Ethics is an important aspect of human existence that deals with morality and principles that govern interactions between individuals. It encompasses various factors such as right versus wrong actions, good versus evil choices, and what is fair or unfair to one's fellow humans. These concepts are essential for establishing acceptable standards of behavior among people living together peacefully without disrupting their well-being. Religious teachings offer guidance on how individuals can behave appropriately based on their belief systems and faiths. This article explains how New Zealand religious teachings mediate ethical decision making, sexual desire, and relational vulnerability through discussions about sex, sexuality, intimacy, and relationships.
Religion provides spiritual guidelines on moral issues, including the meaning of life, suffering, death, and other related topics. In Christianity, God created mankind in his image to be holy and perfect but fell short due to sinfulness. Therefore, Christians believe in confessing sins to receive forgiveness from Jesus Christ who died for them to save them from eternal damnation (1 John 4:9). Muslims have similar views regarding salvation through submission to Allah, whose commandments they should obey wholeheartedly (Quran 2:38).
Sexual desires are a natural part of human nature, but some societies consider them immoral when not controlled by divine principles.
Islam views marriage as a means of expressing one's sexuality within established boundaries set out by its laws (Holy Quran 2:220), while Christianity sees it as an act between husband and wife after legal binding (Ephesians 5:31).
Relationships require commitment and trust between partners to maintain long-term happiness and satisfaction.
This may prove difficult if one partner has unmet needs or desires that cannot be fulfilled within the relationship alone. Religious teachings provide guidance on how couples can meet their emotional needs outside marriage without violating biblical commands such as adultery or premarital sex (Proverbs 6:25; Galatians 5:19).
New Zealand religious teachings mediate ethical decision making, sexual desire, and relational vulnerability based on what is permissible according to biblical standards of behavior. The above discussion highlighted how these factors affect relationships positively or negatively depending on one's belief system, culture, and society norms. It also emphasized the importance of understanding different perspectives before making moral decisions in matters related to intimacy, sex, and love.
How do New Zealand religious teachings mediate ethical decision-making, sexual desire, and relational vulnerability?
New Zealand is a predominantly Christian country with about 47% of the population identifying as Christians (Census Data). Its religion has been strongly influenced by Anglicanism, Presbyterianism, Methodism, and Catholicism. The dominant religions believe that sexuality is sacred but it must be practiced within marriage between one man and one woman.