Christian ethical perspective on moral problems : sexual relations in adolescents

Abstract

This thesis is a research in the context of religious ethics and applied ethics. The research aims to study Christian Beliefs, and Moral Principles, the Catholic Church's teaching on sex and sexual relations, the concept of the Catholic Church and current Theologians' perspective in order to help adolescents confront issues related to ethical problems of sexual relations. The research presents the following four Ethical Issues: Ethical Issue I: Freedom and the way of Christian life Ethical Issue II: Students' Sexual Relations and Marriage Ethical Issue III: Religious Beliefs and Homosexuality Ethical Issue IV: Sexual Relation and Birth control. Interviews were conducted in 12 schools, with 12 educators such as priests, religious and teachers. Twelve students in secondary Catholic schools were also interviewed in order to present the sample opinion only. The results of this study showed that in Christian Ethics, there are important components such as Christian Belief, God, the Absolute Being, the Nature of Man and the Way of life, Moral Principles, the Ten Commandments, the Great Commandments, the Liturgy and the Sacraments. These are the basic principles of the Church's teachings and Moral Principles on sexual relations, the Nature and Meaning of Human Sexuality, Meaning and Value of Sexual Relations, marriage and responsibility of parents: Christian belief, faith, obedience and conscience. They are the important principles for decision-making when faced with moral problems. The results of doing interviews with some educators and students in our secondary Catholic schools, showed their adherence to Catholic teachings and the perspective and/or opinions of Catholic Theologians who confirm Absolutism in Christian Ethics. They accept the Christian way of life which is understandable by reason of the changing attitudes in modern society. The interview results also go along with the assumption of this research. The researcher believes and hopes that religion, educational institutions and the Thai society at large ;