What Is a Carnal Union?
The word "carnal" describes bodily pleasures, passions or appetites that are most often associated with sexuality. Carnal union is commonly understood to be a sexual encounter between two individuals. However, the definition of carnal union varies depending on religious tradition.
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Evangelicals
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The evangelicals use "carnal union" to describe Jesus Christ's union with humanity. Through his incarnation as a human being, Jesus established a carnal union with all individuals, which makes them subject to his salvation even if they do not believe in him. Evangelicals' belief in the carnal union of Christ and humans distinguishes them from Calvinists, who posit that Christ shares a spiritual union with only his true believers.
Catholics
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For Catholics, carnal union is associated with fornication between an unmarried man and an unmarried woman. It is considered to be scandalous and an affront to human dignity and sexuality. Only when a sincere and legitimate oath or bond has been established between a man and a woman is carnal union considered to be morally legitimate.
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New Age
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New Age philosophers maintain that carnal union, or sexual relations, not only has a cleansing and purifying effect on the individuals engaging in it, but also serves as a pathway to a spiritual union with god. The philosophy is based on the belief that the body and the spirit are intertwined and spiritual growth can be obtained through the actions of the body.
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References
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