The relationship between sex and love has changed and evolved from ancient to modern times. In the Old Testament sex in itself was not considered a sin. There is nothing in Hebrew scripture that condemns sexuality. Even from the very "beginning" we see with Adam Eve that they weren't aware of their nakedness until after Eve takes the forbidden fruit. It is not until this point when they seem to become aware and ashamed of their nakedness. Also, with Adam and Eve we see that the relationship between man and woman was for the most part equal. . "He created him; male and female; he created them." "man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" The sexual unity or marriage was one of unity and equality.
             It is not until the New Testament where man gains control of woman. In Ephesians, Paul says that wives are to be the subject to the husband and the husband is the head of the household. The family hierarchy is set up as one of rulership. The husband shall rule over the wife and children. The only talk of love in both the Old and the New Testament is that of a higher love, a higher love for God. Love between a man and woman seems to me to be purely sexual.
             In The Art of Courtley Love, this idea of a higher and a lower form of love continues. Any man who devotes his efforts to love loses all usefulness. The idolization of women would draw men away from the higher form of love or the kind of divine love. In the Art of Courtly Love, love is defined in mostly negative terms. To love is to suffer. Love cannot exist within marriage. Due to the arranged marriages of the times, one could not marry the one they loved. And so, the suffering continues. This idea of not being able to marry the one you love is also seen in Romeo and Juliet. Again, arranged marriages prevent one from marrying for love. Even Juliet's father dos not underst...