God’s gift of Sexuality 6th & 9th Commandments

Word Web: Chastity

Question: How do we know that our bodies are important and deserve reverence and respect? Clue: Resurrection Answers:

Two themes in this chapter Sexuality is good Sexuality can be misused

Key Terms Chastity – Moral virtue which provides for the successful integration of sexuality within one’s whole identity, leading to the inner unity of the physical and spiritual wellbeing. (CCC 2337) Healthy integration of sexuality into one’s total person, body and spirit; responsible sexual expression. The virtue that helps us control our sexual desires and use them according to our situation in life. Not to be confused with abstinence or celibacy.

Exit Slip 1. Define Chastity 2. What two meanings does our body have? (JPII) 2. What is a violation of chastity?

  “Many in the time of Christ felt it was impossible for a man and woman to be truly united in a permanent bond of marriage.” (According to Rite of marriage text) Reflect on this statement in writing using the following questions: ❏ Would many agree that it is also impossible today for a man and woman to be truly united in a permanent bond of marriage? ❏ Whether or not it is possible, do you wish it to be possible for your family? ❏ Into what kind of marriage bond do you think your own children will want to be born?

GRAPHIC ORGANIZER Complete the following graphic to organize the material on sins against Chastity. Sin Definition Offends Against Effect on Individual/Society

A culture of chastity begins with individual action A culture of chastity begins with individual action. What are some ways you can promote the dignity of the gift of sexuality by practicing chastity in your daily life? Journal 4/5/2017

What do our bodies tell us about God’s plan for us?

What is Theology of the Body? TOB literally means the study of God through our bodies. In other words, what does my body reveal about God’s plan? We believe we were made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis) this is called Imago Dei Therefore, our bodies must reveal something about our maker and our purpose.

What is Theology of the Body? TOB is a collection of 129 short talks – called General Audiences – proclaimed by Pope Saint John Paul II It seeks to answer two questions: What does it mean to be human? How do I live my life in a way that brings true happiness and fulfillment?

What is the unitive aspect of sexuality What is the unitive aspect of sexuality? What is the procreative aspect of sexuality? The unitive aspect of sexuality is the expression of complementary love between a husband and wife that renews their marital covenant. The procreative aspect of sexuality is the begetting of new life in cooperation with God, who infuses a unique human soul. * Todays culture tends to focus more on the first one.

TOB calls these meanings Nuptial and Generative Our bodies teach us about the spiritual and divine. Nuptial – something related to marriage. Generative – power of producing new life.

“The heart has become a battlefield between… Love Lust” Respond: What does he mean by this? 23 July 1980 General Audience of Pope Saint John Paul II

Sexuality is Good We are not just souls, nor just bodies. We are both Sexuality is Good We are not just souls, nor just bodies. We are both. God created human beings good. Therefore, sexuality is good. When sexuality integrates love and divine purpose it is Holy. But remember, Sexuality can be misused

Sexuality can be misused Concupiscence – the tendency of all human beings toward sin as a result of Original sin. Lust – disordered desire for or inordinate enjoyment of sexual pleasure. Sexual desire apart from God’s love – it seeks its own pleasure at the expense of another. Sexuality can be misused aka Violations of Chastity

Why did God create each person either male or female?

Why did God create each human person as male or female? God made humans male and female and created lifelong, exclusive, and loving marriage as the way to bring new human persons into the world. Men and women are complimentary creatures.

Men and women are created by God with equal dignity Men and women are created by God with equal dignity. They are complementary beings. Complementary means making up what is lacking in another.

Purposes of Sex To achieve loving union/ To share Joy and pleasure To create new life If any one of these aspects is missing, God’s plan is derailed. All aspects are integrated and essential. N.B. similar to the fourth commandment, the Holy Trinity is also a model for co- creation. Purposes of Sex

Commandments 6th Commandment “You shall not commit adultery.” Adultery – sexual activity between two persons, at least one of whom is married to another. 9th Commandment “You shall not covet your neighbors wife/husband.” Prohibits us from selfish desire Encourages us to have temperance in our thoughts and using our will to overcome disordered desires.

Why is marriage the naturally ordered place for sexuality?

What did Christ Do for Marriage? Christ restored marriage to its original meaning, ruling out divorce, which Moses had permitted. “so they are no longer two, but one flesh” (Mt 19)

Holy Sexual Expression According to the article, in order for a sexual expression to be Holy, what three elements must be present? Fill-in the diagram below. Holy Sexual Expression

What are two basic properties of marriage? Exclusivity Indissolubility Why is marriage exclusive? Because marriage is a total self‑giving of one spouse to the other, there is no room for someone to give himself or herself to another person. Why is marriage indissoluble? Indissolubility means the couple commits for their earthly lives. They cannot ever be un-united unless by the death of a spouse. They are called to grow in fidelity to their promise.

Effect on individual/society GRAPHIC ORGANIZER Complete the following graphic to organize the material on Sins Against Marriage Sin Definition Offends against Effect on individual/society Adultery More than one spouse A cultural understanding that nothing merits lifelong commitment The lifelong commitment to one another Separate the sexual act from the purpose of procreation

Violations of Marriage Adultery – sexual activity between two persons at least one of whom is married to another person. Polygamy – having more than one spouse. Divorce – the civil dissolution of a marriage Incest – sexual relations between people who are so closely related that the law forbids them to marry. Free Unions – extended relationships where couples choose not to have their commitment formalized or sanctioned. Methods of Artificial Contraception – separate the sexual act from procreation and thus are morally unacceptable.

Lust is disordered desire for sexual gratification. Self-serving Love is “to will the good of the other.” It is not a feeling/emotion. JPII adds it is a gift of self

The Vows of Marriage Freely “Have you come here freely? Fully/Totally And without reservation?” Faithfully “Will you love and honor each other for the rest of your lives? Fruitfully “Will you accept children lovingly from God?” “The opposite of love is not hate; the opposite of love is use.” - JPII

4 Main characteristics of marriage Totality Spouses give of themselves completely to one another, both physically and spiritually Indissolubility Marital union cannot be broken; it demands complete fidelity, or faithfulness, because of the definitive giving of self. Unity Spouses are united in their bodies, in a total giving of self: “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body.” (Gn 2:24) Fruitfulness A total, united, faithful union is open to the call to be life-giving

Love vs. Infatuation Attacks against the Dignity of Marriage Covenant Love Convenient Love Rational Irrational Thought–based Felling–based Goal: Joy Goal: Happiness Goal: Pleasure of another Goal: Self–pleasure Sex as an expression of love Sex as an act of passion Love as choice Love as feeling Unconditional Conditional Controversy processed Controversy avoided Divorce is not an option Divorce is an option Marriage is a living promise Marriage is a piece of paper Love is what we do Love is what we do … until something better comes along You/us Me Forever For as long as it feels good Secure Insecure Attacks against the Dignity of Marriage