Chastity

For other uses, see Chastity (disambiguation).

Allegory of chastity by Hans Memling.

Chastity is sexual behavior of a man or woman acceptable to the ethical norms and guidelines of a culture, civilization, or religion.

In the western world, the term has become closely associated (and is often used interchangeably) with sexual abstinence, especially before marriage. However, the term remains applicable to persons in all states, single or married, clerical or lay, and has implications beyond sexual temperance.

Placed opposite the deadly sin of lust, Chastity has been classified as one of Seven virtues.

From Unmarried to Married

Assuming the observance of chastity, chastity is of particular relevance to the transition from unmarried to married status (here marriage is meant in the common heterosexual sense, not in the sense of spiritual marriage). Broadly, there are two approaches: courtship and arranged marriage.

Different cultures have implemented chastity in different ways. From the weak to the strong: Some take no objection to courtship or even casual sexual relationships. Some have implemented chastity with a double standard. Others have taken the view that marriages should be arranged and that any behavior which could be construed as courtship is taboo.

Antiquity

In ancient times the value of chastity was highly debated in both the homosexual and heterosexual spheres. In particular, Socrates was an advocate of chaste pedagogic relations between men and boys, in opposition to the sexually expressed pederastic relations relationships prevalent in his time. Plato, having transmitted many of these teachings, has become the eponym for this type of chastity, known today as Platonic love (as opposed to romantic love, parental love, sibling love, etc.).

"Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet." (Da mihi castitatem et continentiam, sed noli modo.) - Saint Augustine

In Abrahamic religions

In some Jewish, Christian and Islamic religious beliefs, acts of sexual nature are restricted to the context of marriage. For unmarried persons therefore, chastity is identified with sexual abstinence. Sexual acts outside or apart from marriage, such as adultery, fornication and prostitution, are considered sinful.

In the context of marriage, the spouses commit to a lifelong relationship which excludes the possibility of sexual intimacy with other persons. Chastity therefore involves marital fidelity. Within marriage, several practices are variedly considered unchaste, such as sexual intimacy during or shortly after menstruation or childbirth.

The particular ethical system may not prescribe each of these. For example, within the scope of Christian ethic, Roman Catholics view sex within marriage as chaste, but prohibit the use of artificial contraception as an offense against chastity, seeing contraception as contrary to God's will and design of human sexuality. Many Anglican churches allow for artificial contraception, seeing the restriction of family size as possibly not contrary to God's will. A stricter view is held by the Shakers, who prohibit marriage (and indeed sexual intercourse under any circumstances) as a violation of chastity.

Some Christian denominations, such as the Roman Catholic Church, have set up various rules regarding clerical celibacy, while others, such as Lutheran and Anglican churches, allow clergy to marry or even favour it.

In all Christian traditions, celibacy is required of monastics—monks, nuns and friars—even in a rare system of double cloisters, in which husbands could enter the (men's) monastery while their wives entered a (women's) sister monastery.

Vows of chastity can also be taken by laypersons, either as part of an organised religious life (such as Roman Catholic Beguines and Beghards) or on an individual basis, as a voluntary act of devotion and/or as part of an ascetic lifestyle, often devoted to contemplation. The voluntary aspect has led it to being included among the counsels of perfection.

Eastern religions

Hinduism: Hinduism's view on premarital sex is rooted in its concept of the stages of life. The first of these stages, known as brahmacharya, roughly translates as chastity. Celibacy is considered to be the appropriate behavior for both male and female students during this stage, which precedes the stage of the married householder. Many Sadhus (Hindu monks) are also celibate as part of their ascetic discipline. At the same time, it should be noted that prior to the arrival and spread of Islam in India, Hinduism was, by and large, a religion that celebrated the practice of sexuality within the context of marriage, producing famous manuals on the art of lovemaking such as the Kama Sutra. In classical Hinduism, sexual intercourse was seen as a sacred act.

Jainism: Although the Digambara followers of Jainism are celibate monks, most Jains belong to the Shevtambara sect, which allows spouses and children. The general Jain code of ethics requires that one do no harm to any living being in thought, action, or word. Adultery is clearly a violation of a moral agreement with one's spouse, and therefore forbidden, and fornication too is seen as a violation of the state of chastity.

Buddhism: The teachings of Buddhism include the noble eightfold path, involving a prohibition against sexual misconduct. All Theravada and most Mahayana Buddhist orders of monks and nuns are expected to be celibate, and the violation of this state is considered to produce very negative karmic consequences. The Vajrayana orders allow exceptions to this rule as an upaya (skill in means) in achieving higher stages of enlightenment. These orders may permit monks and nuns to marry and practice Tantric sex between them. Promiscuous and unskillful relations tainted by lust would be against the dharma. Hence, almost all Buddhist societies hold to traditional views about marriage and family life, considering both adultery and fornication to be unchaste acts.

Paganism: Pagans have no set rules against premarital sex, homosexuality, masturbation, or nudity. However, sex is viewed as the generative force in nature and is seen by most pagans as something utterly sacred. The physical act of love is to be approached with great respect and responsibility. While pre-marital sex is not forbidden, adultery may violate a sacred trust between man and woman, unless both parties stipulate otherwise.

Clothing

Acts which transgress chastity are usually intended to be a private matter. The main exception to this norm is the style of clothing worn because clothing can be used to broadcast a person's receptiveness to sexual advances. For this reason, cultures which attempt to foster chastity often employ a modest style of dress, especially for women.

Style of dress may be chosen for other reasons than chastity such as the desire to express one's individual identity, to conform to societal norms, for advertising a product, or for other reasons.

This is especially significant for virgins who may be influenced toward conceiving of sex separately from marriage instead of as an integrated part of marriage. See dress code.

See also

• Seven Heavenly Virtues

External links

• Catechism of the Catholic Church (III.2.I)
• Early Shaker Writings Relating to Sexual Abstinence
• Catholic Encyclopedia: Chastity