Celibacy and why?

[Solomons Porch]

Definition of celibacy

1. 1: the state of not being married
   
   
2. 2a : abstention from sexual intercourse
   
   
3. b : abstention by vow from marriage

This is Websters definition of celibacy. I have noticed a lot lately that persons profile status is one of celibacy. So I have a few questions:

1. What brought you to the point of celibacy?
2. Is it a religious reason or due to life situations or personal convictions?
3. When you choose celibacy is it for life or is it temporary?
4. How do you handle the intimate issues that you feel when they arise if any?
5. IF married, does your partner do the same OR is celibacy NOT included in a marriage? Was there an agreement made?
6. Is celibacy in the bible and if so could you share the scriptures?
7. What has being celibate done for you in a positive way or negative way?
8. If you believe being celibate is not Godly or scriptural pertaining to marriage can you share scripture and why?


Mods if I posted in the wrong forum please feel free to move to proper location thank you and God bless

 

[High Fidelity]

Interesting question

I have wondered this myself recently because a lot of the people I see claiming celibacy... it seems more of a coping mechanism to make it seem like they're in control of the absence of those aspects of life as opposed to an act of righteousness.

That said, obviously that isn't the only reason so I am interested to learn what it means to others and what drove them to that position.

 

[Bluerose31]

1. What brought you to the point of celibacy?
I was brought to the point of celibacy after my kidnapping and rape.
2. Is it a religious reason or due to life situations or personal convictions?
Both. I became celibate because of trauma but I feel it has become a religious reason too. I am content to be alone and with God my whole life, it feels good to me now.
3. When you choose celibacy is it for life or is it temporary?
It is for life.
4. How do you handle the intimate issues that you feel when they arise if any?
I just write about any intimate issues that arise. I write about love and God, and it helps me heal if I have any pain of not having a partner.
5. IF married, does your partner do the same OR is celibacy NOT included in a marriage? Was there an agreement made?
I am not married.
6. Is celibacy in the bible and if so could you share the scriptures?
I am not sure if it is.
7. What has being celibate done for you in a positive way or negative way?
It has been positive for me. It has allowed me to grow closer to God and to heal from my trauma.
8. If you believe being celibate is not Godly or scriptural pertaining to marriage can you share scripture and why?
I feel celibacy is good for some people.

 

[bhsmte]

Interesting question

I have wondered this myself recently because a lot of the people I see claiming celibacy... it seems more of a coping mechanism to make it seem like they're in control of the absence of those aspects of life as opposed to an act of righteousness.

That said, obviously that isn't the only reason so I am interested to learn what it means to others and what drove them to that position.

Makes sense.

Since human physiology is driven for males and females to be attracted to each other (for obvious reasons), celibacy for any extended length of time, goes against the natural drive of most humans. We have this natural tendency, for one main reason and that is so the species will survive.

I would think, for those that are dedicated to celibacy for long periods of time and into adulthood, are doing so because of some deep fear and or a strong guilt they associate with not being celibate.

 

[Solomons Porch]

Makes sense.

Since human physiology is driven for males and females to be attracted to each other (for obvious reasons), celibacy for any extended length of time, goes against the natural drive of most humans. We have this natural tendency, for one main reason and that is so the species will survive.

I would think, for those that are dedicated to celibacy for long periods of time and into adulthood, are doing so because of some deep fear and or a strong guilt they associate with not being celibate.

What would happen IF WE ALL slowly decided to be celibate, then whose gonna keep the human population going forth, I know thats a far out there kinda question, but for real, if over a period of say 200 years what state of the world would we be in? I mean I know WE ALL are not gonna do that, but Im just curious as to how one gets to this point, not knocking anyone's decision at all, promise ya that!!

 

[Solomons Porch]

Interesting question

I have wondered this myself recently because a lot of the people I see claiming celibacy... it seems more of a coping mechanism to make it seem like they're in control of the absence of those aspects of life as opposed to an act of righteousness.

That said, obviously that isn't the only reason so I am interested to learn what it means to others and what drove them to that position.

Im wondering if its just religious or is it literally a personal decision, I have no knowledge of this and am wondering.

 

[archer75]

What would happen IF WE ALL slowly decided to be celibate, then whose gonna keep the human population going forth, I know thats a far out there kinda question, but for real, if over a period of say 200 years what state of the world would we be in? I mean I know WE ALL are not gonna do that, but Im just curious as to how one gets to this point, not knocking anyone's decision at all, promise ya that!!

Is the human race required to keep going?

 

[bhsmte]

What would happen IF WE ALL slowly decided to be celibate, then whose gonna keep the human population going forth, I know thats a far out there kinda question, but for real, if over a period of say 200 years what state of the world would we be in? I mean I know WE ALL are not gonna do that, but Im just curious as to how one gets to this point, not knocking anyone's decision at all, promise ya that!!

I am not sure that is possible, for the reasons I explained behind human physiology. The hormones that help to drive behavior in both males and females, are not going to change anytime soon and if they did, the human species, will go extinct before it otherwise would for other reasons.

Unless one is medicated to alter these hormones, the vast majority of people will not be celibate. Also, I also believe, some people who claim to be celibate, are not.

 

[brinny]

Definition of celibacy

1. 1: the state of not being married
   
   
2. 2a : abstention from sexual intercourse
   
   
3. b : abstention by vow from marriage

This is Websters definition of celibacy. I have noticed a lot lately that persons profile status is one of celibacy. So I have a few questions:

1. What brought you to the point of celibacy?
2. Is it a religious reason or due to life situations or personal convictions?
3. When you choose celibacy is it for life or is it temporary?
4. How do you handle the intimate issues that you feel when they arise if any?
5. IF married, does your partner do the same OR is celibacy NOT included in a marriage? Was there an agreement made?
6. Is celibacy in the bible and if so could you share the scriptures?
7. What has being celibate done for you in a positive way or negative way?
8. If you believe being celibate is not Godly or scriptural pertaining to marriage can you share scripture and why?


Mods if I posted in the wrong forum please feel free to move to proper location thank you and God bless

Interesting question.

Although i don't "announce" it, i am celibate.

Why do you ask?

 

[Solomons Porch]

Is the human race required to keep going?

Bible says to be fruitful and multiply

 

[Solomons Porch]

Im wondering if its just religious or is it literally a personal decision, I have no knowledge of this and am wondering.

Interesting question.

Although i don't "announce" it, i am celibate.

Why do you ask?

 

[brinny]

Is the human race required to keep going?

Excellent question.

 

[bhsmte]

Is the human race required to keep going?

No species is required to keep going. The best evidence of this is; 99% of the species that have been on earth, are extinct.

 

[Monna]

Celibacy (definition #2) can be forced on you, within the marriage context, as when your spouse unilaterally decides they no longer wish to share physical intimacy. If you respect your marriage vows the option of finding physical intimacy elsewhere is not available.
You can also have celibacy imposed on you by disease of disability.

So an additional angle to the questions may revolve around whether celibacy is
1. a functional issue - whether or not you want it, you can't physically have sex
2. a matter of the heart in which there is no desire for sexual intimacy but there is also a conviction that it is not for you.
3. an issue of respect - of your own marriage vows, and of your spouse's deliberate choice not to share physical intimacy.

Depending on your definition of "physical intimacy" you may feel that it is not quite the same as "sexual intimacy." Inverting the Chritian young person's question "How far can I go?" we could ask "when is celibacy really celibacy?"

In my case there are several factors. Some of these I simply accept, believing God can use the situation for good. Others have brought a deep sadness, and sorrow in a relationship. The "respect" factor is one of self-discipline, which hopefully will be good for me in the medium to long term. In the short term it has not made the relationship easier to sustain.

Good discussion topic SP!

 

[brinny]

in reading this thread, this comes to mind:

Is celibacy evil?

 

[bhsmte]

in reading this thread, this comes to mind:

Is celibacy evil?

Why would that come to mind?

 

[Solomons Porch]

Depending on your definition of "physical intimacy" you may feel that it is not quite the same as "sexual intimacy." Inverting the Chritian young person's question "How far can I go?" we could ask "when is celibacy really celibacy?"

Ugh I havent even considered that question BUT it is a good one, whats crossing the line in celibacy? Is that up to both partners or how does that work? This isnt directed towards you only Monna my friend but anyone who can offer insight into the matter.

 

[brinny]

brinny said: ↑
in reading this thread, this comes to mind:

Is celibacy evil?

Why would that come to mind?

That's what came to mind in reading this thread:

If it's a "problem" or a "concern" that some define themselves as "celibate"?

Yes, that question came to mind.

 

[Solomons Porch]

If I have a personal reason for asking this question because there is an issue in my mind and heart that is seeking resolve I have every right to ask. Thank you kindly!

 

[archer75]

Bible says to be fruitful and multiply

That order was given to two people and they certainly did their job there.

But if we were to take that as "it is forbidden to all humans not to reproduce," then any Christian denomination that allowed monasticism - or even being single - would be way out of line.

Edit: And even marital refusal of sex would have to be condemned in the strongest terms, and it really isn't (except sometimes in theory). And so would making young people not get married during all their most fertile years.