The Deeply Formed Life: Five Transformative Values to Root Us in the Way of Jesus

by Rich Villodas

To have our lives deeply formed toward sexual wholeness, we must discern and distinguish these two kinds of sexuality. Otherwise, we aim our desires in directions that aren’t meant to meet the longings of our souls. For example, many in our culture have assumed that the desire to truly belong and be seen by another requires an act of genital sexuality. In the process, we dangerously open ourselves up to others in the most vulnerable way (nakedness) to meet a need that doesn’t require us to take off our clothes. As Dawn wrote, “I am convinced that, if the Church could provide more thorough affection and care for persons, many would be less likely to turn falsely to genital sexual expression for the social support they need.”