Summary:
A review of what the Catholic Church teaches about chastity and the benefits of remaining chaste until marriage.
Being chaste or exercising sexual abstinence is the definition of chastity as derived from Webster's English Dictionary. This is taught to children at school and the church because chastity is a great concern for the church. People who do not engage in sexual activity until they are married are said to be chaste.
The church's teachings are constantly reminding us that being chaste is very important. If we are no longer chaste, then our relationship with God is broken. Chastity can be broken in a few ways: engaging in sexual activity prior to getting married, or cheating on a spouse. When we are not chaste we are breaking our bond with God. This is because we are going against his word and teaching. If someone is also caught cheating because of disloyalty than she hasn't just broken the 6th commandment but has also lost all trust with God and her spouse. The church has only one exception for a divorce; it can be granted on the basis of infidelity.
I believe the church has done a excellent job in educating the public about Chastity. However, with the strength and great influence of the media, many people just are not living up to God's expectations. Although school, church and parents teach chastity many people are still lacking in the ability to be chaste.
According to the vocation of Chastity from the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2337, people may remain chaste until married through the church and can share in the fight which God has given. In order for one to be chaste, she must have "self-mastery", must be able to control her feelings and not be misled. By being chaste we are being true to our word and being righteous as well as following God's path.
Statistics show that if couples are virgins when married there is only a 2% chance of divorce. As well 34.3% of people who are not virgins when married tend to commit infidelity during marriage at one point or another. The church, schools and parents are doing a fantastic job in educating kids about chastity because the teen pregnancy rate between 15-17 years old has dropped an amazing 23% and the rate for 18-19 year olds has dropped 20%.
We as students, schools, Church's and citizens of society must work together to prevent and lower the lack of chastity we must teach students that it a very important thing to consider if we want a chance for a good future.
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