Should spouses have unlimited conjugal rights?
In comparing the legal terms malum prohibitum to malum in se, I read that many acts considered wrong almost universally (e.g., murder or rape) may be considered acceptable by some cultures under certain circumstances; one such example is spousal rape. Although I claim no religious affiliation, I find it interesting that Christian teachings have been interpreted as entailing a spouse’s unlimited conjugal rights. Specifically, St. Paul’s teachings state,
Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
- 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, NKJV Bible
As someone raised in a Christian church, this is not entirely unexpected, but I am somewhat surprised that it appears in the New Testament.
I’m not sure what I think of this issue yet, but I’m leaning against it. What do ya’ll think?
