23. Sixth & Ninth Commandments
I have always suspected Catholics are obsessed with sex. Out of these two commandments your church has manufactured so many rules and regulations all regarding sex.
What to Read
In US CATHOLIC CATECHISM Chapter 30 & 33
In the Bible
6th Commandment
Psalm 51
Prov 6:20-32
Sirach 26:1-18
John 2:1-11
9th Commandment
Psalm 121
Matthew 5:8; 15:19
1 Cor 13:12
1 John 3:2
Glossary
Adultery = two partners of whom at least one is married have sexual relations. (CCC 2380)
Chastity = the virtue that moves us to love others with generous regard for them but excludes lust & any wish to exploit them sexually.
Fornication = carnal union between an unmarried man and an unmarried woman. (CCC 2353)
Indissolubility = a permanent covenant embraced by both spouses & thus not able to be dissolved.
Lust = an inordinate desire for earthly pleasure; one of the capital sins.
Pornography = removing sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners in order to deliberately view them as an object of base pleasure & illicit profit. (CCC 2354)
Matrimony = another name for the Sacrament of marriage.
Modesty = a manner of dressing, speaking & acting that would not tempt or encourage sexual behavior.
Rape = forcible violation of the sexual intimacy of another person (CCC 2356)
Checking on My Understanding
Go to the St. Edwards website and Then do the self-correcting quiz on-line <Quizzes 30> & <33>
Catholic Practices
Some Catholics wear a cross or medal and when a sexual situation arises, such as a foul joke, they quietly and unobtrusively finger the sacramental as a silent prayer.
Getting Personal
We should all probably develop a personal code of conduct on how to control sexually stimulating situations. They are inevitable, but the way we handle them is the key.
Going Deeper
Video -
The End of the Affair (1999) This is an astonishing, film that deals with issues of faith and love (and atheism) in a profound and moving way. It's also very sensual but in a humane (not Hollywood) sense.
Kramer vs Kramer (1979) A just-divorced man must learn to care for his son on his own, and then must fight in court to keep custody of him.
Jerry Maguire (1996) In the Mexican restaurant scene. Jerry and Dorothy's first 'date'. Jerry is angry at himself for not working hard enough on his last relationship (which had just broken up). Dorothy consoles him by saying, 'but maybe love shouldn't be such hard work' Jerry replies, 'yeh, maybe so'. This scene is a pivotal one in the movie (the theme song plays gently in the background, and it's a good opportunity to say "Love is hard alright! Look where it got God!"
Fatal Attraction (1987) A married man's one night stand comes back to haunt him when that lover begins to stalk him and his family.
Music –
Conry ASHES
Additional Reading –
In the CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH (optional) #2331-2400 & 2514-2533
CATHOLIC UPDATES
10 Tips for Married Couples: Love for the Long Haul
Natural Family Planning Key to Intimacy
Preparing for Marriage 10 Tools for the Journey
The How and Why of Natural Family Planning
What the Church Teaches About Homosexuality
