Queries on Sexuality & Spirituality

These queries are offered by a group of Friends from different yearly meetings and of different ages, to encourage conversation among Friends.

Are you comfortable with your own sexuality as an individual?

Do you treat your physical body and your sexuality with respect, care and gratitude, remembering that they are a gift from God?

Do you recognize the physical, emotional, and spiritual damage that can result from sexual activity outside the bounds of a relationship that is loving, mutually faithful, respectful, and committed?

Are you mindful that sexual activity is most holy within the context of a lifelong relationship of growing love and intimacy?

Do you recognize when there are forces upon you pressuring you toward irresponsible or harmful sexual behavior?

When you consider entering into a sexual relationship, do you look for one that is permanent?

Do you consider the permanent effects, on you and others, of any sexual relationship?

Are you mindful of the physical safety of yourself and your partner when you enter into a sexual relationship? Do you educate yourself about family planning and safer sex?

Are you willing to speak to others when you think they may be engaging in destructive or exploitative behavior?

Are you physically, emotionally and financially prepared to nurture into adulthood any children conceived as a result of your sexual activity?

Do you tell the truth to those you are in relationship with and expect the truth from them?

Are you faithful in keeping the promises with which you began a committed relationship? Do you remain in a process of discernment with your partner about these promises?

Are you mindful of the power of forgiveness, which is a place of wholeness in God?

Are you mindful that, as George Fox said, “we marry none; it is the Lord’s work.”

Do you affirm and celebrate all marriages made in God? Do you refrain from any word or action that would endanger or undermine them?

Deborah Haines, recorder
June 28, 2007