Eroticism and its significance for the marriage Cover Image

Erotyzm w służbie miłości małżeńskiej
Eroticism and its significance for the marriage

Author(s): Jerzy Szyran
Subject(s): Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Social Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, Biblical studies, Pastoral Theology, Sociology of Religion
Published by: Wyższe Seminarium Duchowne w Łodzi
Keywords: eroticism; marriage; sexual morality;

Summary/Abstract: The author in the initial part of the article points at the contemporary confusion of terms concerning sexual life and its influence upon the young who sometimes do not understand properly basic issues, for instance love and sexual drive. In the first part the author outlines the history of eroticism beginning from the ancient Greece, Rome and India. Most of his attention, however he focuses on understanding the marriage as a sacrament and sexual morality. He expresses his opinion that contemporary acceptance of some sexual behavior is an effect of the protestant attitude towards marriage. The second part describes love as it is presented in the Bible. The author draws our attention to these chapters of both Old and New Testament which are suitable from this point of interest. The main picture which can be seen are man and woman presented as the gift for each other. The sexual act understood as the place of God’s presence is their total union, including their physical, mental and spiritual nature in accordance with God’s will towards us. The third part of the article deals with these aspects of the marital life which taken all into account allows the marriage to be a sacrament. Then, it concerns all life areas and a new life which is expected to be born. In the fourth part the author describes significant effects of term confusion in the contemporary sexual vocabulary. In his view this means, amongst others, understanding the sexual act as the only sign of life (or, at least, the most important one). In the English language an example for this can be „make love” which limits love to sexual activity. The other person, then, is reduced to the pleasure toy size which can not be accepted from the human dignity point of view. At the end part the author refers to what he has written earlier describing „sound” and „ill” behavior in marital relations between man and woman. The article can help those living in sacramental marriages to understand their marriages better, non-sacramental couples can encourage to reflect upon their own life. It is also addressed to the lonely and all interested in marital life.

  • Issue Year: 14/2005
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 165-177
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Polish