Confused by this thought

 

Question:

If a couple is unable to conceive a child they are still permitted to have relations for pleasure and to bond and strengthen their marriage. That would mean that relations weren’t only created for procreation.

If 2 men are together and only have relations when they are married by the law, and have relations to bond and strengthen their marriage, it seems like it’s not animalistic and not going against a purpose of relations. So why does the Torah say it’s an abomination and say it’s disgusting.

Also I know the Torah doesn’t accept 2 men as a marriage, so what’s the difference between a couple who can’t conceive and a gay couple?

 

Answer:

The distinction is rooted in the traditional understanding of the purpose of sexual relations within marriage. According to Torah, procreation is considered one of the primary purposes of sexual intimacy. While a heterosexual couple unable to conceive naturally can still engage in sexual relations to strengthen their bond, they are seen as engaging in an act with the potential for procreation, even if it does not result in pregnancy. (This also explains why even for a heterosexual couple there are still laws that prohibit certain types of sexual intimacy).

Additionally, every time there is relations within marriage it creates Neshamos above and brings sanctity into this world. Indeed, we are taught that the souls of converts emanate from such relations. Likewise, these souls will eventually descend into bodies in the days of Moshiach. This can be compared to planting, where the harvesting takes place later, in higher worlds or even down here below.

In the case of a same-gender couple, their sexual relations are considered as deviating from the natural design for procreation. Indeed, sexual acts outside the context of heterosexual marriage are associated with transgressions. This can be compared to spilling seed without any planting whatsoever.

It is also important to note that Jewish teachings emphasize the complementarity of male and female in the context of marriage. This perspective highlights the belief that the coming together of male and female is seen as a necessary element in fulfilling the divine purpose of creation and the continuation of the human family, as well as causing the unity of masculine and feminine forces in the universe.

 

 

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