Safe Sex (Press, 28 October 1989)

On 28 October 1989, a debate emerged in response to letters published in a New Zealand newspaper regarding the relevance of self-discipline in sexual matters within Christianity. Mark D. Sadler responded to P. B. Wye's assertion that Christianity promotes self-discipline, arguing that the Bible's teachings include harsh measures against women who cannot prove their virginity, citing an example from the Old Testament wherein such women could face death by stoning. Sadler suggested that many Christians overlook the historical links between Christianity and Zoroastrianism and feel burdened by Old Testament moralities. He concurred with Wye's call for men to uphold values like goodness, justice, and service, but he took issue with the idea that sexual satisfaction should not be pursued. According to Sadler, there is no inherent conflict between achieving sexual satisfaction and living a virtuous life. He also noted that while Wye claimed that population growth was not a problem in the past, this was before significant medical advancements eliminated many fatal diseases. Catherine Glue had previously argued against self-discipline as a relevant factor in earlier population control. In contrast, Sadler contended that modern Western culture overly endorses sexual freedom, which did not hold true in Victorian times when societal norms were stricter, and there was more emphasis on Christian values. He warned against the notion that sexual latitude necessarily contributes to human happiness, asserting that it often results in negative emotional outcomes like disillusionment and heartbreak. Furthering the discussion, Wye introduced a controversial standpoint on population control, advocating for measures such as vasectomies or castration for individuals deemed dangerously violent or irrational, particularly for rapists. Wye posited that while surgical means may be a last resort for controlling population growth, it was essential to consider the implications of allowing certain individuals to reproduce after committing serious crimes. Overall, the letters highlighted a divergence of opinions regarding sexuality, morality, and the implications of contemporary societal attitudes on these issues, raising complex questions about the intersection of ethics, faith, and personal freedom.

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