Let's Talk About Sex (And Not Having It)

Most readers here are probably familiar with the benefits of saving sex for marriage.

John Paul II’s Theology of the Body teaching has brought greater understanding and more widespread embracing of the Catholic Church teaching of sex being reserved for one man and one woman within marriage, rooted in the dignity of the human person and the sanctity of sex.

But how many of you would guess that a mainstream news source ran a piece titled “Why NOT having sex might be good for you”? And that that piece had 2,000 people recommend it on Facebook and dozens of comments in support of this proposal.

While this piece was not Catholic teaching or Theology of the Body in mainstream language, it was refreshing to see this topic addressed on a mainstream news site (no matter how conservative it's known to be).

Here's a snip of the column, written by comedian Steven Crowder.

Listen, one doesn’t need to be religious (nor a rocket scientist) to see the value of abstinence. Let’s disregard the immediately eliminated risk of increasingly common STDs and STIs. Heck, let’s even discount the statistical data showing that sexual exclusivity seems overwhelmingly conducive to a successful marriage. Abstinence also provides an incomparable bond of trust in a relationship.

Yes, I admit it: I’m in a long-term relationship and I’m abstinent. Scandalous, I know. It’s an incredibly difficult thing to do (mostly for me, because she’s way out of my league), and that’s what makes it so important.

I can tell you beyond any doubt that my lady is able to control herself and stick to her values regardless of circumstance. Just as surely, she can say the same about me (Ben&Jerry’s benders notwithstanding). It is that display of self-control, that tangible example of living your principles through your life’s walk that assures her that I won’t be jumping on the first well-proportioned opportunity that comes my way.

Strong trust is the result of this self control, admits Crowder. That, and what he anticipates will be a much more liberating sex life based on trust, loyalty, and open communication – not too far off from what the church would say as well.

Again, nice to see a mainstream source running this type of piece. I think all our relationships could use a little more trust, loyalty, and open communication, and sometimes it takes a little honesty to get to that place.

Kudos to Stephen Crowder for being honest in his column – this reader appreciated it!