The Sixth Commandment

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT The content of this book consists of essays on various sexual' topics. These essays are thoughts that have been lingering in my mind in the past years. To bringout an answer to the complex problems of sexual morality there are needed the testimonies of many arts and sciences, the contributions of many sources of knowledge and disciplines. In our investigation of the social, biological, medical, historical, and even political sciences will have important things to say. And we find out there are to positions the right and the left. In the extreme positions of the "right" are expressed in all Christian circles by profound distrust of sex, repeated accusations of sexual immorality and decadence in modern behaviour, as shown by divorce, sexual deviation, promiscuity, pornography, the breakdown of authority and discipline at home and school, and the irresponsibility of the young. The equivalent positions of the "left" attack the authoritarianism of the past, particularly of the power of men over women, seek the emancipation of women, and favour greater sexual freedom. The "left", while regretting divorce, abortion, etc. considers them essential supports in a changing world that gives priority of value to personal freedom. Our task is to find the centre, which, while respecting traditional values, nevertheless examines the inescapable changes in human behaviour and integrates these into Christian sexual living. The following essays are an attempt in this direction. About the Author Dr. Felix Podimattam is one of the best-known moral theologians in India and outside. Besides his full time job as a professor, he finds time to write books at an amazing rate. I le has ^K&gj^h authored 65 books. Besides his Master's degree in Political I Science from the University of Mysore, he holds a Licentiate in Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, and subsequently a Doctorate in Moral Theology from the Alphosian Academy, Rome, His post-doctoral studies were pursued in Washington, DC, U.S. A. At Present he is professor of moral theology at St. Francis Theological College, Kottayam, Kerala. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION CHAPTER ONE. SEXUAL LOVE AS AGAP CHAPTER TWO. EROS AS A SPIRITUAL DRIVE CHAPTER THREE. THE DIVINE DIMENSION OF EROS CHAPTER FOUR. WAS JESUS MARRIED? CHAPTER FIVE. IS OPTIONAL CELIBACY THE ANSWER? CHAPTER SIX. FULFILLMENT IN CELIBATE LIFE CHAPTER SEVEN. IS EVERY SIN AGAINST CHASTITY MORTAL SIN? 1. Refutation of Traditional Arguments 2. Arguments for the Existence of Parvity of Matter in the Area of Sex Absence of Unanimity of Opinion among the Past Moralists Opinion of Modern Theologians Comparison with Other Areas of Morality Argument from Right Reason Argument from the Nature of Grave Matter Argument from Consistency Argument from Dynamism of Sexuality CHAPTER EIGHT. THE BASIC SOURCES OF TRADITIONAL CATHOLIC SEXUAL MORALITY CHAPTER NINE. INTRINSIC EVIL AND CHASTITY CHAPTER TEN. SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT CONCERNING MORALITY OF MASTURBATION 1. First School - "Generally Mortal Sin" Opinion 2. Second School - "Generally Not Mortal Sin" Opinion 3. Third School - "Rarely Mortal Sin" Opinion 4. Fourth School - "Never Mortal Sin" Opinion 5. Fifth School - "Sometimes No Sin at All" Opinion CHAPTER ELEVEN. SEXUAL ETHICS FOR THE SEXUALLY DISENFRANCHISED 1. Sexual Ethics for the Physically Disabled 2. Sexual Ethics for the Seriously 3. Sexual Ethics for the Aging 4. Sexual Ethics for the Mentally Retarded 177 CHAPTER TWELVE. MORAL ASPECTS OF SEX CHANGE INTRODUCTION CHAPTER ONE. SEXUAL LOVE AS AGAP CHAPTER TWO. EROS AS A SPIRITUAL DRIVE CHAPTER THREE. THE DIVINE DIMENSION OF EROS CHAPTER FOUR. WAS JESUS MARRIED? CHAPTER FIVE. IS OPTIONAL CELIBACY THE ANSWER? CHAPTER SIX. FULFILLMENT IN CELIBATE LIFE CHAPTER SEVEN. IS EVERY SIN AGAINST CHASTITY MORTAL SIN? 1. Refutation of Traditional Arguments 2. Arguments for the Existence of Parvity of Matter in the Area of Sex Absence of Unanimity of Opinion among the Past Moralists Opinion of Modern Theologians Comparison with Other Areas of Morality Argument from Right Reason Argument from the Nature of Grave Matter Argument from Consistency Argument from Dynamism of Sexuality CHAPTER EIGHT. THE BASIC SOURCES OF TRADITIONAL CATHOLIC SEXUAL MORALITY CHAPTER NINE. INTRINSIC EVIL AND CHASTITY CHAPTER TEN. SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT CONCERNING MORALITY OF MASTURBATION 1. First School - "Generally Mortal Sin" Opinion 2. Second School - "Generally Not Mortal Sin" Opinion 3. Third School - "Rarely Mortal Sin" Opinion 4. Fourth School - "Never Mortal Sin" Opinion 5. Fifth School - "Sometimes No Sin at All" Opinion CHAPTER ELEVEN. SEXUAL ETHICS FOR THE SEXUALLY DISENFRANCHISED 1. Sexual Ethics for the Physically Disabled 2. Sexual Ethics for the Seriously 3. Sexual Ethics for the Aging 4. Sexual Ethics for the Mentally Retarded 177 CHAPTER TWELVE. MORAL ASPECTS OF SEX CHANGE