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Cassie's Reviews > Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity
Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity
by Lauren F. Winner
by Lauren F. Winner
I am so surprised at my response to this book thus far! I have only read a couple chapters, and I think the 2nd half will be much better (which is the practical stuff on practicing chastity). But thus far I am absolutely not compelled by her theological arguments. She's coming from a very "radical orthodoxy" perspective, which I generally find distasteful. She's arguing that Christians shouldn't have sex outside of marriage simply b/c that's the way the Bible says it should be, way back in Genesis. And that, while sex is natural and good, our original sin has deformed the goodness of those natural desires, so they can't be trusted.
But I am more persuaded by Mathew Fox and by Celtic spirituality which makes a case for original BLESSING rather than original SIN. The concept of original sin didn't take hold until 4th Century A.D.!!!
[Side note: While I'm not persuaded by her theological argument for preserving sex for marriage, I am nonetheless very persuaded by many secular arguments, like STD's, unwanted pregnancy, emotional havoc that can accompany that level of physical intimacy w/o a parallel degree of commitment, etc.]
But I am more persuaded by Mathew Fox and by Celtic spirituality which makes a case for original BLESSING rather than original SIN. The concept of original sin didn't take hold until 4th Century A.D.!!!
[Side note: While I'm not persuaded by her theological argument for preserving sex for marriage, I am nonetheless very persuaded by many secular arguments, like STD's, unwanted pregnancy, emotional havoc that can accompany that level of physical intimacy w/o a parallel degree of commitment, etc.]
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Zachariah
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Jan 08, 2011 04:59PM
Well if you're a Christian, then believing a theology of Chasity is the only option. If you're not, you shouldn't be reading the book.
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Strongly disagree, Zachariah. None of the requirements for being a Christian involve specific beliefs about premarital sex.
Besides the fact that anyone can believe anything no matter how inconsistent and no matter how much was made up on the spot based on one's feelings. Assuming that fundamentally a Christian believes that Jesus is God and his word is law, and considering 99% of Christians also hold the other teachings in the bible as spiritual moral law, and since both of these have very clear things to say about adultery and fornication, then I don't see how being a Christian doesn't involve specific beliefs about premarital sex.
Celtic spirituality is very new age and pagan. It certainly does not mesh with Christianity. We are to pick up our cross and walk with Jesus on the narrow path that leads to heaven. We are not to make rationalization for giving into our carnal desires outside of marriage (that's the Devils line of thinking... Do what thow wilt) Sex is such a powerful creative act and spiritual bond that brings a new immortal soul into existence so with this tremendous gift comes tremendous responsibility. He therfore intended for us to chanel all of this pent up energy and desire in the bond of marriage. This leads to stable healthy families and is what is best for the children. Family units are the building blocks of civilization. Broken families make for a broken society. Look around society today. It's falling apart. Gods precepts are wise and good. It may initially grate againgst our inner desires precisely because we ARE fallen spiritualy. This misalignment with Gods will for us is called concupicense. Therefore praying, fasting, and penence are excelent ways for us to quite down our passions and walking with Christ. It's tough but worth it with much deep and lasting joy in this life and the next. That's why they say narrow is the path that leads to heaven. Ultimately God is a God of Joy! He wants what will give us lasting peace but to do so we must follow HIS ways which often is tough. We are called to become spiritually Heroic! If you're wondering I'm Catholic which is the one true apostolic church founded by Jesus. May God bless you generously.
