Session Two

Tying in the Draft Statement to the Youth Study

 

Lines 545-551: “Given this reality, we must appreciate the profound influence of social forces and social contexts on human sexual behavior. Some general moral practices seem to span historical and cultural boundaries, but many also have been shaped by social location. What is acceptable sexual behavior in one social or historical context may not be acceptable in others. Social forces, including economic ones, may lead people to make unhealthy sexual choices. Sometimes damaging sexual behavior arises because social influences create and give social legitimization to some desires and devalue others."

Lines 553-558: “The social influence on sexuality can be deeply troubling. The encounter with beliefs and practices of different communities—common in today’s pluralistic society—may lead to conflict and uncertainty. In fact, however, an awareness of the social scope of sexuality increases responsibility for ourselves and our communities. It moves us to understand ourselves as responsible not only for our own actions but also for the social framework that constrains or affects the choices of others."

Lines 804-810: “The education of children and teens, including their sexual education, must be supported as a priority by this church. Studies among teens seem to agree that few parents or congregations meaningfully engage young people in either sex education or healthy conversation about sexuality, even though teens would welcome it. This lack of engagement is astonishing, especially considering the dangers already discussed. This church must give particular attention to how youth are supported, nurtured, and accompanied in their sexual and relational formation."

Lines 812-821: "Toward that end, this church reaffirms what it has said previously about providing sex education within the context of Christian faith.33 Such education must begin early and emphasize responsibility, mutuality, and abstinence. Such education, however, should focus on sustaining conversation about what is good and what is harmful as appropriate to a growing maturity level. It should avoid simply requiring compliance with approved or rejected behaviors, but should emphasize the exploration of why some behaviors are damaging, why and how some pressures should be resisted, and what differentiates mature and rewarding sexual love from exploitative and demeaning forms."

Lines 1336-1342: "This church must also produce meaningful educational materials for teenagers and adults that lift up God’s call for individual and social trust that serves the neighbor in all aspects of human sexuality. Such materials must expose social idolatries in the light of God’s forgiveness and creation’s free and good gifts. This church must work with other citizens of good will to craft enforceable and fair laws, particularly aimed at protecting the most weak and vulnerable among us, especially children. In these matters the responsibility of all God’s people for love and justice in the world needs to be exercised."