Chastity in the Family

 

 One aspect of Marriage that has widely contrasting opinions is the concept of sexual intimacy. Of course, as a 19-year-old college student, I have no experiences of sexual intimacy for myself. But I will be sharing my thoughts and opinions on the matter. It is known that if a married couple have desire to have children, they have to have a strong bond, and act in sexual intimacy. This is a large step in marriage, and thus needs to be treated with respect and sacredness. The ability to have children is a miracle that we are able to have. Because of the sacredness and impact the act of sex has, it is vital for couples to refrain from the act outside of marriage. 

            This concept is not widely accepted in our current world. The act of sex is more often used as a means to find pleasure and physical intimacy. This is a very harmful mindset, as the consequences of sexual intimacy for the purpose of pleasure creates a casual relationship between the two persons. A casual relationship prevents the formation of meaningful, long-lasting relationships. The act of sex often represents partners committing themselves together, telling one another that they will be there for each other in ways that exclude sex. For example, partners who have strengthened their relationship through sex with only their significant other have a more meaningful relationship. This is because a casual relationship with sex implies that the act is done multiple times, over a period of time, with participants avoiding full commitment to one-another.

            This full commitment is vital for couples to be able to overcome any trials or struggles that they may experience through their marriage. These can include financial difficulties, communication issues, and many other conflicts. One of the most difficult trials that a couple can go through is the diagnosis of their child with Autism. According to Denise Mann in her article Parents of Autistic Kids at Risk of Divorce, “the divorce rate for parents of autistic children was 23.5%, compared with 13.8% among parents of children who did not have any disabilities”. It is vital for parents to have a strong, longstanding bond with one another as they begin to create a family together.         

            Another benefit to chastity is that it avoids the risk of pregnancy and childbirth before either party is ready. There are many cases today where couples partake in sexual acts with one another, and the woman consequently becomes pregnant. These young couples are often not financially stable enough to support a child, do not have a strong committed bond with one another, and are not mentally prepared for the responsibility of being a parent. These couples can resort to the act of abortion or adoption in these times, but I feel that it is best to avoid acts of sex at times where you are not ready for children.

            A risk brought about by sexual intimacy is Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). The easiest way to avoid STDs is to avoid sex before marriage, and to marry someone who has done the same. “According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 333 million new cases of STDs are reported in the world each year. The cost for health care to treat STDs is about $17 billion per year in the United States alone” (byu.edu). The consequences of STDs are very high and are seen more and more as less and less people abstain from sexual acts before marriage.

            Overall, it is clear that the act of sexual intimacy is a sacred and significant act that should be reserved for a time after marriage and reserved for your significant other only. This is to the benefit of you, your spouse, and your children.

 

Resources used:

Parents of Autistic Kids at Risk of Divorce? (webmd.com)

The Benefits of Chastity Before Marriage (byu.edu)