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{{Orthodoxize}}{{Cleanup}}Orthodox teachings concerning sex overwhelmingly hold that it ought to be confined '''Sex''', or '''sexual relations''', includes not only sexual intercourse, but also other sexual activity, even to the [[sacrament]] extent of [[marriage]] (which is assumed hand-holding or kissing. In order to understand this, sex must be monogamous, heterosexual, and permanent). That isunderstood not only as a matter for the body, Orthodox believers are expected to choose between two paths of equal dignity: (1) but also as a life of [[virginity]] or [[celibacy]], possibly including [[holy orders]]; or (2) matter for the married lifemind. Various biblical and patristic writings condemn sex acts which occur outside of these bounds, including:

*Adultery (sex which violates the marriage commitment)==Purpose==*Fornication God created mankind with a sexual appetite. "[A] man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" (sex before, or outside of, marriage[[Genesis|Gen.]] 2:24)*Homosexuality (since Orthodox tradition rejects the concept . In its proper context of "gay [[marriage")*Rape*Anal sex*Oral ]], sex*"Heavy petting"*Bestiality*Sex with angels or demons (attested in Genesis)*Incest (including certain "in-law" and godparent relationships)*Masturbationcan be a good thing.

In addition:"Sexual relations within marriage are holy and blessed by God. Saint [[Gregory the Theologian]] says: 'Are you not yet married in the flesh? Do not fear this consecration; you are pure even after marriage' (''Oration on Holy Baptism'', quoted by George Gabriel, ''You May Call My Words Immodest'', p. 3). The sexual union of man and woman in Christian marriage is sanctified, set apart, hallowed, sacred, we should consider holy. And it is good. At the same time&mdash;and I cannot emphasize this point strongly enough&mdash;the related issues Church teaches us clearly that sex is not ''the essence'' ofChristian marriage."<ref>''Preserve Them, O Lord'' by Fr. John Mack. Ben Lomond, California, Conciliar Press: 1996. p. 116.</ref>

Sex provides an opportunity for a married couple to become intimate with one another.*Abortion"The goal of sex in marriage is spiritual union. Through the joining of two physical bodies in marital love comes a unique oneness of soul. Saint [[John Chrysostom]] instructs us: 'Their intercourse accomplishes the joining of their bodies, andthey are made one, just as when perfume is mixed with ointment" (''12th Homily on Colossians'').<ref>''Preserve Them, O Lord'' by Fr. John Mack. Ben Lomond, California, Conciliar Press: 1996. p. 119.</ref>*Birth control"Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband" (I Cor. 7:3).*"Sexual relations provide an opportunity for the development of a spirit of [[martyr]]dom. This is the type of martyrdom that exhibits self-denial and submission to the other."<ref>''Preserve Them, O Lord'' by Fr. John Mack. Ben Lomond, California, Conciliar Press: 1996. p. 123.</ref>

While all It is also important when speaking about sexual relations among spouses to speak about the product of this conjugal union. The creation of progeny is a natural consequence of marriage. There is a direct link between marital relations and childbearing. Procreation is the above have fallen under fruit of the condemnation union of one or another Orthodox authority, no unanimity exists for many marriage and an expression of them, and man's participation in any case, oneGod's spiritual father may make allowances based on the principle of [[oikonomia]]creative work. St. Note that sexual sin is not regarded as especially different from other types of sinJohn Chrysostom, in reference to which all are susceptible. ("One is holy...") As the [[Sayings mystery of the Fathers]] reminds usconjugal union,says:

:''The same God who said "do And how become they one flesh? As if you should take the purest part of gold, and mingle it with the other gold; so in truth here also the women as it were receiving the richest part fused by pleasure, nourishes it and cherishes it, and throughout contributing her own share, restores it back to the man. And the child is a sort of bridge so that the three become on flesh, the child connecting, on either side, each to each… What then? When there is not fornicate" also saidchild, "Do will they not judgebe two? Not so, for their coming together has this effect; it diffuse and commingles the bodies of both.And as one who has poured ointment into oil has made the whole one; so in truth is it also here"(St. John Chrysostom, ''On Marriage and Family Life'').

A focus on sexual sin obscures the fact St. John Chrysostom also says, "He created one from one, and again these two he makes one and thus He makes one; so that Orthodoxy views sex within marriage as fundamentally good--at least in this worldeven now man is born from one. For a woman and a man are not two but one man" (Apparently sex does not exist in St. John Chrysostom, ''On Marriage and Family Life''). With this great gift of childbearing, man becomes the afterlife, though marriage maydonor of life. St.) In contrast to Western (Roman Catholic) views [[Clement of Alexandria]] describes the progeny of sex man as an instrumental good (thus accounting for that church"man's creation in God's well-known opposition to birth control), the Orthodox tendency has been to prefer a sacramental over an instrumental interpretationimage."

== Origin of Human Sexuality ==The origin of humanity’s sexual nature is present in In the [[Old Testament book ]], sex for the purpose of procreation was emphasized, as children were evidence of Genesis. ''"God created male and female"'' (Genesis 5:2). It was not until the fall where there was s blessing on a physical attraction between man and woman. This attraction intended to lead to communion and unionmarriage. In the patristic traditionHowever, marriage procreation is a consequence of not the fall of the protoplastsreason for marriage. Athanasius the Great remarks that in God's initial plan for man, marriage was "Procreation is not part of it: But the transgression only purpose of the commandment brought sex in marriage because Adam transgressed the law given to him by God. Adam’s fall, which resulted to death, created the need of putting on ''"garments of skin"'' (Genesis 3:2). This garment is interpreted as man adapting to the condition that was created after the Fall but sex and does not belong to the pre-Fall condition; it does not belong to the condition of the Kingdom of Godprocreation go hand in hand. St. Gregory of Nyssa elaborates on the "<ref>''"irrational skinPreserve Them,"O Lord'' saying what man put on includes the following: marital relations, procreationby Fr. John Mack. Ben Lomond, foodCalifornia, growth, old age and death, none of which will exist in the transformation and assimilation of humanity in the Kingdom of HeavenConciliar Press: 1996. p. 121. </ref>

== Marriage an Adaptation to the Fallen State Context of marriage==Until humanity lives for eternity in the Kingdom of Heaven, God has ordained marriage as pathway leading to salvation:''See main article: [[Marriage]]. Marriage is assumed to be voluntary, monogamous, heterosexual, and permanent. Within marriage, a sort of adaptation man's body belongs to the new condition of man created after the fall of the protoplasts. St. Paul in his first epistle wife, and a wife's body belongs to the Corinthians makes recommendations on how people can avoid fornication by getting marriedher husband. According to the Apostle For this reason, true sexual relations can exist one should care for one's body not only within marriagefor oneself, but also for one's spouse. "The wife does not have authority over her own body, because marriage restores sexualitybut the husband does. In And likewise the Patristic tradition and in Holy Scripture this view is presenthusband does not have authority over his own body, as it is apparent in Stbut the wife does" ([[I Corinthians|I Cor. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians]] 7:4).

:''"… There is much [[Holy Scripture|Scriptural]] basis to support marriage as the only context for sexual relations. The [[Song of Songs]] is often taken as a man leaves his father metaphor for marriage; similarly, the relationship of God and mother and clings the [[Orthodox Church|Church]] is also likened to his marriage. Union between the parties of marriage is therefore good. "Find joy with the wifeyou married in your youth... Let hers be the company you keep ... hers the love that ever holds you captive" ([[Proverbs|Prov.]] 5:19). "Marriage is honorable among all, and they become one fleshthe bed undefiled"'' (Ephesians 5[[Book of Hebrews|Heb.]] 13:314).

:God specifically created [[Adam and Eve|Eve]] for [[Adam and Eve|Adam]]'s benefit. This creation forms a new being, a new unit, even before there are children within a marriage. " '"…each It is not good for man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rightsbe alone, and likewise the wife ' but it is also positively good to her husbandbe together. For the wife does not have authority over her "<ref name="whymate" /> Outside of marriage, one may engage in sexual activity because of one's own bodydesires; sexual relations within marriage follow God's mandate to "be one." Marriage provides a commitment and a family structure, so that a sexual relationship is uniquely provided with stability, security, but the husband does; likewise the husband does not have authority over his own bodyability to work as a unit, but and a basis for trust. "When sexual activity is kept within the wife does. Do not deprive one another except perhaps by agreement for a set timebounds of life-long commitment, babies are more likely to devote yourselves survive and women more likely to prayer, feel secure and then come together againloved."<ref name="whymate"'' (1 Corinthians 7>[http:2//www.frederica.com/writings/why-humans-5)mate.html Why Humans Mate] by Frederica Mathewes-Green</ref>

It is important for one to understand marriage is not :"There are many centuries of evidence showing how the concept [of a license for unlimited marital relationsnuclear family] works in practice: pretty good, but an opportunity for asceticism. The ascetic character of usually resulting in the Christian life also covers the marital life survival and success of the believersa new generation, humankind’s first responsibility. According to St. John Chrysostom marriage preserves purityBonuses of companionship, chastityromantic love, pleasure and even virginityjoy often appear as well. Marriage as a communion In comparison, an ethic of persons is not restricted to the level of matter and material sense; contrarily matter sexual freedom, where one in four pregnancies ends in abortion and material sense serve the communion numbers of the person and children in this waysingle-parent homes keeps rising, they acquire a spiritual content. The prayers of the marriage service clearly address fails this pastoral issuegoal like clockwork. The priest prays Indicators for the bed sexually transmitted disease, divorce, abandonment, impoverishment of women and children, unwed motherhood, and abortion are at record levels; the couple to remain ''heartbreak index is at an all-time high."undefiled.<ref name="whymate"'' />

Sexual arousal, intercourseIt is good for a child to have married parents, and gratification must not be sex within marriage best provides the child with this protection. "Marriage is particularly important for the priority rearing of children as they flourish best under the couple; however, it is this act long term care and pleasurable experience, which strengthens the bond nurture of love between the couple their father and assists the couple mother."<ref>[http://www.nhclc.org/about/pdf/defenseofmarriage.doc A Letter from America's Religious Leaders in growing closer to Christ. Fasting, prayers, continence, endurance Defense of Marriage (DOC)] whose signers include His Eminence Archbishop [[Demetrios (Trakatellis) of America|Demetrios of suffering are virtues expected not only for monasticismAmerica]], but also for married couples. Marriage is to move constantly from the carnal to the spiritual perspective. Such progress is only possible within the perspective Primate of the couple’s perfection Greek Orthodox Church in Christ. America, and The personal relations Most Blessed [[Herman (Swaiko) of the couple ought to be primarily spiritual in order to preserve Washington and to increase their spiritual communion New York|Herman]], Archbishop of Washington and union. This is the reason why there cannot exist an independent ethic of sexuality according to the Fathers of the New York, Primate, The Orthodox Churchin America. </ref>

It is also important when speaking about sexual relations among spouses to speak about Many couples keep the crowns (''stefana'') from the wedding service (often in a box or ''stefanothiki'') above the product marriage bed, another reminder of this conjugal union. The creation of progeny is a natural consequence the sanctity of marriagemarital love. There is "They serve as a direct link between spouse relations reminder that God has united them to each other and child bearing. Procreation is the fruit of the union of spouses to Himself and an expression of their participation that He has bestowed His grace upon them to live in God’s creative workunity, faith and love."<ref>[http://www. Stantiochian. John Chrysostom in reference org/1285 What is the mystery significance of the conjugal union saying: wedding crowns?] ([[AOCA|Antiochian]])</ref>

:''"And how become they one flesh? As if you should take Several of the purest part [[Canon Law|canons]] of gold, and mingle it with the other gold; so in truth here also the women [[Council of Gangra]]<ref>[http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf214.viii.v.i.html The Council of Gangra]</ref> (ca. 325-381) uphold sex as it were receiving the richest part fused by pleasureof marriage:*"If any one shall condemn marriage, nourishes it or abominate and condemn a woman who is a believer and cherishes itdevout, and throughout contributing sleeps with her own sharehusband, restores it back to as though she could not enter the manKingdom [of heaven] let him be [[anathema]]" (Canon 1). And the child is a sort of bridge so that the three become on flesh*"If any one shall remain virgin, the child connectingor observe continence, on either sideabstaining from marriage because he abhors it, each to each… What then? When there is and not childon account of the beauty and holiness of [[virginity]] itself, will they not let him be two? Not so, for their coming together has this effect; it diffuse and commingles the bodies of bothanathema" (Canon 9). And as *"If any one of those who has poured ointment into oil has made are living a virgin life for the Lord's sake shall treat arrogantly the whole one; so in truth is it also heremarried, let him be anathema"'' (St. John ChrysostomCanon 10). ''*"On Marriage If any woman shall forsake her husband, and Family Liferesolve to depart from him because she abhors marriage, let her be anathema"''(Canon 14).

St. John Chrysostom also saysCanon 13 of the [[Quinisext Council]] upholds sex as a part of marriage, ''even for [[ordination|ordained]] men::"He created one from oneSince we know it to be handed down as a rule of the [[Church of Rome|Roman Church]] that those who are deemed worthy to be advanced to the [[diaconate]] or [[presbyter]]ate should promise no longer to cohabit with their wives, we, preserving the ancient rule and again these two he makes one [[Apostles|apostolic]] perfection and thus He makes one; so order, will that even now man the lawful marriages of men who are in [[Holy Orders|holy orders]] be from this time forward firm, by no means dissolving their union with their wives nor depriving them of their mutual intercourse at a convenient time. Wherefore, if anyone shall have been found worthy to be ordained [[subdeacon]], or deacon, or presbyter, he is born by no means to be prohibited from oneadmittance to such a rank, even if he shall live with a lawful wife. For a woman Nor shall it be demanded of him at the time of his ordination that he promise to abstain from lawful intercourse with his wife: lest we should affect injuriously marriage constituted by God and a blessed by his presence, as the [[Gospel]] saith: 'What God hath joined together let no man are not two but one man"put asunder'; and the [[Apostle Paul|Apostle]] saith, ' (St. John Chrysostom. Marriage is honourable and the bed undefiled''"On Marriage ; and Family Life"again, 'Art thou bound to a wife? seek not to be loosed.')"<ref>[http://www. With this great gift of childbearing man becomes the donor ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf214.xiv.iii.xiv.html The Canons of life. Clement the Alexandrian describes the progeny of man as, ''"man’s creation Council in God’s image."'' Trullo: Canon XIII]</ref>

== Virginity as the Par Excellence of Marriage ==Parallel "Some Orthodox [[saint]]s have even been called upon to abstain completely from that which is good in marriage itself. The holy martyrs [[Cecilia]] and [[Valerian]] [([[November 22]])] gave themselves entirely to God from the married life, Christian tradition and ethics recognize another equally challenging and rewarding lifestyle, that very first night of virginitytheir arranged marriage. Virginal life consists They were united in spiritual vision during a time of virginity and purity intense Roman persecution in the physical and spiritual aspectsearly Church. One may see this in After great struggle for the Faith, they died together as martyrs for the life love of Jesus Christ. More recently, Saint [[John of Kronstadt]] and his wife lived together in the protosame manner, so that Saint John could give himself over more completely to the tremendous burden of ministry that God placed upon him as a priest in nineteenth-type of this lifestylecentury Russia."<ref>''Preserve Them, O Lord'' by Fr. John Mack. Ben Lomond, California, Conciliar Press: 1996. p. 117. </ref>

Chrysostom says in regards It is important for one to virginity, :''"I am persuaded that virginity understand marriage is much more honorable than marriagenot a license for unlimited marital relations, but this does not force me an opportunity for [[asceticism]]. The ascetic character of the Christian life also covers the marital life of the believers. According to place marriage amongst those that are dishonorable, but rather I praise it"''(St. John Chrysostom, marriage preserves purity, [[chastity]], and even virginity. ''"On Marriage and Family Life"''). The acknowledgment as a communion of persons is not restricted to the value level of marriage accentuates matter and material sense; contrarily, matter and material sense serve the superiority communion of virginitythe person and in this way, they acquire a spiritual content. Virginity supersedes The prayers of the law, because it supersedes marriage service clearly address this pastoral issue; the fallen nature. A virginal life prefigures priest prays for the life bed of the Kingdom of God, where carnal desires and secular cares do not existcouple to remain "undefiled. "

Virginity is a life filled with eschatological expectationAbstaining from sexual relations before (and outside of) marriage aids in the ascetic practice of fasting from marital relations within marriage. Virginal life does Sexual arousal, intercourse, and gratification must not come into contradiction with marriagebe the priority of the couple; however, but it is its par excellence. St. Paulthis act and pleasurable experience, although he refers which strengthens the bond of love between the couple and assists the couple in growing closer to marriage as the ''"great mysteryChrist. Fasting,"'' makes plain his preference for virginityprayers, which is what he himself followed. Jesus Christ also says clearly in reference to virginitycontinence, is endurance of suffering are virtues expected not only for all to follow[[monasticism]], but those whom this calling has been granted (Matthew 19:11)also for married couples. Choosing virginity places a human person above every social expediency or biological determinism, it underlines humanity’s freedom and absolute value. The human who practices a life of virginity lives as an angel, although having a body, lives like those among Marriage is to move constantly from the carnal to the bodiless powersspiritual perspective. For this aforementioned reason, Such progress is only possible within the possibilities perspective of the couple's perfection following this lifestyle are numberlessin Christ. On The personal relations of the contrary, couple ought to be primarily spiritual in order to preserve and to increase their spiritual communion and union. This is the despising of marriage is reason why there cannot exist an insult to the magnitude independent ethic of virginity. Marriage serves death by bringing forth children; however, virginity raises a barrier sexuality according to its breaking and interrupting the transmission [[Church Fathers|Fathers of the inherited obligation to deathChurch]].

The goals of virginity and virginal living are not just to remain free of carnal pleasure==Celibacy==:''See main article: [[Celibacy]].Unmarried people should be celibate, but they aim to emancipate a believer from secular cares and straighten the persons’ orientations towards God. Consecrated virginity is a marriage with God that does not involve carnal pleasure. It is solely spiritual, refrain from sexual activity. One may say the marital relations of marriage are spiritual too Those who have taken monastic vows, but they or who have a carnal aspect. In virginity, the voluntary self-exclusion from carnal pleasure does been ordained and are not aim to mortify Eros in the soulmarried (either unmarried or widowed), but are held to transform it into follow a godly Eros. This virginity has its ultimate ontological reference to the Triune Godcelibate life.

== Contemporary Ethical Issues Which Threaten St. Paul indicated his preference for celibacy: "It is good for a man not to touch a woman. ... For I wish that all men were even as I am myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. But I say to the Sanctity of Sex ==unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am" (I Cor. 7:1,7-8).

=== Adultery ===''"Adultery refers The goal of celibacy is not just to voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between remain free of carnal pleasure, but to emancipate a married woman believer from secular cares and someone other than her husband"'' (''"Adultery"'' in Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2003)orient the person towards God.

St. Paul repeatedly attacks this vice in his Epistles. He urges the flock to flee from sexual immorality because it is a direct defiling :"[B]oth marriage and celibacy are ways of living the temple of Gospel, anticipating the Holy Spirit (Corinthians 7:18-20). In his Epistle to the RomansKingdom, St. Paul says plainly, those who live with a carnal mind live which was already revealed in Christ and must appear in enmity with God, thus convincing strength at the faithful to believe they are not debtors to the flesh (Romans 8:7-9)last day. It is appropriate to understand that , therefore, only a marriage 'in Christ' sealed by the Apostles were very concerned with the spiritual Eucharist, and physical purity of the faithful. To emphasize celibacy 'in the severity name of the carnal sin of adulteryChrist, Nikodemos the Hagiorite says in reference to Leviticus 20: 10, :'which carry this 'eschatological'"Adultery is such Christian meaning&mdash;not marriage concluded casually, as a contract, or as a great evil that God commands satisfaction for the man flesh, and the woman committing it to be put to deathnot celibacy accepted by inertia, or worse, by egotism and self-protective irresponsibility."<ref>'' (The HagioriteMarriage: An Orthodox Perspective'' by Fr. John Meyendorff. Crestwood, NikodemosNew York, The ExomologitarionSt. TransVladimir's Seminary Press: 2000. Frpp. George Dokos. Republic of Greece, 2006)70-71.</ref>

Society has slowly begun accepting adultery, because the sanctity ==Barrenness==Although children are a consequence of conjugal union has slowly demised. Society has separated the divine aspects of marital sexual relations and simplified sex to a carnal act. In another poll seven years ago, more than 3 out of 4 Americans say the way television programs show inability to procreate does not necessarily mean that sex encourages irresponsible sexual behavior (Teens, Sex, & the Media. [www.mediascope.org], 15 March, 2000). The encouragement of immoral sexual behavior is clear, especially on the World Wide Web. For example, if no longer a person is not satisfied with their spouse’s sexual performance, companies will facilitate for the customer an adulterous relationshipgood thing. In particularthe Old Testament, barrenness was often seen as the Ashley Madison Agency assists married individuals in finding sexual gratification outside result of marriagesin. ''"When monogamy becomes monotonyHowever,"'' is the commercialized slogan of this agency. Another online company that facilitates affairs ismany Old Testament figures underwent barrenness, the Meet later to Cheat Company. This agency has offices all over Europe and North America and is dedicated to providing desperate homemakers with the man of their dreamsconceive through God's will.

Many Christian Churches also have begun accepting behavior the Orthodox Church believes is sinful and immoral. Immoral thinking has managed Several saints are turned to take over especially with the consciences problem of major denominationsbarrenness and childlessness, including Ss. According to a report taken in 1991 by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church[[Anna]], :''"it does not matter who sleeps with whom or whether sexual activity is premarital or marital[[Elizabeth]], heterosexual or homosexual, but whether it is responsible[[Roman the Wonderworker]] ([[November 27]]), mutual, honest and full [[Hypatius of joyful caring"'' Rufinus]] (A report to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church[[March 31]]), as reported by Peter Steinfels, "What God Really Thinks About Who Sleeps With Whom," The New York Times, June 2, 1991)and [[Irene Chrysovalantou]].<ref>[http://www.angelfire.com/ga/riggs/SpecialSaints.html Orthodox Saints for Special Intentions]</ref>

=== Masturbation ===''"Masturbation refers Orthodox tradition urges believers to the erotic stimulation especially of one's own genital organs commonly resulting in orgasm and achieved by manual or other bodily contact exclusive resist not only sexual transgressions, but even thoughts of sexual intercoursetransgressions. As Christ says, by instrumental manipulation"If a man looks at a woman with lust, occasionally by sexual fantasieshe has already committed adultery with her in his heart" ([[Gospel of Matthew|Matt.]] 5:27). Some critics hold this to be an impossible standard, or by various combinations for who can purge his heart of these agencies"'' illicit sexual thoughts? Others (''"Masturbation"'' including many monastics) insist that such a purge is in Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, Merriam-Webster, Inc.fact possible, 2003)though difficult.

Nikodemos the Hagiorite says, ''"masturbation is a sin so abhorrent to God that on account of it He put Not only should one avoid yielding to death Onan, the Son of Judahtemptation, the Son of Jacob…"'' (Genesis 38:10). St. Paul in his epistle but one should also take care not to the Romans speaks clearly about the sinfulness of masturbation. He says God allowed men offer temptation to be overtaken by the lusts of their hearts brining forth the dishonoring of their own bodies (Romans 1:26)others. ''"This autoerotic activity is an improper expression A wink of human sexuality because sex as an interpersonal relationship of many dimensions is impaired by itthe eye, and a man makes trouble; a bold rebuke, and a man makes peace"'' ([[Stanley SProv. Harakas]], ''Living the Faith''. Minnesota10: Light and Life. 1992. p. 13110).

Society howeverKing [[David]] allowed his desires to get the better of him when he desired Bathsheba, has completely the opposite opinion wife of masturbationUriah. P. J. O After Bathsheba refused David'Rourke said onces advances, David sent Uriah into battle, ''"Sophisticated persons masturbate without compunctionso that he would be killed. They do it for reasons of health When the [[Prophet]] Nathan advised David that his actions were displeasing to God, privacyDavid repented, thrift and because of the remarkable perfection of invisible partnersconfessing his sin ([[II Kingdoms|2 Sam."'' [http]] 11://en.wikipedia12).org/wiki/Cultural_references_to_masturbation#Celebrities]

In 1994, Dr. Jocelyn Elders, the first woman appointed [[Monastic rule]]s often include injunctions to the position of U.S. Surgeon General, lost her job as Surgeon General because she dared to say that masturbation should be taught in schools. Society portrays hedonistic lifestyles even in videos games, by allowing characters to have the power to masturbate while riding in vehicles (Grand Theft Auto 2). Sexual perversion has also infiltrated into the cartoon entertainment of children. Characters such as Homer Simpson confess openly to masturbationfight against sexual temptation.

== Orthodoxy Today Sexual sin==Although the contemporary society has surrounded Christian families with images of Sexual [[sin]] may include adultery, fornication (including premarital sex in video games and cartoons), rape, incest, it is not an excuse for the acceptance of hedonistic ideologies. Sex has enslaved the culture to such an extentbestiality, it is found everywhere in public. Basic advertisements for many non-sexual things are loaded with images of sex and beauty. It is safe to sayprostitution, modern culture is increasingly confusing pornography, philosophymasturbation, artsexual fantasies, entertainment and sex[[homosexuality|homosexual practices]]. Consequently These are condemned by the Church not for their own sake, contemporary thinking has even begun but to chip away the foundations protect her members from harming themselves and others through inappropriate behaviors. Note that sexual sin is not regarded as especially different from other types of Christian ethics and morals in societysin, to which all are susceptible.

Regardless "In Christian marriage, sex, like so many other aspects of modern situationsour lives, the Orthodox Church believes sexual relations are only appropriate within marriageundergoes a transfiguration. Marriage sanctifies and unites In the carnal bond with the spiritual oneworld, sex is an expression of lust, of conquest, ultimately of using others for the salvation satisfaction of the coupleself. Marital relations are blessed because they unite This is why, in the couple both spiritually moral disintegration of this fallen world, preoccupation with sex inescapably leads to and is linked with preoccupation with violence and physicaldeath. According to Unbridled, nonsanctified sexual activity is satanic, filled with the witness devil's hatred of Orthodox Fathers sexual relations in marriage allow a couple to become co-creators with God, share a divine intimacymankind, and a avenue for controlling sexual desireslife itself. Although society promotes sexual immoralityIt is suicidal."<ref>''Preserve Them, the Orthodox Church opposes such acts and their acceptanceO Lord'' by Fr. John Mack. Ben Lomond, California, Conciliar Press: 1996. p. 119.</ref>

== References ==The [[ten commandments]] include injunctions against adultery and coveting a neighbor's wife (Ex. 20:14,17). Other books of the Old Testament, such as Proverbs and the Wisdom of Sirach, also advise against sexual sins:*"Take no notice of a loose-living woman, for ... her words are smoother than oil, but their outcome is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death..." (Prov. 5:2-5).*Stanley S"But the adulterer has no sense; act like him and court your own destruction" (Prov. 6:32). Harakas*"This is how the adulteress behaves: when she has eaten, she wipes her mouth clean and says, 'I have done nothing wrong'Living " (Prov. 30:20). The [[New Testament]] continues to uphold these ideas. Christ, when explaining his teaching to his [[disciple]]s, said, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, [[false witness]], blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man" (Matt. 15:19-20; cf. [[Gospel of Mark|Mark]] 7:21-23). St. [[Apostle James (son of Zebedee)|James]], in the Apostolic Council, sought to teach the Gentiles, not to trouble them, "but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood" ([[Acts of the Apostles|Acts]] 15:20). St. Paul also wrote to the Corinthians with warnings:*"Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the FaithSpirit of our God" (I Cor. 6:9-11).*"Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord" (I Cor. 6:13).*"[H]e who is joined to a harlot is one body with her. For 'the two,'He says, Minneapolis, Minnesota'shall become one flesh' " (I Cor. 6:16).*Homily on Colossians"Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, Xbut he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Nicene Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and Postyou are not your own?" (I Cor. 6:18-Nicene Fathers19). "The libertines in Corinth&mdash;as some do today&mdash;argued that illicit sex (adultery and fornication) is as necessary for the body as eating, and both are irrelevant to the spiritual life. Paul contends the body belongs to God, and everything is relevant to the spiritual life. Therefore, dealing with sin means controlling our bodies."<ref>''The Orthodox Study Bible:New Testament and Psalms'', volnote on I Cor. XII6:13, p. 304385.</ref> Sexual sin, just as any other sin, necessitates cleansing through the [[sacrament]] of [[confession]]. ==Confession and guidance==When one struggles with sexual issues, it is good to have a spiritual guide to assist in the struggle. The sacrament of confession not only provides the opportunity to shed past sins and to obtain guidance, but also to receive the grace of God through the sacrament. Marital fasting should also involve the guidance of a father confessor. ==See also==*[[Abortion]]*[[Birth control]]/[[Contraception]]*[[Chastity]]*[[Divorce]] ==Reference==<div class="small"><references /></div> ==External links==*[http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf112.iv.xx.html Homily XIX: 1 Cor. vii. 1, 2] by St. John Chrysostom*[http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf113.iv.iv.x.html Homily on X.: Colossians iii. 18–25] by St. John Chrysostom*[http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf113.iv.iv.xii.html Homily XII.: Colossians Chapter iv. 12, 513] by St. John Chrysostom*[http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf113.iii.iv.xxi.html Homily XX.: Ephesians v. 22–24] by St. John Chrysostom*[http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf109.xiv.ii.html Against Publishing the Errors of the Brethren], chapters 6-10 on barrenness and infertility, by St. John Chrysostom*[http://www.comeandseeicons.com/c/inp62.htm Orthodox Icon of the Conception of the Theotokos]*[http://www.oca.org/QA.asp?ID=230&SID=3 Church's view of masturbation] ([[OCA]])*[http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8076.asp For the Health of Body and Soul: An Eastern Orthodox Introduction to Bioethics] by Fr. [[Stanley S. Harakas]] ([[GOARCH]])*[http://www.frederica.com/writings/the-real-meaning-of-sex.html The Real Meaning of Sex] by [[Frederica Mathewes-Green]]*[http://www.frederica.com/writings/what-to-say-at-a-naked-party.html What to Say at a Naked Party] by Frederica Mathewes-Green*[http://www.frederica.com/writings/the-oneida-experiment.html The Oneida Experiment] by Frederica Mathewes-Green*[http://www.frederica.com/writings/lets-have-more-teen-pregnancy.html Let's Have More Teen Pregnancy] by Frederica Mathewes-Green*[http://www.frederica.com/writings/overthrown-by-eros.html Overthrown by Eros] by Frederica Mathewes-Green*[http://www.frederica.com/writings/born-that-way.html Born That Way] by Frederica Mathewes-Green*[http://realserver.goarch.org/ram/en/sexual_pur.ram Sexual Purity and Healthy Relationships (RAM)] video (GOARCH)*[http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles8/Morelli-Smart%20Marriage-XIII-The-Theology-of-Marriage-and-Sexuality.php Smart Marriage XIII: The Theology of Marriage and Sexuality] by Fr. George Morelli*[http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles6/MorelliHypersexuality.php "Sexual Addiction"&mdash;An Orthodox and Scientific View] by Fr. George Morelli Ph.D.*[http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles5/MorelliSexIsHoly.php Sex Is Holy: Psycho-Spiritual Reflections in a Secular World] by Rev. George Morelli*[http://atijournal.org/ATI_Vol4_No1.pdf There is No Sex in the Church] by Fr. Sergei Sveshnikov (ROCOR)