Introduction

Adultery (also called Philandery) is a form of extramarital sex. It is sexual infidelity to ones spouse. It originally referred only to sex between a woman who was married and a person other than her spouse.

Adultery is illegal in some countries. The interaction between laws on adultery with those on rape has and does pose particular problems in societies that are especially sensitive to sexual relations by a married woman and men. The difference between the offences is that adultery is voluntary, while rape is not.

The term adultery has an Abrahamic origin, though the concept predates Judaism and is found in many other societies. Though the definition and consequences vary between religions, cultures, and legal jurisdictions, the concept is similar in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Hinduism has a similar concept.

Historically, adultery has been considered to be a serious offense by many cultures. Even in jurisdictions where adultery is not itself a criminal offense, it may still have legal consequences, particularly in divorce cases. For example, where there is fault-based family law, it almost always constitutes grounds for divorce, it may be a factor to consider in a property settlement, it may affect the status of

children, the custody of children, etc. Moreover, adultery can result in social ostracism in some parts of the world.

Etymology

The word adultery originates from the Late Latin word for "to alter, corrupt": adulterare.

Adulterare is formed by the combination of ad ("towards"), and alter ("other"), together with the infinitive form are (making it a verb). Thus the meaning is literally "to make other". The application of the term to the act appears to arise from the idea that "criminal intercourse with a married woman ... tended to adulterate the issue [children] of an innocent husband ... and to expose him to support and provide for another man's [children]". Thus, the "purity" of the children of a marriage is corrupted, and the inheritance is altered. The law often uses the word "adulterate[d]" to describe contamination of food and the like.

Definitions

In the traditional English common law, adultery was a felony. Although the legal definition of "adultery" differs in nearly every legal system, the common theme is sexual relations outside of marriage, in one form or another.

In common-law countries, adultery was also known as "criminal conversation". This became the name of the civil tort arising from adultery, being based upon compensation for the other spouse's injury. Another tort, alienation of affection, arises when one spouse deserts the other for a third person. This act was also known as desertion, which was often a crime as well. A small number of

jurisdictions still allow suits for criminal conversation and/or alienation of affection.

A marriage in which both spouses agree to accept sexual relations by either partner with another person is a form of nonmonogamy, and the spouses would not treat the sexual relations as adultery, although it could still be considered a crime in some legal jurisdictions.

Biblical sources
The Hebrew Bible (the Tanakh or Old Testament) prohibits adultery in the seventh of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:14). Adultery in traditional Judaism applies equally to both parties, but it only applied in situations where the woman is married (Lev. 20:10).

Christianity
Adultery is considered by many Christians to be immoral and a sin, based primarily on passages like 1 Corinthians 6:910. Although 1 Corinthians 6:11 does say that "and that is what some of you were. But you were washed." it still acknowledges adultery to be immoral and a sin. The sixth commandment (seventh in some traditions) , ("Thou shall not commit adultery") is also a basis, but see also Biblical law in Christianity.

Jesus taught that indulgence in adulterous thoughts could be just as harmful to the soul as actual adultery, and it is clear that both carry the same weight of guilt:

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28) But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.(Matthew 5:32)

Causes

A person commits adultery when there's something that triggers them to act, and defy their own vows that were made during their wedding day. A lot of possible reasons can cause adultery. A simple example would be physical attractions. A married couple lived their first few moments together being a happy husband and wife. Knowing that they'll live the rest of their lives together, accepting each other as they are and just be themselves is one of the causes of adultery. Basically, it's about physical attraction.

The husband starts drinking every weekend with his buddies, and converts his sixpack into a beer belly. Or the wife doesn't keep herself in shape after the first new born baby. When they see each other, there will be less appealing to each other. Thus, less sexual attraction. Imagine the husband constantly keeping himself in good shape, but her wife has been slacking off, eating non-stop, not taking care of herself. The husband will start to find that she's getting less attractive, and his sexual desires towards her wife start to deteriorate.

Which leads to the mental adultery? The husband starts looking at other attractive women, and starts to compare them with his wife. Thus, starting to build

up this lustful desire towards other women. And this is the beginning of all sorts of marriage breakdowns. Infidelities, cheats, dishonest, break of trust and faith, you name it.

Effects

There are a number of negative consequences that result when someone commits adultery. There are areas in the world in which legal action is pursued as a criminal act. An example of this type of area is Taiwan. In many instances, when an individual has been a victim of their spouse's adulterous acts, they are issued immediate permission to divorce that individual. As you can see, this is not an uncommon issue. However, when experienced, it can be an absolute disheartening experience for all that are involved. Below are some more examples when it comes to the effects of adultery:

1. Individuals who engage in sexual acts with someone outside of their marriage, often experience high levels of anxiety and depression once this has been indulged in. This level of stress not only impacts the mind in a psychological way; it also affects the physiological make up and parts of the person.

2. By engaging in this act, one may start to experience difficulties in relationships, work, school, and many other areas.

3. Many who have pursued an adulterous relationship have often found themselves suffering financial loss as a result of the relationship that is being pursued.

4. In many professional positions, there is a possibility for termination of employment if the adulterous act was brought to the attention of the employer. An example of when this act may cost a professional loss is law enforcement positions. These are professionals who are expected to achieve the highest level of integrity and it is believed to be a breakdown of character if adultery is committed. Being a pastor and head of a religious denomination may also line up for dismissal if adultery is committed.

5. When an adulterous act is committed, and others find out, a lack of respect and tolerance may be experienced. This can be potentially devastating.

Would you allow this to happen in your married life? o I will not allow the sin of Adultery to destroy the sacrament of Marriage. Because this is a union between two persons with Jesus Christ at the center of our lives. Being married would mean having commitment, acceptance and loyalty to our partner in life.

Submitted to: Mrs. Mary Francis Laquinon, MARE

Submitted by:

Lorenfaith May J. Caballeda MAC-4 References: www.Wikipedia.com www.Ezinearticles.com Online etymology Dictionary