Chastity, Dignity and Assertiveness in Loving Relationships

Where is the love? chastity: often refers to celibacy (refraining from sex outside of marriage), but means general self-restraint in all areas Practising chastity keeps us safe and helps to maintain stable relationships The Church teaches that sexuality should be an expression of love between married people with the added purpose of procreation (making babies) Risks of sex outside of marriage… Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – more on these in the human sexuality unit! Child born into unstable family *This is not to say that these things always happen, but that there are increased odds A lack of self-restraint in any form can destabilize relationships – where did all the snacks go???

One of the ultimate acts of love that two people can do together: creating new life!

Where does God fit in our relationships? The Church teaches that God is the alpha and the omega (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, meaning “the beginning and the end) This means that by developing moral, chaste relationships with others, we develop one with God

Hold on; not every relationship is some happy-dappy fairy tale Hold on; not every relationship is some happy-dappy fairy tale! Love is pain – paaaaiiiinnnnnn! People have free will and don’t always love in ways that are chaste and selfless; when this happens you have to be assertive Rely on your support network Don’t be afraid to say no, whether that is to physical intimacy or any other behaviour that makes you uncomfortable Protect your own dignity and value the dignity of others, even those you don’t like Your best friend invites you to look at an answer key stolen from your saintly religion teacher’s desk. What would you say and do?

Careless Whispers Find a song that does not exemplify the Christian definition of love (remember 1 Corinthians 13:4) An example would be a song about a relationship based only on physical attraction and nothing more Change the song’s lyrics so that it does reflect a Christian love Two classes to prepare, one to present  include original lyrics for me to read Grading – 10 marks total Does the original song show an un-Christian love? (5 marks) Does the revised song show a “Christianized” love? (5 marks)