We have all heard the word “chastity.” I’m not sure about you, but the word that immediately follows that in my head is…”belt.”
And I’m pretty sure that belt is made of iron…and has a rusty key.
FUN!
The question we discuss below is one of my favorites. It’s something that won’t have a concrete answer for everyone, but a discussion I think all people should contemplate.
This topic produces so many other questions for me….What do you think?
Even if you don’t associate God with sex, do you think there is a purpose behind our sexuality? Is it more than just the act? Are there healthy and unhealthy ways to express or suppress sexuality?
If you are a believing Christian, what do you think it means to glorify God with an area of your life?
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This is a really difficult topic to talk about. I wish I had someone to talk about it with when I was younger, and single.
I made some bad decisions and I think it came from the belief that I was doing something out of fear, and I wish I had realised earlier that wasn’t why i was doing something, and that it was for glorifying God, and that i didn’t have to prove anything to anyone else.
I often wonder how to deal with this topic with any potential future children, so that they can embrace their sexuality in a positive way, but still live chastely. I still have a few years to work it out, though.
My husband thinks I’m a touch crazy for wanting to develop strategies for healthy sexuality in our children when we don’t even have children yet. I just like to be prepared.
I’m keen to check out that book by Lauren Winner.
I would love to hear thoughts on Winner’s book beacuse I’m thinking of leading a (whoohoo!) Real Sex study. I think I’m also excited about the potential title of that study. Like you, Mary, I am before the era of my own children and I too often have those imagined dialogues where I try to prep myself for future conversations. If you’re a touch crazy, then I am too. 🙂 Along those lines, one thing I hope we all consider as adults with different stories are the children/young adults in our lives who we have the opportunity to model for and speak the truth of our stories to. I don’t necessarily think we have to be parents; children and youth seem to soak up the advice and modeling of adults in their parents’ circle of friends…I think healthy sexuality/chasity is probably best modeled/taught within a thoughtful community of adults. Sounds like the kids in your community are lucky to have you around, Mary.
Thanks, Joy. Tomorrow I’m interviewing for a job in Youth Ministry, so maybe I’ll have even more opportunity to influence young people.
Scott – Thanks for the feedback, means a lot coming from a guy. And I know you are one.
Mary – I concur with all that Erin said to you, but I wanted her to get the credit. It wasn’t me but I too look forward to hearing what comes from your interactions with the “young folks” around you. (p.s. Erin is the hottie in the middle of the Formal Lunch discussion.)
sorry, i didn’t read who wrote that comment. Sorry, Erin and thanks
Scott Hekman thinks...
Great coverage of a very difficult topic, Joy. Well done.
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