Different Perspectives On Sex Ethics In The Jewish Tradition

The two articles present very different perspectives on sex ethics in the Jewish tradition, one perspective is more traditional and the other one is influenced by the changes of the modern world. In Lamm’s article a sexual encounter either follows or breaks the rules of the Halacha. By contact, Green’s article describes a spectrum between the forbidden and the ideal sexual experiences. Lamm’s article makes the point that the old purpose of “perpetuating the family, the faith, and the human race” is no longer the goal of sex now that people use contraception.This goal has been replaced with the pursuit of having fun. It is a misconception that having fun is the only reason people have sex in the modern age. Even if producing a human life isn’t

While it can be used to test compatibility, it is more often used as a tool to become closer. Pre-martial sex often helps couples get to a deeper place in their relationship where they feel comfortable considering marriage. Lamm also brings up the point that “Judaism does not believe that sex in itself is evil, it is the abuse of sex that is evil.” Unlike Christianity, which views sex as a sin, Judaism views sex as a natural part of life and as a mitzvah. While this in theory is true, what Lamm views as an abuse of sex extends what most people in the modern age view as an abuse. One of the rules of sex mentioned in this article is that sex should be between a man and a woman. Most people in the modern age believe that homosexual sex should not be considered an abuse. Not only can two men or women get married in the modern world, but it could be meaningful, and they can share trust, responsibility, and be sensitive towards each other. Lamm’s perspective, although deriving from the Halacha, limits people’s sexuality, assumes people have malicious motives, and has no flexibility on what type of sexual experiences are

Instead of following the strict rules that Lamm wrote about, Green believes all sexual experiences should be seen on a spectrum, with the ideal being a marriage where the two people view each other for their whole beings. Green says his system would cause, “self-examination and encourages growth.” Each sexual experience would have been changed on its own, on a case to case basis. Since each human is unique, what is a positive experience for one might be a negative experience for another. This system gives humans the freedom to explore what is right for them since they are forced to make their own decisions. In order to be emotionally ready for sex, a person needs to understand their own needs and reflect on what they value. A scale that determines sexual experience’s morality on a case to case basis encourage the type of reflection that would prepare on an individual for sex. Green also notes that “sexual involvement may be of great and sometimes traumatic significance to the other.” The new system does not change the sex is a big deal and can have a large effect on a human’s emotional state. With this new freedom and flexibility, new burdens arise. Since pre-marital sex isn’t seen as always bad, people are being exposed to situations that can harm them if