What are unnatural practices in Coptic Orthodox teaching?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the term "unnatural" (in Greek, para physin) refers to sexual acts that deviate from the divinely established order of creation and the specific physiological and spiritual purposes for which God designed human anatomy and the marital union.

The Church views the sexual act as a sacred function intended for the "one flesh" union of man and woman, which is inherently designed for both the expression of sacrificial love and the potential for procreation. Therefore, "unnatural" practices are those that deliberately bypass or pervert these purposes.

1. The Perversion of the Natural Order

The Church, following the teachings of the Holy Fathers and the Scriptures (specifically St. Paul’s warnings in Romans 1:26-27), identifies unnatural acts as those that utilize the body in ways not intended by the Creator. This includes:

• Sodomy/Anal Sex: This is strictly forbidden and viewed as a grave sin. It is considered a violation of the natural use of the body and a rejection of the reproductive and unitive design established by God.
• Oral Sex: The Church generally views this as an indecency and a deviation from the natural act. While some modern perspectives vary, the traditional Coptic Orthodox stance, often echoed by Fathers of Confession, is that the mouth is intended for the praise of God and the reception of the Holy Eucharist, and its use for sexual gratification is considered a degradation of the person.

2. The Sin of Onanism

Any practice that intentionally prevents the completion of the natural act within the wife's womb is considered a sin against the "natural law" of marriage. This refers to the biblical account of Onan (Genesis 38), who "spilled his seed on the ground." The Church views the deliberate wastage of the "seed of life" as a rejection of God’s creative power and the procreative blessing of marriage.

3. Inclusion of External Elements

The introduction of pornography or third-party objects/tools into the marital bed is considered sinful. These practices are viewed as:

• Idolatry of Pleasure: Focusing on the stimulation of the senses rather than the union of persons.
• Adultery of the Mind: Christ taught that looking at another with lust is adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:28). The use of pornography brings "strangers" into the sacred marriage bed, defiling the spiritual purity of the union.

4. The Principle of "Passibility" vs. Virtue

As referenced in the writings of the Fathers, such as St. Maximus the Confessor, human nature has a "natural principle" (the way God designed us to be) and a "mode" (how we act). When a couple acts "beyond the normal scope" of nature for the sake of irrational passion, they fall into irrationality. St. Maximus explains that the law of nature is "natural reason seizing control of the senses" to rid them of irrationality. Unnatural practices are, by definition, the senses seizing control over reason and the spirit.

Summary of the Orthodox View

The Coptic Orthodox Church teaches that the marital bed is a place of holiness. Anything that moves the act away from chaste, sacrificial love and toward beastly, self-serving gratification is considered a departure from the "natural."

If a couple is unsure about specific behaviors, they are directed to speak with their Father of Confession. The standard is always: Does this act bring us closer to Christ and to each other in holiness, or does it feed a carnal appetite that leads to shame and the darkening of the soul?