Sex Summer 1995

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

As for celibacy (and chastity), we live in a sex-saturated society. Advertising, movies, television-we are sold and entertained by sex. In this milieu, no one comes to sexual maturity (understood in very broad terms) by any direct route. The first statement about us is sexual-"It's a boy" or "It's a girl." Sexuality is not just genital. It is also affective (a mode of relating to one another) and primary (evidenced in our body parts). We all too willingly reduce sexuality to the genital.

Celibacy is important because sex is important. It is a witness to something very countercultural. Celibacy proposes, first, a way to break from some of the illnesses of society. Second, it emphasizes a different set of relational values: I can find my completion in no one but God. Augustine's Confessions begins with a beautiful line: "You have made us for yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." Celibacy is therefore a witness against our society's romantic myth that there is one person out there, one perfect person as in Sleepless in Seattle who will complete us. Third, celibacy offers, at its best, a love that people can trust. If one is integrated in and rooted in celibacy, one is not manipulative or seductive. One is a safe haven for the many wounded in our world.

Celibacy must be connected to one's mission, one's vocation. There has to be a purpose for it-it is not just a weight arbitrarily assigned to glorify God. Ultimately, though, celibacy is valuable not because it frees one for ministry or is a witness against society, but because it is a special way of being intimate with God. Celibacy is valuable in itself for it offers a rich love of God in heart, mind, will, and body.

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.