Christian Ethics and
Sexuality Jordan R. Eubanks
March 6, 2020
Capstone Essay
ETHC101
Table of Contents
I. Introduction 3
II. My Christian Ethics 3
III. Sexuality 4
IV. Conclusion 6
V. Bibliography 7
Introduction
In this paper, I will attempt to answer the question. “What are the Christian beliefs for
sexuality?” I will also expound upon that question by answering “How should a Christian
approach opposing views to sexuality?” The approach to debating sexuality is a sensitive matter
within our society and must be handled appropriately and with maturity, love and compassion.
The approach I will take with the issue of sexuality is against homosexuality. I will
expound upon my stance against homosexuality and then discuss the issues I believe Christians
have when debating against opposing views.
My Christian Ethics
Devine revelation is the communication of knowledge to man by a divine or supernatural
agency.1 The divine revelation would be backed by the divine command theory that states what
is good is good because God commands it.2 For myself, these two supporting theories have
shaped and strengthened my ethical stance. I believe ethics are absolute because they are created
by God. I also believe God shows himself to us through, at minimum, his creation and that all
knowledge we need is given to us. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world
are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and
Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20, KJV). “According as his divine power
hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him
that hath called us to glory and virtue” (II Peter 1:3, KJV).
1“Divine Revelation.” The Free Dictionary. Farlex. Accessed February 18,
2020. https://www.thefreedictionary.com/divine revelation.
2Michael S. Jones, Moral Reasoning: An Intentional Approach to Distinguishing Right
from Wrong (Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt, 2017), 97.
The world in which we live in is far too complex for our minds to comprehend. So many things
are left unexplainable through “simple science” for there not to be some sort of creator. Life was
not coincidental nor is anything about our world. It seems to take more faith to believe
everything was created through a big bang or evolved over millions or billions of years than it
would take to believe in a divine creator. With the careful examination of the creation of our
world and universe, everything points back to a divine being. The miracle of babies, both human
and animals, is a perfect example. Life is not coincidentally created. The Bible is the perfect
guide to strengthen my beliefs as well. As an example, all of Christ’s miracles are statistically
impossible for one man to coincidentally perform. This helps prove his deity. One can argue that
the Bible is just a book written by a man to get others to be good-natured. I would argue that the
Bible, when read critically with an open mind, only strengthens the words written in it. Unless
someone has read the Bible cover to cover and has critical analysis against the Bible, I would not
give time to debate the authenticity of it.
All the above information is important to understand to consider my approach to ethics. God
defines what is right and wrong. Therefore, ethics are absolute. Because I believe this, my moral
compass is directed by God’s definition of ethics. As I stated earlier about taking more faith to
believe in world science than God, I believe it takes more faith to believe in non-Christian views
on ethics than the opposite.
Sexuality
Applying the Christian, God defined, and absolute ethical stance is difficult to defend in our
current world with regards to homosexuality. McQuilkin and Copan state that “Many orthodox
Christians do not quite know how to respond except citing scripture verses. And they face further
confusion when edgy, purported spokespersons for the Christian faith such as Brian McLaren
and Rob Bell “come out” in favor of gay marriage.”3 However, I believe referencing the correct
Biblical passages is one of the best answers to defend the Christian ethical stance for
homosexuality.
I believe most Christians approach the debate against homosexuality from the wrong
angle. Before debating homosexuality, the Christian believer must be sensitive to opposing views
and not belittle them nor come across as better than the other side.
The most important step to defending the Christian and Biblical views against
homosexuality is to become relatable to other sins defined in the Bible. The easiest way to
complete this is through the sin of lying. Very few people will disagree that lying is morally
acceptable. The Bible clearly states that lying is wrong. God commands “Ye shall not steal,
neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another” (Leviticus 19:11, KJV). We have all lied,
therefore we fall short and deserve eternal separation from God. We are all guilty of breaking
God’s commandments. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one, he is
guilty of all” (James 2:10, KJV). Therefore, we are all equally guilty.
Homosexuality, while not everyone is guilty of this sin, is no different. “Know ye not
that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators,
nor idolaters, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous,
nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians
6:9-1, KJV). The King James Bible does not specifically use the words of homosexuality
common to the English language, but any scholar will agree that “abusers of mankind” and
“effeminate” are
3Copan, Robertson McQuilkin and Paul. An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the
Way of Wisdom. InterVarsity Press, 2014.
historic language as such. As society accepts a practice as morally acceptable, this does not make
it ethically acceptable. While the focus here is homosexuality, sin is sin.
There is no justification for breaking any absolute ethical code provided by God.
Homosexuality is no exception. It is also imperative to remember that God created us equal.
Homosexuals are no different than the most righteous person to walk the Earth, except Jesus.
We all need the grace of God in order to enter Heaven.
Conclusion
Ultimately, this universe was created by a divine power. I believe that power to by the God of the
Bible and of the Christian faith. Because he is the creator of everything, He has established what
is right and wrong. It is responsibility to the individual to align their morals with His ethics. This
includes sexuality. Utilizing the Bible, Christians are opposed to homosexuality. With the
increase in normalcy of homosexuality, it is even more important that Christians approach
opposing views with love and grace, just as Christ has done for His believers. After all, we are all
sinners in the eyes of God until we call upon him to save us.
Bibliography
Copan, Robertson McQuilkin and Paul. An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the
Way of Wisdom. InterVarsity Press, 2014.
“Divine Revelation.” The Free Dictionary. Farlex. Accessed February 18, 2020.
https://www.thefreedictionary.com/divine revelation.
Michael S. Jones, Moral Reasoning: An Intentional Approach to Distinguishing Right
from Wrong (Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt, 2017), 97.
