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Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee
1) How could increased sexual liberty prove to be the downfall of society?
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It is mythically driven, I believe, and stems from the incorrect notion that
sexual liberty as a component of general "moral decay" destroyed the Roman empire. The argument from social conservatives is that sexual liberty erodes trust and commitment in stable, monogamous sexual relationships. Whether or not we are ideally a monogamously inclined species or society is another issue that probably needs to be addressed in this discussion. However, if expectations within a sexual relationship are altered because of the inundation of sexually explicit media, then that does raise serious questions about its affect on families. Social conservatives will argue for the family as the foundational institution in our civilisation, and that any threats to the healthy state of the family are to be vociferously challenged.
My own concern would be in how the consequences of sexual liberty affect children and their developmental stability. I am the father of three boys through adoption, and I see first hand how utterly essential a stable relationship between parents is for the emotional and social well being of children. I can see where this could be at risk as a result of sexual liberalism.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee
2) If this trend does progress towards the reduction in number of marriages, is that good or bad?
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That is a very good question, and one that I think needs to be explored. Furthermore, I think that the shift in the extent and function of sexuality within our culture and its place as a component of marriage should also be addressed. If the practical definition of marriage in our society has changed such that procreation is no longer the goal, then how does that affect human sexuality and its purpose within marriage?
I think in answer to your question that I would argue that fewer marriages are probably better overall, but only in combination with a dramatic increase in more responsible sexual activity. Can we all agree that unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases are primary concerns in our appraisal of this issue?
More later...