Romantic love, affection, crush, attraction) b. Filial brotherly/ sisterly kind of love/ fellowship (ex. Love of others, friendship, love among siblings) c. Paternal unconditional love of parents

d. Agape unconditional love of God 2. Kinds a. Conditional Positive - set conditions for the good of the love one Negative -set conditions for selfish motives, self-centered b. Altruistic willing to suffer for the sake of the love one

c. Unconditional does not demand anything in return

c.

Reasons for loving others 1. Every person deserves to be loved by virtue of his innate dignity as created in the image and likeness of God 2. Gods great love for each and everyone binds people to love one another 3. Christ died for us and commands us to love one another

d.

Ways of loving others 1. Works of mercy a. corporal feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the imprisoned, visit the sick, bury the dead b. spiritual instruct the ignorant, admonish the sinner, counsel the doubtful, comfort the sorrowful, bear wrong patiently, forgive all injuries, pray for the living and the dead

2. Living the Christian Virtues a. cardinal prudence, fortitude, temperance, justice b. moral faith, hope, charity/love

SEX AND SEXUALITYIN THE CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE Sex

o o o

Sex in Latin = secare, means (literally), to cut off,to sever, to disconnect from the whole. To be sexed, therefore means: Literally to be cut off, to be amputated from the whole. The classification of a person as male or female.

The act of love makingbetween married couples.

Sexuality o It is a beautiful, good extremely powerful, sacred energy, given us by God and experienced in every cell of our being. An irrepressible urge to overcome our incompleteness, to move toward unity and consummation with that which is beyond us. It is the drive for love, communion, friendship, family, affection, wholeness, creativity and self-transcendence A good thing created by God Restored by the power of Jesus Christ And enriched by the saving activity of the church by which the person enters into communication with others. Sexuality is not the same as the sex act. Sexuality is the sum total of human beings social, physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Human sexuality is always associated with manhood and womanhood that is why it is important to know yourself. Human sexuality is a gift from God to a person.

o o o o o o
o

o o

Purpose of Human Sexuality as a Gift from God manifests in four levels: 1. 2. 3. 4. Pleasure and satisfaction Procreation and multiplication Expression of love and commitment Expression of friendship and companionship

The private aspect of human sexual activity is only completed or consummated within the context of marriage in which Christ is the center. Sexual expression outside the marital act is considered sinful and to be condemned. Non-Negotiable Christian Principles in Spirituality of Sexuality 1. Sex is sacred. It is spiritual in nature 2. It must be linked to marriage, monogamy, covenantal commitment which is permanent 3. Has an inner dynamic that, if followed faithfully, will lead its partners to sanctity. 4. Sex always needs the protection of a healthy chastity.

References: Human Formation Lectures on Sexuality of Rev. Fr. Enrique Luzung Human Formation Lectures on Sexualityof Mrs. Rose Scott, Clinical Psychologist

Salibay,Esteban Jr. T. Christian Morality in Contemporary Society. C & E Publishing Inc.:Quezon City.2008. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN Qualities of mind and heart MEN o WOMEN o MEN o o o WOMEN o o Tend to be more logical arguing things out step by step before reaching a conclusion. Tend to be more intuitive, depending often on the sixth sense. They often notice little things that men overlook Tend to be less emotional and dont cry too easily Are often insensitive and may hurt others without realizing it. Are more egoistic. They want success, money, power. They want to be looked up to. Get easily upset, and also show it more easily. Are more sympathetic and caring.

* Want affection. They want to be told often that they are beautiful; that they are loved.

MEN o o o Tend to have a poorer sense of warmth and sensitivity Are more realistic In expressing themselves , they are clearer and direct to the point It is usually she who turns a house into a home, adding warmth by her efforts. Are more idealistic Tend to beat around the bush Feel the desire for strength and personal courage. Are not likely to show their feelings and express their love in words and actions; are little attentive to things which a woman attaches great importance Feel the desire for self-surrender Wants to know that they are needed and loved. Little attentions mean much to them. They are not vocal about their feelings and rather reserved in expressing their affection to the man they love.

WOMEN o o o

MEN o o

WOMEN o o

Social Qualities

MEN o o Are more independent Are interested in things, objects Tend to be dependent Are interested in people

WOMEN

o o Body Qualities MEN o o o o WOMEN o o o o

The muscles and bones of men are larger and more distinguished or pronounced Men have more hair- they grow beards and mustaches Mens skin is less sensitive less delicate and generally coarser Men have shorter life spans The muscles and bones of women are smaller and less pronounced. Women have less hair Women s skin is more delicate, sensitive and fairer Women live longer

Qualities of the spirit MEN o o o WOMEN o o o Sex Qualities MEN o o o o WOMEN o o MEN o Men often confused love with sex and their understanding of love is very limited. Their desire for sex dominates their desire to love. Mens sexual repertory is limited. They have only an erection which may or may not be followed by ejaculation. Men have strong sexual drive; They are easily aroused Women are capable of conception, child bearing and breast feeding which make them sexually superior over men Women are not easily aroused. Women are more religious but more on the emotional level. Women has more patience A woman is more homebody inclined to homemaking and child rearing. Men are less religious than women. He takes religion less seriously A man has less patience, and though physically strong, his endurance is less. Men last and compete; they chase power and glory

WOMEN

In women the sex drive is more integrated. Love comes first , and having sex is a building up of love between a couple. Perceptions on Human Sexuality

In our modern culture, there is a growing gap between what the Catholic Church officially teaches about sexuality and what the faithful have come to believe and practice. There at least 3 aspects to be considered in these diverse perceptions:

1.

Firstly, the coming of SEXUAL REVOLUTION.

John C. Owyer views

sexuality as a form of PANSEXUALISM or the divinization of sex, which is not genuinely human, not a real understanding of sexuality in our lives, treating sex as an ultimate value. People are occupied or obsessed with maximizing sexual pleasure and virtual obsession with the orgasm. This could affect or could have the consequences of non-marital sexual intercourse which may lead to the use of contraceptives to prevent pregnancy even in marital relationship. separation, divorce, cohabitation, teen pornography. Also, this could lead to marital infidelity, pregnancy, HIV, greater exploitation via

2.

Secondly, the demonization of sex. Sexuality and sex are dirty,

shameful, or impure. There are two reasons for this syndrome: The first one is sexual perversion which was widespread in the Greco-Roman world where Christianity sprouted and began to influence people in the empire. In St. Pauls letter to the Colossians, he said, Put to death therefore what is earthly in you; fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness and idolatry (3:5). But fornication and all impurity or covetousness To the Romans: must not even be named among you, as in fitting among saints (5:3).

Women exchanged natural relationship for the unnatural and men likewise gave up natural relationsand were consumed with passions (1:26). The second reason is PLATONISM, which argued that all that is real is spiritual, the ideal and that involvement with matter, the flesh and the body represents a falling away from the purity of existence into the dark domain of contamination of evil.

3.

Thirdly, INADEQUATE THEOLOGY. This failed to formulate Christian ideas in a

manner faithful to fundamental values yet responsive to the changing historical, sociological and cultural conditions in which these ideas must be realized. Issues on Human Sexuality 1. Homosexuality

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) no. 2357,Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex.Through the years, it has taken a lot of varieties as influenced by different cultures. The reality of homosexuality is in contrary with the normal heterosexual attraction between a male and a female. But there is an abnormal attraction towards a person of the same sex. Meanwhile, there are also men and women who are termed as bisexual because they are capable of being attracted to persons of both sexes. Up to now, the nature and causes of homosexuality are complex and still unsatisfactorily being explained. It is said that some are born homosexuals, others become because of certain relationships, or effects of the social environment. Some have been homosexuals since very young while others develop much later in life. Homosexual desires are not in themselves sinful. What makes them sinful is by acting them out. The teachings of the Church have remained true to its tradition of rejecting homosexuality as normal. Tradition has always declared that homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered(CDF, 2357). They are against the natural law. They do not promote genuine emotional and sexual complementarity. So no approval to extremely obvert form, same sex marriage, could even be given by the Church (CDF,1994). On the contrary, considerations must be given to the number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition (CCC no. 2358). The Church teaches (CCC no.2358 ) Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection. 2. Pornography The Catechism of the Catholic Church(CCC) no. 2354 explains that Pornography consists in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties. It offends against chastity because it perverts the conjugal

act, the intimate giving of spouses to each other. It does grave injury to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the public), since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world. It is a grave offense. Civil authorities should prevent the production and distribution of pornographic materials. Pornographic materials can be in the form of media like the print media namely magazines, even newspapers with nudity. Digital media is also massive nowadays especially that of the motion pictures in XXX VCD and DVD movies which showcase various sexual activities of both heterosexuals and homosexuals. Even the internet has been flooded with a lot of pornographic sites (Cyberporn). According to Kerby Anderson, Pornography is a $8 billion dollar business. He also explains the biblical point of Pornography that it attacks the dignity of men and women created in the image of God. Pornography also distorts God's gift of sex which should be shared only within the bounds of marriage (1 Cor. 7:2-3). As Christians, we are called to resist the temptation of pornography because it is really very easy to get access from it.

3. Cyber Sex and Prostitution Cyber sex is a form of prostitution but the difference is that there is no physical contact involve. In terms of morality, prostitution and cyber sex are both contrary to the preservation of human dignity. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church no. 2355, Prostitution does injury to the dignity of the person who engages in it, reducing the person to an instrument of sexual pleasure. The one who pays sins gravely against himself: he violates the chastity to which his Baptism pledged him and defiles his body, the temple of the Holy Spirit. Prostitution is a social scourge. It usually involves women, but also men, children, and adolescents (The latter two cases involve the added sin of scandal).

Virtue of Chastity Sex education which begins in the home in an informal way and in school in a formal way, is at the same time education in the virtue of chastity. According to Pope John Paul II to the young people, Do not be deceived by the empty words of those who ridicule chastity or your capacity for self-control. The strength of your future married love depends on your present commitment to learning true love, a chastity which includes refraining from all sexual relations outside marriage. Chastity means the positive integration of sexuality within the person. Sexuality becomes truly human when it is integrated in a correct way into the relationship of one person to another. Chastity is a moral virtue, a gift of God, a grace, and a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, the virtue of Chastity involves self-mastery as an expression of human freedom directed towards self-giving. All baptized Christians following Christ as the model of chastity, are called to live chastely in keeping with their particular states of life. (Cf. Compendium of CCC no.488-489, 490). There are three forms of the virtue of chastity: the first is that of spouses, the second that of widows, and the third that of virgins. We do not praise any one of them to the exclusion of the others.... This is what makes for the richness of the discipline of the Church.Meanwhile, those who are engaged to marry are called to live chastity in continence. They should see in this time of testing a discovery of mutual respect, an apprenticeship in fidelity, and the hope of receiving one another from God. They should reserve for marriage the expressions of affection that belong to married love. They will help each other grow in chastity.(Cf.CCC no2349-2350) There are principal sins against Chastity: adultery, masturbation, fornication, pornography, prostitution, rape, and homosexual acts. These sins are expressions of the vice of lust (Compendium of CCC no. 492). The Catholic Church gives us a way to better understanding of the virtue of chastity based on the (6)sixth commandment, You shall not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14, Deuteronomy 5:17) and (9) ninth commandment, You shall not covet your neighbors wife (Exodus 20:17) . References: Marriage and Family: A Life of Love and Commitment New American Bible www.catholic.com

www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/pornplag.html www.vatican.va/ Catechism of the Catholic Church Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church Catechism of the Catholic Church-www.vatican.va Marriage and Family: A Life of Love and Commitment