I. The virtue of chastity
A. Chasity and modesty
1. Chastity distinct from modesty/propriety, which is cultural.
2. Chastity is uniform across all times and cultures.
3. Confusion between these has led to discomfort and misunderstanding.
B. The standard for Christian chastity
1. Christian chastity is marital fidelity or total abstinence.
2. Chastity is contrary to our instincts and the most unpopular of virtues.
a. Sexual appetites greatly exceed the biological purpose.
b. Contraception has permitted far more sexual activity.
c. Society has become far more tolerant.
d. Sexual appetite grows with indulgence.
C. “Sex is nothing to be ashamed of.”
1. As a means of propagation and that it is pleasurable, Christians agree.
a. Christians hold the body to be one of God’s good creations.
b. Without the fall, sexual pleasure might be greater.
c. Christianity glorifies marriage.
2. As rampant sexual license in today’s culture, Christians disagree.
a. There is endless propaganda against chastity.
b. Industries use our sexual instincts to make money.
II. The desire for chastity
A. Today it is difficult to summon the desire for chastity.
1. We are told that sex is healthy and normal in all circumstances.
2. No help is given to distinguish the obsessions and excesses of sex.
3. We are told that perfect chastity is impossible.
4. For controlling natural instincts we need God’s help.
a. For each failure we ask forgiveness and try again.
b. We must not be satisfied with failure.
III. Confusion over sexual “repression”
A. Repression is a technical term of psychology, distinct from suppression.
B. Resisting sexual desire is not repression.
C. Attempting virtue brings light; indulgence brings fog.
IV. Chastity is not the center of Christian morals.
Discussion Questions: (pp. 94-103)
1. What is the evidence that, “If it feels good, do it,” is wrong? (pp. 97-98)
2. Explain the role of God’s forgiveness in unchastity. (p. 101)
3. Why do people think that Christians regard unchastity as the worst sin? (pp. 102-103)
A. Chasity and modesty
1. Chastity distinct from modesty/propriety, which is cultural.
2. Chastity is uniform across all times and cultures.
3. Confusion between these has led to discomfort and misunderstanding.
B. The standard for Christian chastity
1. Christian chastity is marital fidelity or total abstinence.
2. Chastity is contrary to our instincts and the most unpopular of virtues.
a. Sexual appetites greatly exceed the biological purpose.
b. Contraception has permitted far more sexual activity.
c. Society has become far more tolerant.
d. Sexual appetite grows with indulgence.
C. “Sex is nothing to be ashamed of.”
1. As a means of propagation and that it is pleasurable, Christians agree.
a. Christians hold the body to be one of God’s good creations.
b. Without the fall, sexual pleasure might be greater.
c. Christianity glorifies marriage.
2. As rampant sexual license in today’s culture, Christians disagree.
a. There is endless propaganda against chastity.
b. Industries use our sexual instincts to make money.
II. The desire for chastity
A. Today it is difficult to summon the desire for chastity.
1. We are told that sex is healthy and normal in all circumstances.
2. No help is given to distinguish the obsessions and excesses of sex.
3. We are told that perfect chastity is impossible.
4. For controlling natural instincts we need God’s help.
a. For each failure we ask forgiveness and try again.
b. We must not be satisfied with failure.
III. Confusion over sexual “repression”
A. Repression is a technical term of psychology, distinct from suppression.
B. Resisting sexual desire is not repression.
C. Attempting virtue brings light; indulgence brings fog.
IV. Chastity is not the center of Christian morals.
Discussion Questions: (pp. 94-103)
1. What is the evidence that, “If it feels good, do it,” is wrong? (pp. 97-98)
2. Explain the role of God’s forgiveness in unchastity. (p. 101)
3. Why do people think that Christians regard unchastity as the worst sin? (pp. 102-103)
No comments:
Post a Comment
In your comment, please mention which discussion question or questions you are referring to.