“I find it important to work with subjects one can connect to values of justice and love in our community. These values are expressed in Biblical writings and accounts that are still relevant today. Despite considerable negative baggage, Christian sexual ethics provide an important perspective in the discussion of sociological justice and love.” So opens Sólveig Anna Bóasdóttir, Associate Professor in Theology, on an extremely interesting study that she is currently working on. The study is directly linked to Bóasdóttir’s main research field which is sexual ethics.
Bóasdóttir says that theological and ethical research focuses on the interpretation of texts and a critical dialogue with historical and current times. Bóasdóttir has repeatedly pointed out that Christian ethics must be in constant renewal. She has focused on the positive side of Christian ethics and argued how it can support sexual diversity; thus increasing security, welfare and health in sex life.
“The study I worked on between 2002 and 2004 that was called “Love and justice. Towards new sexual ethics,” was the inspiration and basis for this new study. The former, which focused on gay marriage, showed clearly that Christian sexual ethics has tremendous impact on how modern people think of marriage, sex and love, for better or for worse,” says Bóasdóttir.
The focus in her new study is on sexual diversity and sexuality rights. “Christian sexual ethics are conservative by nature and has been characterised with what can be called heteronormativity. I criticise Christian marriage ethics in my study, but at the same time I believe that there is a lot there that is both useful and good. The aim of the study is to promote a sexually just society and demonstrate that Christian sexual ethics protect the sexual rights of everyone,” says Bóasdóttir.
