The Holy Scriptures speak a bit about human sexuality. The question is what does it say, what does science and the Church say? Firstly, in the Old Testament, we read that God gave us the command to multiply and subdue the earth. This commandment to multiply means to live a life open to the reception of new life. More specifically, procreation. However, we should remember, as the Church also teaches, that the purpose of sex is not only procreation, and it doesn’t always have to be about it. It’s also about meeting each other’s needs in a dignified manner and with respect for the other person. In this way, we demonstrate trust in each other, build relationships, strengthen them, and, according to scientific research, strengthen our immunity to various diseases. So what does science tell us? Firstly, that sex brings health and psychological benefits. It reduces stress and improves our mood thanks to the release of endorphins and oxytocin. Furthermore, it strengthens the bond and intimacy of a relationship, improves sleep, increases the body’s resistance to infections by increasing antibodies (increases IgA levels), and improves overall well-being. It can also improve self-esteem and overall well-being. It has a positive effect on the circulatory system and can help lower blood pressure and improve cognitive function. Endorphins have a natural pain-relieving effect. Hormones like DHEA are produced, contributing to our youthfulness and energy. It activates the pelvic floor muscles. Regularity promotes good health and extends our lifespan. Of course, to achieve all these positive effects, intercourse must be based on mutual consent, safety, and awareness, as well as responsibility for them and their potential consequences. Furthermore, it must occur between healthy individuals, and it is important to remember the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. It is worth adding that for this prevention, the Church allows the use of condoms during intercourse, but above all, consistency and fidelity to the partner are crucial (no changing partners constantly, no casual sex, no jumping from flower to flower).
Of course, we are talking about normal intercourse between a man and a woman, or a woman and a man. Intercourse in a way that is conducive to conception. We must remember the dignity of the other person, respect their boundaries, listen to what they say, and not force the other person into sexual intercourse. It should take place in a dignified, consensual manner, where both parties desire it in a particular way – because sexual intercourse is not only penetration, but also shared caresses and kisses…
The Bible strongly opposes homosexuality. It also opposes rape, forced intercourse, and incest. Genesis 19 opposes and condemns explicitly forced anal sex, in which one man homosexually anally rapes another man. Further opposition to homosexuality is found in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, where we read: „You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination!” and „Whoever lies with a male as with a woman has committed an abomination. Both of them shall be put to death; their blood shall be on them.” The New Testament speaks similarly in the first letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 6:9), where we read: „Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! […] nor will men who commit adultery […] inherit the kingdom of God.
Similarly, the Bible forbids sex with animals, siblings, and immediate family, and even condemns the mere viewing of a sister’s nudity by a brother—something he does in the passages cited earlier or later in the Bible. The punishment for this is the same as for homosexuality. All incest is equated with it, even if it doesn’t involve the actual sexual act; viewing one’s own nudity within one’s immediate family is sufficient.
There are also many questions about anal and oral sex. The Bible doesn’t explicitly address this. We are commanded to respect and care for the body, as it is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. However, there is no such unequivocal condemnation of this type of intimacy as there is for homosexuality, incest, or bestiality. We must remember, however, that both spouses must desire it, consent to it, and can either say „stop” at any time—for me, this is too much, I don’t want that. Furthermore, anal and oral sex are frowned upon by the Church, even within marriage. This can be inferred from statements concerning the meaning of sexuality. We read in the instruction of the Congregation for the Doctrine and Faith, Persona Humana, that „regardless of the conscious and voluntary motive, the use of sexual faculties outside of proper marital intercourse fundamentally contradicts their finality. In such cases, the sexual relationship required by the moral order, which realizes, in the context of true love, the full meaning of mutual self-giving and the transmission of human life, is lacking. The evaluation of all conscious and voluntary sexual activity must be related to this proper relationship” (9). Therefore, only full marital intercourse is moral. The tradition present in the Church has treated oral and anal caresses harshly. St. Thomas Aquinas saw both as a sin against nature. Moreover, for example, at the beginning of the 20th century, in some Spanish provinces, so-called marital onanism was treated the same way as abortion today, and the spouses were automatically subjected to excommunication, the remission of which was reserved for the bishop. Science also sides with this tradition and the Church. The most serious side effects and consequences of anal sex include: bacterial infections, including Escherichia coli, viral infections, including HIV and HPV, damage to anal blood vessels, abscesses, anal fissures, weakened sphincter function, fecal incontinence, intestinal perforation, and damage to the anal mucosa. Oral sex exposes us to the risk of HIV infection, hepatitis A and B, human papillomavirus infection, syphilis, and chlamydia. Herpes can appear in both the genital and genital areas. Furthermore, scientific studies indicate it increases the risk of throat and esophageal cancer. Therefore, practicing anal and oral sex contradicts caring for one’s body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit.