Sex - What does God have to do with it?
The Survey says ….. Part II
Part one the survey says was posted in August of this year. The sex survey completed by researchers at the University of Texas sought to determine why people have sex. The number one reason was because they were physically attracted to each other. The last reason people indicated they had sex was to get closer to God.
September marks the beginning of OCIA classes as well as adult education classes in many parishes. OCIA classes are offered to non Catholics who are searching and inquiring into the teachings and practices of the Catholic faith.
At some point during the inquiry process I present the Catholic teaching on sex and marriage. Marriage is a union between a man and women. This union is developed and enriched through sexual intercourse. In addition sexual intercourse provides the opportunity for the sexual union to provide for the birth of children.
The understanding that only married people are to engage in sex is met with approval if you are discussing teenagers having sex. Adults and parents have no problem saying amen to this teaching. When I tell them that if you are not married you are to abstain from sexual activity no matter your age or station in life they look at me and say you’re kidding? I am fifty years old and you are telling me I can’t have sex?
God has not provided a set of rules and regulations to keep us from enjoying sex. But sex outside marriage is not what is best for us. And God knows and wants what is best for us.
Teens and preteens having sex lead to pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. In addition children engaging in sex are not emotionally prepared for a relationship that includes sexual intercourse or the consequences that follow.
Adults in class will occasionally try to convince me that they unlike teens are old enough and emotionally mature enough to engage in sexual activity outside the bonds of marriage.
The sex survey indicates that nothing can be farther from the truth. We have sex because we are attracted to each other. It has been my experience that physical attraction outside the commitment that comes with the marriage bond is fickle. If you are introduced to an individual and discover you are more attracted to them than the one you are currently dating guess what it’s time for a change.
A recent survey indicated that women who date men they found through internet dating services are engaging in sex on the first date about twenty five percent of the time. The survey also indicated the women were engaging in unprotected sex. I can’t believe adults in this day and time participating in such risky activity. So needless to say the argument that mature adults should be allowed to engage in sex outside marriage won’t hold water.
The consequences of such behavior are obvious. The divorce rate is fifty percent. Why? Physical attraction cannot sustain the relationship through the hard times. Children are born into unstable families. Many are raised in single parent homes. Many single parents accept the consequences of their actions and do what is necessary to provide for their child. We need to remember these parents in our prayers. Others it seems are more concerned with what they consider to be best for them. They do not acknowledge responsibility for their acts and continue in a life style which tends to see history repeat itself. We need to remember these men women and children in our prayers. May God’s presence in their life be made know to them and may they be led to spiritual conversion. Lives lived apart from God are not the best choice. As Christians we are called to share the good news with the world so all may know the love of God.
God knows what is best for us, I see this demonstrated each day. The churches teachings are at times not easy to accept. But accepting them can keep us from the pain and heartache we experience when we focus on self.
The survey said the very last reason people have sex is to get closer to God. God being in last place, is it any wonder we have relegated having sex to simple physical attraction.
SEX: Anywhere, with any one, any time can only lead to trouble.
Part one the survey says was posted in August of this year. The sex survey completed by researchers at the University of Texas sought to determine why people have sex. The number one reason was because they were physically attracted to each other. The last reason people indicated they had sex was to get closer to God.
September marks the beginning of OCIA classes as well as adult education classes in many parishes. OCIA classes are offered to non Catholics who are searching and inquiring into the teachings and practices of the Catholic faith.
At some point during the inquiry process I present the Catholic teaching on sex and marriage. Marriage is a union between a man and women. This union is developed and enriched through sexual intercourse. In addition sexual intercourse provides the opportunity for the sexual union to provide for the birth of children.
The understanding that only married people are to engage in sex is met with approval if you are discussing teenagers having sex. Adults and parents have no problem saying amen to this teaching. When I tell them that if you are not married you are to abstain from sexual activity no matter your age or station in life they look at me and say you’re kidding? I am fifty years old and you are telling me I can’t have sex?
God has not provided a set of rules and regulations to keep us from enjoying sex. But sex outside marriage is not what is best for us. And God knows and wants what is best for us.
Teens and preteens having sex lead to pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. In addition children engaging in sex are not emotionally prepared for a relationship that includes sexual intercourse or the consequences that follow.
Adults in class will occasionally try to convince me that they unlike teens are old enough and emotionally mature enough to engage in sexual activity outside the bonds of marriage.
The sex survey indicates that nothing can be farther from the truth. We have sex because we are attracted to each other. It has been my experience that physical attraction outside the commitment that comes with the marriage bond is fickle. If you are introduced to an individual and discover you are more attracted to them than the one you are currently dating guess what it’s time for a change.
A recent survey indicated that women who date men they found through internet dating services are engaging in sex on the first date about twenty five percent of the time. The survey also indicated the women were engaging in unprotected sex. I can’t believe adults in this day and time participating in such risky activity. So needless to say the argument that mature adults should be allowed to engage in sex outside marriage won’t hold water.
The consequences of such behavior are obvious. The divorce rate is fifty percent. Why? Physical attraction cannot sustain the relationship through the hard times. Children are born into unstable families. Many are raised in single parent homes. Many single parents accept the consequences of their actions and do what is necessary to provide for their child. We need to remember these parents in our prayers. Others it seems are more concerned with what they consider to be best for them. They do not acknowledge responsibility for their acts and continue in a life style which tends to see history repeat itself. We need to remember these men women and children in our prayers. May God’s presence in their life be made know to them and may they be led to spiritual conversion. Lives lived apart from God are not the best choice. As Christians we are called to share the good news with the world so all may know the love of God.
God knows what is best for us, I see this demonstrated each day. The churches teachings are at times not easy to accept. But accepting them can keep us from the pain and heartache we experience when we focus on self.
The survey said the very last reason people have sex is to get closer to God. God being in last place, is it any wonder we have relegated having sex to simple physical attraction.
SEX: Anywhere, with any one, any time can only lead to trouble.
