Why did early Christianity teach that sexual relations between a man and woman was something Dirty ??

Question

Was this the first step in the conflict between science and Christianity and between reason and "inspired" revelation ??


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Answer 1

They taught that it was sin outside of marriage but not sin within marriage. God bless.

Answer 2

First, I think that's a tad bit exagerated. SOME early Christians taught that sex was dirty, but some celebrated sex within marriage (ex. Gregory). After the priesthood developed into a celibate priesthood (to an extent in response to the prolifigant activities of the priesthood), it left theological development in the hands of the very people working towards personal celibacy.

Second, no, I don't think this was a step in the "conflict" between science and Christianity or between reason and revelation. Frankly, that "conflict" is over stated. The Enlightenment, which was the age of reason, was as much religious as philiosophical. The experiential Evangelical movement was the sister to the Enlightenment. Also, reason without inspiration is dead, as revelation without reason is dead.

Answer 3

"Let the husband render to [his] wife her due; but let the wife also do likewise to [her] husband. The wife does not exercise authority over her own body, but her husband does; likewise, also, the husband does not exercise authority over his own body, but his wife does. Do not be depriving each other [of it], except by mutual consent for an appointed time..." --1 Corinthians 7:3-5a

The Bible itself has never taught that, and neither have real Christians, early or otherwise. However, Christ himself warned that many would claim to be his worshippers who would teach unscriptural things, and that was just one of the things that they have taught.

"...The inspired utterance says definitely that in later periods of time some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to ... the hypocrisy of men who speak lies,... forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be partaken of with thanksgiving..." --1 Timothy 4:1-3

"Why did [false Christians] teach that sex was dirty?"

My guess is that, because nearly everyone had sex, this would make the vast majority believe they were guilty of sinning, & in dire need of forgiveness of sins through their church/es priests help, thus creating a need which in turn would supply them a 'good' living... (The false teaching of eternal damnation in a fiery hell also played a huge part in this.)

"Was this the first step in the conflict between science and Christianity?"

Also, true Christianity has always been in harmony with true science. The Bible, though not a science textbook, is very accurate in all the comments that it makes, regarding scientific subjects, way before such were discovered by any scientists. And real Christians teach the Bible itself, nothing more or less.

"Was this the first step in the conflict between reason and 'inspired' revelation?"

Regarding actual bonafide reason & true faith, these also go hand in hand harmoniously (unlike faith in things not taught --though claimed to be-- in the Bible).

Answer 4

Christianitiny did not taught the sex is dirty except that it is wrong when done outside of marriage. The Church however, teaches that sexual relation between a man and woman has four purposes. One is that it for pleasure, second is, it is for comlplimentarity. Third, it is for PRO-CREATION and lastly it is a sacrament for future glory.

Sexual relation between a man and a woman has a divine purpose. It is dirty when it debases the dignity of the human person and when we do it like what an animal does.

Answer 5

It was a great step for a priesthood that was sworn to celebacy - but ... wanted not any man to enjoy that which was blessed ...-

In fact - the priests claimed it so loud that it almost became a sin to marry - and of course it was AND IS a sin to fornicate or adulterate or commit beastiality ... but;

The Priests claim to be the Messiah reincarnate - and that all women are but his bride ... so - it is not a sin to sleep with a priest during counseling ... and will not count against a horney young woman to have a priest that is already her husband spiratually - but; can also take another man physically ... and keep the spiritual husband and the physical husband without any problems ... excepting that ...-

Yahweh Sees these things and they will be destroyed if they don't repent.

There was no conflict here between church priest perverts and the scientists that were also given certain lea ways ... if kept secret - who would know the better - EXCEPTING YAHWEH OUR CREATOR ...

Peace;

Aintmyfault
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Answer 6

As a Christian, I believe that sex is AWESOME. Just check out Songs of Solomon. It's entirely dedicated to the physical as well as emotional love between King Solomon and his beautiful bride. *Warning- Reading this can make you blush. However, I must clarify. Sex between MAN AND WIFE! I'm not really sure why it was so shunned. I believe fornication is wrong, because that's what my Bible teaches. But I don't know why they were so uptight "back in the day." .. they had a different outlook I guess? I should add that the Bible also says to not be a slave to your sexual desires. So that may clarify.

Answer 7

They did not teach that sex was dirty, except when it came to sexual relations outside of marriage. That is a sin. What is this sudden boom in the use of phrases like: "Christianity is against science" or "if you are a Christian you are against science"? It is possible to be Christian, believe in the Bible, and understand science. My relationship with G-d is only part of my overall personality.

Answer 8

It's not that it's dirty, it's just that you have to be married before you get it on. I think it was to ensure that the woman would be a virgin when they got married...why they have to be virgins? I don't know.

Thinking about it, it was probably to simmer down all those Romans who had sex like crazy. I think it was all to set themselves apart from the way society was at the time.

Answer 9

Christianity says it is wrong outside of marriage (sex , that is), and also in marriage (YES, it is) if its solely for pleasure. The church teaches us that sex is for creating life, not pleasing us. That's also why the church doesnt go for birth control; you shouldnt be having sex outside of marriage, and if you are married you shouldnt be protecting yourself, you should be having babies. basically, if you have sex it should be for a child, not for an orgasm. get my drift?

Answer 10

Most things in a religion are done for other purposes. It was an effort to limit STD's.