Posted by Gerry (65.93.90.176) on August 13, 2002 at 07:07:16:
In Reply to: Re: Chastity in Youth...what do the writings say? posted by pyne on July 27, 2002 at 18:24:54:
Chastity must be taken very seriously; but the actual rule could be stated as "no physical contact, or, more strictly, no physical or mental contact with the opposite sex outside of marriage."
The touching of hands can be, for many, an instantaneous arousal leading to some form of sensuality or sexuality - opposite of chastity.
Even staring into the eyes of a person whom you find beautiful, we can qualify as a non-physical, mental act, but this, too, leads to degrees of sensuality and sexuality. Even thinking of a person of the opposite gender in a sensual, affectionate or sexual way is the opposite of chastity.
To be chaste is to refrain from all physical contact, without exception.
To be mentally chaste is possible; if you have evolved to a point where you correctly view all people as God's children, without gender. Gender is for re-gen(d)eration and belongs in sanctified marriage. Sex as sex for its own sake, is also sinful. Sex with love and purpose within marriage is the Holy Rule.
Gerry
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