The news has been dominated lately with accusations and confessions of sexual misconduct and harassment. These events give us the chance to explore important questions about good relationships among men and women. How can classmates and coworkers treat each other with dignity? What virtues should govern our friendships and romantic relationships? What is a virtuous relationship (friendly or romantic) in the first place?
It is important to be able to answer these questions in the light of the Gospel truth. Unfortunately, the ideas of the sexual revolution are pervasive in today’s culture—especially the idea that consent is the key to whether actions are right or wrong. Today’s culture says anything consenting adults do is morally acceptable. But are certain behaviors wrong even if both parties do consent? Has the idea that consent is all the matters led to worse treatment of accusers in sexual harassment cases? And how do structures of sin perpetuate sexual harassment?
This Teaching the Faith with Current Events contains resources and discussion questions for older middle and high school students in order to explore these important questions.
In this lesson your students will:
- Reflect on Scripture verses about virtue and the grace of God
- Understand the Theological Virtues, cardinal virtues, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the Fruits of the Holy Spirit
- Do an interactive activity exploring what virtues should govern our relationships
- Understand how structures of sin perpetuate sexism (Extension)
- Understand why basing judgments of morality exclusively on “consent” is wrong (Take Home Activity)