Orthodox teachings concerning (human) sex overwhelmingly hold that it ought to be confined to the [[sacrament]] of [[marriage]] (which is assumed to be voluntary, monogamous, heterosexual, and permanent). That is, Orthodox believers are expected to choose between two paths of equal dignity: (1) a life of [[virginity]] or [[celibacy]], possibly including [[monastic]] vows; or (2) the married life. Various biblical and patristic writings condemn sex acts which occur outside of these bounds, including: