Chastity & Authentic Sexuality

 "Being a Christian is not just about following commandments: it is about letting Christ take possession of our lives and transform them.”  - Pope Francis

“Chastity is a form of the virtue of temperance, which controls according to right reason the desire for and use of those things which afford the greatest sensual pleasures.” Chastity is the “regulator” of our lives that keeps our desires from being either too “puritan” (the body or sex is evil) or too “playboy” (always indulge any desire we have).

Unfortunately, many people confuse the word chastity with the word abstinence. Abstinence (in a sexual context) refers to the decision to refrain from any sexual behavior and is practiced by single and married people. 

Chastity states that sex, our bodies, and our desires are so good that they are sacred, thus they deserve to be respected and revered. Chastity isn’t about saying “no” or making rules—it’s an enormous YES to authentic love. 

Theology of the Body is a rich resource that shares this truth in love.