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What is Chastity?

 

Chastity is a concept that encompasses the practice of abstaining from sexual intercourse and other sexual activities, often guided by moral, spiritual, or personal beliefs. It is frequently associated with various religious traditions, where it is seen as a virtue that promotes purity, self-control, and respect for oneself and others. Chastity can manifest in different forms, including celibacy, fidelity within marriage, and the conscious decision to refrain from sexual relations outside of committed partnerships. The underlying principle of chastity is to honor and protect the sanctity of human sexuality, which is viewed as a powerful and profound aspect of human existence.

 

 

Why is Chastity important?

 

The importance of chastity can be understood through various lenses, including ethical, psychological, and social perspectives. Ethically, chastity is often seen as a means of upholding moral values and fostering respect for oneself and others. It encourages individuals to consider the implications of their sexual choices, promoting a sense of responsibility and accountability. Psychologically, practicing chastity can lead to greater self-discipline and control over one's impulses, which can enhance overall emotional well-being. Additionally, from a social standpoint, chastity can contribute to healthier relationships, as it encourages individuals to engage in deeper connections based on mutual respect and trust rather than purely physical attraction. In many cultures, chastity is also linked to the idea of preserving one's dignity and self-worth, making it a significant topic of discussion in both personal and communal contexts.

 

 

How can Chastity help us?

 

Chastity can offer numerous benefits to individuals who choose to embrace this practice. Firstly, it can lead to improved mental clarity and focus, as the distraction of sexual pursuits is minimised, allowing individuals to devote their energy to personal growth, education, and other pursuits that enrich their lives. Furthermore, practicing chastity can foster a deeper understanding of one's own values and desires, leading to a more profound sense of identity and purpose. This self-awareness can enhance decision-making skills and promote healthier life choices. Chastity also encourages individuals to build relationships based on emotional intimacy and mutual respect rather than solely physical attraction, resulting in more fulfilling and lasting connections. Ultimately, the practice of chastity can empower individuals to live authentically and align their actions with their core beliefs and values.

 

 

How can Chastity help others?

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Chastity not only benefits the individual but also has the potential to positively impact those around them. By embodying the principles of chastity, individuals can serve as role models within their communities, inspiring others to reflect on their own values and choices regarding sexuality and relationships. This ripple effect can contribute to a culture that prioritises respect, consent, and emotional connection over mere physical gratification. Moreover, when individuals practice chastity, they often cultivate healthier relationships that are based on trust and mutual understanding, which can create a supportive environment for friends, family, and partners. This fosters a sense of community where individuals feel valued and respected, ultimately leading to stronger bonds and a greater sense of belonging. The practice of chastity can help create a more compassionate and understanding society, where individuals are encouraged to engage in meaningful relationships that honour the complexities of human connection.

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What does Abrahamic Scripture teach about 'Chastity?'

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Jewish scripture, particularly the Torah and the teachings found within the Talmud, place significant emphasis on the concept of chastity, which is often intertwined with the broader themes of sexual morality, family purity, and personal conduct. Chastity in Jewish thought is not merely about abstaining from sexual relations; it encompasses a holistic approach to relationships and sexuality, emphasising the importance of fidelity, respect, and the sanctity of marital bonds. The Torah outlines specific laws regarding sexual behaviour, including prohibitions against adultery and incest, which serve to protect the integrity of family units and communal relationships. Furthermore, the concept of 'niddah,' or the laws of family purity, highlights the importance of physical and spiritual separation during certain times, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for intimacy within the confines of marriage. Overall, Jewish teachings advocate for a respectful and responsible approach to sexuality, encouraging individuals to view chastity as a virtue that strengthens both personal character and communal bonds.

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In addition to scriptural teachings, rabbinic literature expands on the importance of chastity by discussing the ethical implications of sexual conduct and its impact on one's spiritual state. Chastity is seen as a means of elevating oneself and maintaining a connection to God, reflecting a commitment to living a life of holiness and moral integrity. The practice of modesty, both in behaviour and dress, is also closely related to the concept of chastity, as it serves to uphold dignity and respect in interpersonal interactions. Through these teachings, Jewish scripture advocates for a balanced perspective on sexuality, one that honours both the physical and spiritual dimensions of human relationships.

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So, the Jewish perspective on chastity encompasses a range of teachings that promote ethical behaviour, personal responsibility, and deep respect for the sanctity of human relationships.

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According to Christian scripture- Christ emphasised the importance of purity of heart and the sanctity of marriage. Chastity, in the Christian context, is often understood as a commitment to sexual abstinence outside of marriage and fidelity within it. Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount, addresses the issue of lust, stating that even looking at someone with lustful intent is akin to committing adultery in one’s heart. This profound teaching elevates the concept of chastity beyond mere physical actions, urging followers to cultivate purity of thought and intention.

 

The Christian understanding of chastity is not solely about abstaining from sexual activity; it also encompasses a broader call to live a life of holiness, reflecting Christ's love and teachings in all aspects of life. This includes fostering healthy relationships that are grounded in mutual respect, love, and commitment.

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Additionally, the Church has historically upheld the value of chastity as a virtue that extends beyond the confines of marriage, promoting the idea that all individuals, regardless of their state of life, are called to live chastely according to their circumstances. This perspective encourages a holistic understanding of chastity that includes emotional and spiritual dimensions, inviting individuals to seek a deeper relationship with God and to express love in ways that honour both themselves and others.

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So in summary- Christian teachings on chastity advocate for a life of purity, fidelity, and love, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the moral guidance provided by the Church.

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The Quran places a strong emphasis on the concept of chastity, presenting it as a fundamental aspect of moral and ethical conduct for both men and women. In Islamic teachings, chastity is closely linked to the ideas of modesty, integrity, and the preservation of family honour. The Quran explicitly instructs believers to guard their private parts and to engage in relationships that are lawful and respectful, highlighting the importance of sexual relations within the confines of marriage. Verses such as Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:5-7) and Surah An-Nur (24:30-31) underscore the significance of maintaining chastity and modesty, encouraging both men and women to lower their gaze and dress modestly as a means of protecting their dignity and that of others.

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The concept of chastity in Islam is not limited to physical actions but is also understood to include the intentions and thoughts of individuals. The Quran teaches that true chastity involves a commitment to righteousness and the avoidance of temptation, thereby fostering a society built on mutual respect and moral integrity.

 

The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad further elaborate on the importance of chastity, emphasising that it is a means of achieving spiritual purity and closeness to God. The Prophet encouraged believers to marry as a means of fulfilling their natural desires within a lawful framework, thereby promoting a healthy and balanced approach to sexuality.

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In addition to these teachings, Islamic law (Sharia) provides guidelines for maintaining chastity, including the prohibition of premarital and extramarital sexual relations, which are considered sinful. The emphasis on chastity serves to protect individuals and families from the potential harms associated with promiscuity, such as emotional distress and social instability.

 

Overall, the Quran's teachings on chastity reflect a comprehensive moral framework that seeks to cultivate a society grounded in respect, dignity, and the sanctity of marital relationships.

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How can we become more 'Chaste?'

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Here are practical steps to develop chastity:

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1. Self-Reflection and Awareness

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• Evaluate your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours regarding sexuality and relationships.

• Identify areas where you struggle with chastity.

• Set specific goals for improvement.

• Utilise journaling to articulate thoughts and track progress over time.

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2. Education

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• Learn about the emotional, psychological, and physical implications of sexual relationships.

• Engage with literature on healthy relationships and chastity.

• Attend workshops or participate in discussions to gain insights.

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3. Cultivation of Virtues

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• Practice patience, kindness, and self-discipline in everyday situations.

• Set boundaries in interactions to avoid compromising your values.

• Strengthen your character to resist temptations.

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4. Build a Supportive Community

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• Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share similar values.

• Participate in faith-based groups or community organisations that prioritise chastity.

• Engage in friendship circles that promote respect in relationships.

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5. Prayer and Meditation

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• Incorporate prayer and meditation into your daily routine.

• Use these practices for introspection and seeking guidance.

• Engage in spiritual practices to reinforce commitment to chastity.

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6. Embrace the Journey

• Recognise that the journey towards chastity is ongoing.

• Commit to continuous effort and reflection.

• Be open to growth and deeper connections with yourself and others.

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Scripture Quotes on Chastity

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“You shall not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14

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‘And Mary the daughter of 'Imran, who guarded her chastity; and We breathed into (her body) of Our spirit; and she testified to the truth of the words of her Lord and of His Revelations, and was one of the devout (servants).’ Quran 66:12

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And [mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed God has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds. Quran 3:42

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And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man. She said, "Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of God." He said, "I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy." She said, "How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?" He said, "Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, 'It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.' Quran 19:16:21

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'And the angels called to him, standing in the Sanctuary at worship, "Lo, God gives thee good tidings of John, who shall confirm a Word of God, a chief, and chaste, a Prophet, righteous."' Quran 3:39

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’It came about after these events that his master's wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, "Lie with me." But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. "There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?" read more. As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her. Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside. She caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me!" And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside. When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled outside, she called to the men of her household and said to them, "See, he has brought in a Hebrew to us to make sport of us; he came in to me to lie with me, and I screamed. "When he heard that I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled and went outside." So she left his garment beside her until his master came home. Then she spoke to him with these words, "The Hebrew slave, whom you brought to us, came in to me to make sport of me; and as I raised my voice and screamed, he left his garment beside me and fled outside." Now when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, "This is what your slave did to me," his anger burned. So Joseph's master took him and put him into the jail, the place where the king's prisoners were confined; and he was there in the jail.’ Genesis 39:7-20

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‘This day are (all) good things made lawful for you. The food of those who have received the Scripture is lawful for you, and your food is lawful for them. And so are the virtuous women of the believers and the virtuous women of those who received the Scripture before you (lawful for you) when ye give them their marriage portions and live with them in honour, not in fornication, nor taking them as secret concubines. Whoso denieth the faith, his work is vain and he will be among the losers in the Hereafter.’ Quran 5:5

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‘Remember the one who guarded her chastity. We breathed into her from Our Spirit and made her and her son a sign for all people.’ Quran 21:91

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‘And who guard their private parts.’ Quran 23:5

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‘And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses - lash them with eighty lashes and do not accept from them testimony ever after. And those are the defiantly disobedient..’ Quran 24:4

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‘How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your Word.’ Psalm 119:9

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‘Let those who cannot find someone to marry maintain chastity until God makes them rich through His favors. Let the slaves who want to buy their freedom have an agreement with you in writing if you find them to be virtuous. Give them money out of God's property which He has given to you. Do not force your girls into prostitution to make money if they want to be chaste. If they have been compelled to do so, God will be All-Merciful and All-Forgiving to them.’ Quran 24:33

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Lo! men who surrender unto God, and women who surrender, and men who believe and women who believe, and men who obey and women who obey, and men who speak the truth and women who speak the truth, and men who persevere (in righteousness) and women who persevere, and men who are humble and women who are humble, and men who give alms and women who give alms, and men who fast and women who fast, and men who guard their modesty and women who guard (their modesty), and men who remember God much and women who remember - God hath prepared for them forgiveness and a vast reward.’ Quran 33:35

 

 

‘...who guard their carnal desires’ Quran 70:29

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‘For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.’ Mathew 15:19

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‘How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your Word.’ Psalm 119:9

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‘When he reached his maturity, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. We thus reward the righteous. She in whose house he was living tried to seduce him. She shut the doors, and said, “I am yours.” He said, “God forbid! He is my Lord. He has given me a good home. Sinners never succeed.” She desired him and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. It was thus that We diverted evil and indecency away from him. He was one of Our loyal servants. As they raced towards the door, she tore his shirt from behind. At the door, they ran into her husband. She said, “What is the penalty for him who desired to dishonor your wife, except imprisonment or a painful punishment?” He said, “It was she who tried to seduce me.” A witness from her household suggested: “If his shirt is torn from the front: then she has told the truth, and he is the liar. But if his shirt is torn from the back: then she has lied, and he is the truthful.” And when he saw that his shirt was torn from the back, he said, “This is a woman's scheme. Your scheming is serious indeed. “Joseph, turn away from this. And you, woman, ask forgiveness for your sin; you are indeed in the wrong.” Some ladies in the city said, “The governor's wife is trying to seduce her servant. She is deeply in love with him. We see she has gone astray.” And when she heard of their gossip, she invited them, and prepared for them a banquet, and she gave each one of them a knife. She said, “Come out before them.” And when they saw him, they marveled at him, and cut their hands. They said, “Good God, this is not a human, this must be a precious angel.” She said, “Here he is, the one you blamed me for. I did try to seduce him, but he resisted. But if he does not do what I tell him to do, he will be imprisoned, and will be one of the despised.” He said, “My Lord, prison is more desirable to me than what they call me to. Unless You turn their scheming away from me, I may yield to them, and become one of the ignorant.” Thereupon his Lord answered him, and diverted their scheming away from him. He is the Hearer, the Knower. Then it occurred to them, after they had seen the signs, to imprison him for a while.’ Quran 12:22-35 

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Abimelech said, "What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us." So Abimelech charged all the people, saying, "He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death." Genesis 26:10-11

 

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‘The adulterer shall not marry save an adulteress or an idolatress, and the adulteress none shall marry save an adulterer or an idolater. All that is forbidden unto believers.’ Quran 24:3

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The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; He who is cursed of the Lord will fall into it. Proverbs 22:14

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For the lips of an adulteress drip honey And smoother than oil is her speech; But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death, Her steps take hold of Sheol. read more.

She does not ponder the path of life; Her ways are unstable, she does not know it. Now then, my sons, listen to me And do not depart from the words of my mouth. Keep your way far from her And do not go near the door of her house, Or you will give your vigor to others And your years to the cruel one; And strangers will be filled with your strength And your hard-earned goods will go to the house of an alien; And you groan at your final end, When your flesh and your body are consumed; Proverbs 5:3-11

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Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths. For many are the victims she has cast down, And numerous are all her slain. Her house is the way to Sheol, Descending to the chambers of death. Proverbs 7:25-27

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My son, keep my words And treasure my commandments within you. Keep my commandments and live, And my teaching as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. read more.

Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," And call understanding your intimate friend; That they may keep you from an adulteress, From the foreigner who flatters with her words. Proverbs 7:1-5

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...’ but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’ Mathew 5:28

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‘I have made a covenant with my eyes; How then could I gaze at a virgin?’ Job 31:1

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...’and wedded women, save what your right hands own. So God prescribes for you. Lawful for you, beyond all that, is that you may seek, using your wealth, in wedlock and not in licence. Such wives as you enjoy thereby, give them their wages apportionate; it is no fault in you in your agreeing together, after the due apportionate. God is All-knowing, All-Wise.. ‘ Quran 4:24

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‘Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it goes down smoothly; At the last it bites like a serpent And stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things And your mind will utter perverse things.’ Proverbs 21:31-33

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And I discovered more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are chains. One who is pleasing to God will escape from her, but the sinner will be captured by her. Ecclesiastes 7:26

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‘Those who slander the unaware but chaste and believing women (of committing unlawful carnal relations) are condemned in this life and in the life hereafter. They will suffer a great punishment..’ Quran 24:23

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‘And say to the believing women, that they cast down their eyes' and guard their private parts, and reveal not their adornment save such as is outward; and let them cast their veils over their bosoms, and not reveal their adornment save to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husbands' fathers, or their sons, or their husbands' sons, or their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or what their right hands own, or such men as attend them, not having sexual desire, or children who have not yet attained knowledge of women's private parts; nor let them stamp their feet, so that their hidden ornament may be known. And turn all together to God, O you believers; haply so you will prosper.’ Quran 24:31

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It came about after these events that his master's wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, "Lie with me." But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. "There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?" read more.

As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her. Genesis 39:7-10

 

 

Now when evening came David arose from his bed and walked around on the roof of the king's house, and from the roof he saw a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful in appearance. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, "Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" David sent messengers and took her, and when she came to him, he lay with her; and when she had purified herself from her uncleanness, she returned to her house. 2 Samuel 11:2-4

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‘Do not desire her beauty in your heart: Nor let her capture you with her eyelids.’ Proverbs 6:25

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‘Then he said, "May you be blessed of the LORD, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich. "Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence.’ Ruth 3:10-11

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‘...who guard their carnal desires’ Quran 70:29

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• Leviticus 18:1-5 - The Lord commands the Israelites to follow His decrees and laws, emphasizing the importance of obeying them to live a holy life.

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• Leviticus 18:6-18 - Prohibitions against incestuous relationships, detailing specific familial relationships that are forbidden.

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• Leviticus 18:19 - A prohibition against sexual relations during a woman's menstrual period.

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• Leviticus 18:20 - A prohibition against adultery, highlighting the sanctity of marriage.

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• Leviticus 18:21 - A prohibition against offering children to Molech, which is associated with idolatry and immorality.

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• Leviticus 18:22 - A prohibition against homosexual relations, described as an abomination.

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• Leviticus 18:23 - A prohibition against bestiality, emphasising the sanctity of human sexuality.

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• Leviticus 18:24-30 - Warnings about the consequences of violating these laws, including divine judgment and the need to maintain holiness in the land.

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• Deuteronomy 22:13-30: This passage addresses laws concerning sexual morality, particularly focusing on accusations of a woman's virginity at marriage, the consequences of false accusations, and the laws related to various sexual offenses, including adultery and incest.

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• Deuteronomy 23:17-18: These verses prohibit certain practices related to prostitution and emphasize that the earnings of a harlot or a male prostitute should not be brought into the house of the Lord, highlighting the importance of purity and holiness in worship.

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In Genesis 38, the narrative delves into the theme of chastity through the story of Judah and Tamar. Judah marries a Canaanite woman, Shua, and has three sons: Er, Onan, and Shelah. Er dies due to his wickedness, prompting Judah to instruct Onan to marry Tamar, Er’s widow, to preserve Er's lineage. Onan's refusal to fulfill this duty angers the Lord, resulting in his death. Judah, fearing for his youngest son Shelah, hesitates to give him to Tamar. Tamar, seeking justice, disguises herself as a prostitute and deceives Judah, leading to her pregnancy. When Judah learns he is the father, he acknowledges his fault, stating, 'She is more righteous than I.' This chapter explores the complexities of chastity, morality, and social justice, set against ancient customs and divine providence in Israel's lineage.

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• Psalm 51: The psalmist pleads for inner renewal and the strength to resist temptation, emphasizing the longing for a pure heart and a clean spirit.

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• Psalm 119:9: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word."

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• Psalm 24:3-4: "Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart..."

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• Psalm 101:3: "I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me."

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• Psalm 119:11: "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

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• Proverbs 6:32: Warns that a man who commits adultery lacks understanding and destroys his own soul.

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• Proverbs 7: Illustrates the dangers of temptation through the story of a young man lured by a seductive woman, leading to his downfall.

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• Proverbs 4:23: Advises to guard one’s heart above all else, emphasizing the importance of protecting one's inner self from corrupting influences.

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