Celibacy is often viewed as a weakness in the world of today. Even kids are pressured at an incredibly early age to have sexual experiences. You are not considered to be a true man if you don't have sex, and virgins are viewed as aliens or "goodie-goodies."
It would seem to me that celibacy is a strength, not a weakness. After all, almost anyone can have sex, but it takes something more to resist temptation and not allow oneself to be seduced. What are your thoughts and opinions on this? How do you view celibacy, and how do you think the world views celibacy? Why is celibacy viewed to be so negative?
2006-06-30 07:57:03 · 12 answers · asked by Stephen 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree with you completely. Just about anybody can have sex. All you need is fully functioning genitals and a willing partner, the latter of which isn't hard to find these days. To have the self-control and moral courage to say "no" when sexually tempted, however... those are qualities much harder to come by.
The current "intentional virgins are weird" attitude is a relatively new one. In the days of ancient Rome, the Germans held chastity/celibacy to be a great virtue. The longer a young man could "hold out", the more manly and strong he was believed to be. The Christian religion has always put a great value on chastity and has said that permanent celibacy in the name of God is a noble thing for those who can manage it (Paul in particular made a point of this). The same attitude can be found in Islam and Buddhism.
No, the current view on sex vs. celibacy emerged gradually over the 20th century and became prominent in the 1960s. I think the attitude that celibacy is a negative thing comes from the "feel good", hedonistic turn that Western society has taken. "If it feels good, do it" has become the commandment by which most of our society lives. This attitude has become the norm, and as we all know, anybody who challenges the norm quickly becomes a target for ridicule.
The "goodie-goodie" label is one that has always been hurled at others by people with guilty consciences. They know that their actions are wrong, and it infuriates them that someone else can succeed (at controlling their baser instincts) where they have failed. The only option left to them is to try to make their deviant behavior seem normal, and they do that by belittling those who did what society considers right.
I think chastity still has some support in the Western world, but permanent celibacy is pretty much looked down on here. The thought that someone would not EVER have sex seems like blasphemy in a culture where sexuality plays such a large role. I think that chastity and permanent celibacy still hold high respect in most of the rest of the world, however, especially in the developing world.
My personal feeling is that EVERYONE should be chaste. It isn't unreasonable to be asked to keep your pants on until the wedding night. As for intentional, permanent celibacy (like Catholic clergy are pledged to), I think that should only be attempted by those with a lot of self-control. Like St. Paul said, "It is better to marry than to burn." On the other hand, if a person CAN manage it, then I say the more power to them. They have my respect.
2006-07-03 12:56:47 · answer #1 · answered by Baron Hausenpheffer 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I have no idea why celibacy is viewed so negatively. ANYONE can have sex, anyone! Its just that easy! But it takes a truly strong person to abstain in a society that glorifies promiscuity and such. I don't know how the world views celibacy but I think the United States view it as an alien idea. I think its viewed so negatively because so many have failed at it and just can't stay celibate.
2006-06-30 08:03:51 · answer #2 · answered by Candice H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Celibacy is very difficult. Most people can not over come their own internal desires let alone societies pressures so people stoop to their baser instincts. If you can not join them beat them. This actually applies to many of the "Christian hate issues" like gay marriage. If people have had all of history to get marriage right and can't (near 50% divorce rate) why should gay people ever have a chance? History has shown that if you have to fight for something you value it more. The gays may be more successful than straights at marriage. We can not have that.
Just like people sworn to celibacy are guaranteed not to have unplanned pregnancies or STD. We just can't have that.
2006-06-30 08:08:23 · answer #3 · answered by mike g 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because the world, as a whole, views 'experience' to be a good thing. Therefore, people want to be experienced in the sex area before they settle down with their partner for the duration of the relationship.
Personally, I think celibacy is a good thing. It takes discipline & determination to control yourself to the point where you don't allow it to become all-consuming.
2006-06-30 08:11:12 · answer #4 · answered by SingingStar7 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let's face it. Chastity is a hard thing to master. Most people can't do it, and that is probably a big reason as to why they would deride those who can and do.
But then, on the flip side, there are many who take on roles that require chastity (such as military service or the priesthood) but then fail at it, causing a lot of grief in the process. I'm thinking of the scandals that have struck both.
Like I said, it is difficult to master. But those who can should be commended, not ridiculed.
2006-06-30 08:01:33 · answer #5 · answered by evolver 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Celibacy is certainly a strength and not a weakness. However, since Gd said to 'be fruitful and multiply' to Adam and Eve, well before 'the Fall,' this indicates that Celibacy is not what Gd wants from His Creation.
A person should remain celibate until it is time to marry and have children, as Gd planned it. In this way, the person is not really celibate, but rather he or she is putting off until a more appropriate time for engaging in sexual activity, to marriage, when it is Holy and Sanctified by Gd.
2006-06-30 07:59:54 · answer #6 · answered by sfederow 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Simple answer: It's because of the blatant FAILURE of self-righteous and hypocritical church leaders and pastors who have been touting CELIBACY for millennia.
It's a good thing turned bad, is all. And how do you really 'un-ring' a bell that has tolled?? I hope you haven't been hiding behind some rocks and failed to see or hear the news lately...
Peace be with you!
2006-06-30 08:09:39 · answer #7 · answered by Arf Bee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i imagine that is of serious value and that i imagine that is an excellent sacrifice. that is something we are truly no longer all observed as to. Taking a vow would not advise your urges and thoughts disappear besides the undeniable fact that. It could be very puzzling. i'm no longer adverse to married clergymen besides the undeniable fact that. i imagine in spite of is brilliant for them is what could ensue. possibly it should not be needed, yet that opens up a great number of different subject matters- the position will they stay with their households? who is going to pay to develop all those youthful ones? The households should not be uprooted, yet usually clergymen want to be despatched the position there's a want. If he's needed at yet another parish, his total relations has to flow. Divorce isn't known by utilizing the Church, besides the undeniable fact that it takes position. that would reason complications too.
2016-10-14 00:13:22 · answer #8 · answered by tenuta 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter what others think. There is something to be said about someone who has integrity. Doing what is right for you is more important than being thought of as cool. Cool doesn't last as long as regrets do.
2006-06-30 08:02:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
a long time ago sex was seen as something wonderful. now evangelists fight like a ***** to stop it. you cannot stop nature
2 billion idiots believe in christianity. never underestimate the power of stupid people.
2006-06-30 08:03:06 · answer #10 · answered by brianna_the_angel777 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋