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{{Short description|An ethic concept of temperance related to sexuality}} {{Short description|Ethic concept of temperance related to sexuality}}
{{other uses}} {{other uses}}
] of chastity by ]]] ] of chastity by ]]]


'''Chastity''', also known as '''purity''', is a ] related to ].<ref>{{cite book |title=The American and English Encyclopædia of Law |date=1887 |publisher=Edward Thompson Company |page=156 |language=English}}</ref> Someone who is ''chaste'' refrains either from sexual activity considered ] or any ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Chastity |title=Chastity &#124; Define Chastity at Dictionary.com |publisher=Dictionary.reference.com |access-date=2012-10-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/chastity |title=Chastity &#124; Define Chastity at Oxford Dictionaries |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref> according to their state of life. In some contexts, for example when making a ], chastity would mean the same as ]. '''Chastity''', also known as '''purity''', is a ] related to ].<ref>{{cite book |title=The American and English Encyclopædia of Law |date=1887 |publisher=Edward Thompson Company |page=156 |language=English}}{{volume needed|issue=false|date=July 2023}}</ref> Someone who is ''chaste'' refrains from ] that is considered ] or from any sexual activity,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/Chastity |title=chastity |publisher=Dictionary.com |access-date=2012-10-01}}</ref> according to their state of life. In some contexts, for example when making a ], chastity means ].


==Etymology== ==Etymology==
The words ''chaste'' and ''chastity'' stem from the ] adjective {{lang|la|castus}} ("cut off", "separated", "pure"). The words entered the English language around the middle of the 13th century. ''Chaste'' meant "virtuous", "pure from unlawful sexual intercourse") or (from the early 14th century on) as a noun, a virgin,<ref name=etymonlineChaste>{{cite web|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=chaste|title=chaste - Origin and meaning of chaste by Online Etymology Dictionary|website=www.etymonline.com|access-date=15 March 2018}}</ref><ref name=podDictEtym>{{cite web|url=http://podictionary.com/?p=605|title=podictionary - for word lovers - daily stories, trivia & dictionary etymology|website=podictionary.com|access-date=15 March 2018}}</ref> while ''chastity'' meant "(sexual) purity".<ref name="podDictEtym" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=chastity|title=chastity - Search Online Etymology Dictionary|website=www.etymonline.com|access-date=15 March 2018}}</ref> The words ''chaste'' and ''chastity'' stem from the ] adjective {{lang|la|castus}} ("cut off", "separated", "pure"). The words entered the ] around the middle of the 13th century. ''Chaste'' meant "virtuous", "pure from unlawful sexual intercourse" or (from the early 14th century on) as a noun, a virgin,<ref name=etymonlineChaste>{{cite web|url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/chaste|title=chaste |website=Online Etymology Dictionary|access-date=15 March 2018}}</ref> while ''chastity'' meant "(sexual) purity".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=chastity|title=chastity|website=Online Etymology Dictionary|access-date=15 March 2018}}</ref>


] links {{lang|la|castus}} ''(chastity)'' to the Latin verb {{lang|la|castigo}} ("chastise, reprimand, correct"), with a reference to ]'s ]: ''Chastity takes its name from the fact that reason "chastises" concupiscence, which, like a child, needs curbing, as the Philosopher states''.<ref>''Summa Theologiae, II-II, Q.151. Aquinas refers to Book 3, Chapter 12 of the Nicomachean Ethics: </ref> ] links {{lang|la|castus}} (chastity) to the Latin verb {{lang|la|castigo}} ("chastise, reprimand, correct"), with a reference to ]'s '']'': "Chastity takes its name from the fact that reason 'chastises' concupiscence, which, like a child, needs curbing, as the Philosopher states".<ref>{{cite book|last=Aquinas|first=Thomas|title=Summa Theologiae|at=II-II, Q.151}} Aquinas refers to {{cite book|author=Aristotle|title=Nicomachean Ethics|at=III.12|url=https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/aristotle/nicomachean-ethics/f-h-peters/text/book-3#chapter-3-2-12}}</ref>


== In Abrahamic religions == == In Abrahamic religions ==
For many Jews, Christians, and Muslims, acts of sexual nature are restricted to ]. For unmarried persons, chastity is equivalent to ]. Sexual acts outside of or apart from marriage, such as ], ], and ], are considered immoral due to ]. For many ], ], and ], people should restrict their acts of a sexual nature to the context of ]. For unmarried people, chastity is equivalent to ]. Sexual acts outside of or apart from marriage, such as ], ], ], and ], are considered immoral due to ].
{{incomplete|related to the above a statement on chastity in Judaism|date=November 2020}} {{incomplete|chastity in Judaism|date=November 2020}}


===Christianity=== ===Christianity===
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====Traditions==== ====Traditions====


In many ] traditions, chastity is synonymous with ]. Chastity means "the successful integration of sexuality within the person and thus the inner unity of man in his bodily and spiritual being“,<ref>https://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a6.htm</ref> which could according to one's marital status either mean to have no sexual relationship or not having any sexual relations outside marriage. It also means fidelity to husband or wife during marriage. In ] morality, chastity is placed opposite the ] of ], and is classified as one of ]. The moderation of sexual desires is required to be virtuous. Reason, will, and desire can harmoniously work together to do what is good. In many ] traditions, chastity is synonymous with ]. The ] teaches that chastity involves, in the words of cardinal bishop ], "the successful integration of sexuality within the person and thus the inner unity of man in his bodily and spiritual being",<ref>{{cite web| first1=Alfonso|last1=López Trujillo|first2=Elio|last2=Sgreccia| url = https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/family/documents/rc_pc_family_doc_08121995_human-sexuality_en.html| title = The truth and meaning of human sexuality – Guidelines for Education within the Family|date= 8 December 1995}}</ref> which according to one's marital status requires either having no sexual relationship, or only having sexual relations with one's spouse. In ] morality, chastity is placed opposite the ] of lust, and is classified as one of ]. The moderation of sexual desires is also required to be virtuous. Reason, will, and desire can harmoniously work together to do what is good.


As an emblem of inward chastity, some Christians choose to wear a ] or a girdle such as the ]; the purity ring is ordinarily worn before ] for those called to married life or for lifetime in cases where one is called to the vocation of single life.<ref>{{cite web |title=Schoolgirl loses "purity ring" battle |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-chastity-idUKL1617339420070716 |publisher=] |access-date=16 March 2021 |language=English |date=16 July 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kosloski |first1=Philip |title=Struggling with purity? Try the cord of St. Joseph! |url=https://aleteia.org/2021/01/28/struggling-with-purity-try-the-cord-of-st-joseph/ |publisher=] |access-date=16 March 2021 |language=English |date=28 January 2021}}</ref> As an emblem of inward chastity, some Christians choose to wear a cord, girdle or a cincture of one of the several ] or a ]. The cord is worn as a symbol of chastity in honour of a chaste saint whom the bearer asks for intercession. The purity ring is worn before ] by those who marry or for the rest of their lives by those who stay single.<ref>{{multiref2
|1={{cite web |title=Schoolgirl loses "purity ring" battle |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-chastity-idUKL1617339420070716 |publisher=] |access-date=16 March 2021 |language=English |date=16 July 2007}}
|2={{cite web |last1=Kosloski |first1=Philip |title=Struggling with purity? Try the cord of St. Joseph! |url=https://aleteia.org/2021/01/28/struggling-with-purity-try-the-cord-of-st-joseph/ |publisher=] |access-date=16 March 2021 |language=English |date=28 January 2021}}
}}</ref>


====Marital chastity==== ====Marital chastity====


In ], the spouses commit to a lifelong relationship that excludes sexual intimacy with other persons. A third form of chastity, often called "vidual chastity", is expected of a woman for a period after her husband dies. For example, Anglican Bishop ] defined 5 rules in ''Holy Living'' (1650), including abstaining from marrying "so long as she is with child by her former husband" and "within the year of mourning".<ref>{{cite book | title = Holy Living |chapter = Chapter II, Section III, Of Chastity | author = Jeremy Taylor | author-link = Jeremy Taylor | year = 1650 | url = http://www.anglicanlibrary.org/taylor/holyliving/index.htm }}</ref> In marriage, the spouses commit to a lifelong relationship that excludes sexual intimacy with other persons. A third form of chastity, often called "vidual chastity", is expected by the society for a period after the woman's husband dies. For example, Anglican Bishop ] defined five rules in ''Holy Living'' (1650), including abstaining from marrying "so long as she is with child by her former husband" and "within the year of mourning".<ref>{{cite book | title = Holy Living |chapter = II.3: Of Chastity | author = Jeremy Taylor | author-link = Jeremy Taylor | year = 1650 | url = http://www.anglicanlibrary.org/taylor/holyliving/index.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208120603/http://anglicanlibrary.org/taylor/holyliving/09chap2sect3.htm|archive-date=2021-12-08 }}</ref>


====Celibacy==== ====Celibacy====


In the Roman Catholic Church, celibacy is vowed or promised as one of the ] by the persons of the ]. Furthermore, in 306, the ] proscribed ] from marrying. This was unevenly enforced until the ] in 1139 and found its way into ]. Unmarried ]s promise celibacy to either their local bishop when ordained. In the Roman Catholic Church, members of the ] vow or promise celibacy as one of the ]. In 306, the ] proscribed ] from marrying. This was unevenly enforced until the ] in 1139 when it found its way into ]. Unmarried ]s promise celibacy to their local bishop when ordained.


Eastern Catholic priests are permitted to marry, provided they do so before ordination and outside monastic life. Eastern Catholic priests are permitted to marry, provided they do so before ordination and outside monastic life.
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====Vows of chastity==== ====Vows of chastity====


''Vows of chastity'' can be taken either as part of an organised religious life (such as Roman Catholic ] in the past) or on an individual basis: as a voluntary act of devotion, or as part of an ascetic lifestyle (often devoted to ]), or both. Some Protestant religious communities, such as the ], take vows<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/the-bruderhof-sussex-community-rules-cult-money-jobs-documentary-bbc-497826|title=All you need to know about the Bruderhof community|website=inews.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2019-10-26}}</ref> of chastity as part of the church membership process.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/life-among-the-bruderhof/|title=Life Among The Bruderhof|work=The American Conservative|access-date=2017-12-14|language=en-us}}</ref> ''Vows of chastity'' can be taken either as part of an organised religious life (such as Roman Catholic ] in the past) or on an individual basis: as a voluntary act of devotion, or as part of an ascetic lifestyle (often devoted to ]), or both. Some Protestant religious communities, such as the ], take vows of chastity as part of the church membership process.<ref>{{multiref2
|1={{Cite web|url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/the-bruderhof-sussex-community-rules-cult-money-jobs-documentary-bbc-497826|title=All you need to know about the Bruderhof community|website=inews.co.uk|date=25 July 2019|language=en|access-date=2019-10-26}}
|2={{Cite news|url=https://www.theamericanconservative.com/life-among-the-bruderhof/|title=Life Among The Bruderhof|work=The American Conservative|access-date=2017-12-14|language=en-us}}
}}</ref>


====Teaching by denomination==== ====Teaching by denomination====
=====Catholicism===== =====Catholicism=====
Chastity is a central and pivotal concept in Roman Catholic ]. Chastity's importance in traditional Roman Catholic teaching stems from the fact that it is regarded as essential in maintaining and cultivating the unity of body with spirit and thus the integrity of the human being.<ref>{{citation |chapter=I. "Male and Female He Created Them …" |title=] |chapter-url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_P84.HTM |publisher=Libreria Editrice Vaticana}}</ref>{{rp|2332}} It is also regarded as fundamental to the practise of the Catholic life because it involves an ''apprenticeship in self-mastery''.<ref>{{citation |chapter=II. The Vocation to Chastity |title=] |chapter-url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_P85.HTM |publisher=Libreria Editrice Vaticana}}</ref>{{rp|2339}} By attaining mastery over one's passions, reason, will, and desire can harmoniously work together to do what is good. Chastity is a central and pivotal concept in Roman Catholic ]. Roman Catholic teaching regards chastity as essential in maintaining and cultivating the unity of body with spirit and thus the integrity of the human being.<ref>{{citation |chapter=I. "Male and Female He Created Them …" |title=] |chapter-url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_P84.HTM |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126034150/https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_P84.HTM|archive-date=2021-01-26|publisher=Libreria Editrice Vaticana}}</ref>{{rp|2332}} It is also fundamental to the practise of the Catholic life because it involves an ''apprenticeship in self-mastery''.<ref>{{citation |chapter=II. The Vocation to Chastity |title=] |chapter-url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_P85.HTM |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206210011/https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_P85.HTM|archive-date=2021-02-06|publisher=Libreria Editrice Vaticana}}</ref>{{rp|2339}} By attaining mastery over one's passions, reason, will, and desire can harmoniously work together to do what is good.


=====Lutheranism===== =====Lutheranism=====
The ] of the ]es emphasizes the role of the ], who has sanctified the bodies of Christians to be God's temple.<ref name="Reinke2018">{{cite web |last1=Reinke |first1=Langdon |title=Cremation and a theology of the body |url=https://www.beautifulsaviorspokane.org/2018/09/18/cremation-and-a-theology-of-the-body/ |publisher=Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church |access-date=23 February 2021 |language=English |date=18 September 2018}}</ref> The ] of the ]es emphasizes the role of the ], who sanctified the bodies of Christians to be God's temple.<ref name="Reinke2018">{{cite web |last1=Reinke |first1=Langdon |title=Cremation and a theology of the body |url=https://www.beautifulsaviorspokane.org/2018/09/18/cremation-and-a-theology-of-the-body/ |publisher=Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church |access-date=23 February 2021 |language=English |date=18 September 2018}}</ref>


Many ] and ] practice celibacy, though in other Lutheran ]s it is not compulsory. Many ] and ] practice celibacy, though in some Lutheran ]s it is not compulsory.


=====The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints===== =====The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints=====


In ] chastity is very important, quoting: In ] chastity is very important:


<blockquote>"Physical intimacy between husband and wife is a beautiful and sacred part of God's plan for His children. It is an expression of love within marriage and allows husband and wife to participate in the creation of life. God has commanded that this sacred power be expressed only between a man and a woman who are legally married. The law of chastity applies to both men and women. It includes strict abstinence from sexual relations before marriage and complete fidelity and loyalty to one's spouse after marriage. <blockquote>Physical intimacy between husband and wife is a beautiful and sacred part of God's plan for His children. It is an expression of love within marriage and allows husband and wife to participate in the creation of life. God has commanded that this sacred power be expressed only between a man and a woman who are legally married. The law of chastity applies to both men and women. It includes strict abstinence from sexual relations before marriage and complete fidelity and loyalty to one's spouse after marriage.


"The law of chastity requires that sexual relations be reserved for marriage between a man and a woman. The law of chastity requires that sexual relations be reserved for marriage between a man and a woman.


"In addition to reserving sexual intimacy for marriage, we obey the law of chastity by controlling our thoughts, words, and actions. Jesus Christ taught,"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:27–28)."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/chastity/what-is-the-law-of-chastity?lang=eng|title=What Is the Law of Chastity?|website=ChurchofJesusChrist.org|access-date=15 March 2018}}</ref></blockquote> In addition to reserving sexual intimacy for marriage, we obey the law of chastity by controlling our thoughts, words, and actions. Jesus Christ taught, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" ({{bibleverse|Matthew|5:27–28}})."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/chastity/what-is-the-law-of-chastity?lang=eng|title=What Is the Law of Chastity?|website=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints|access-date=15 March 2018}}</ref></blockquote>


LDS teaching also includes that sexual expression within marriage is an important dimension of spousal bonding apart from, but not necessarily avoiding its procreative result. Teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints also include that sexual expression within marriage is an important dimension of spousal bonding apart from, but not necessarily avoiding, its procreative result.


=== Islam === === Islam ===


====Quran==== ====Quran====
The most famous personal example of chastity in the Quran is Virgin Mary (Mariam): The most famous personal example of chastity in the Quran is the ]:


"And the one who guarded her chastity, so We blew into her through Our angel , and We made her and her son a sign for the worlds." (21 :91) {{Blockquote|text=And ˹remember˺ the one who guarded her chastity, so We breathed into her through Our angel, ˹Gabriel,˺ making her and her son a sign for all peoples.|author={{Qref|21|91|c=y}}}}


'''"'''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, , if you should be fearing of Allah." He said, "I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you a pure boy." She said, "How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?"'''"''' (19:17-20) {{Blockquote|text=screening herself off from them. Then We sent to her Our angel, ˹Gabriel,˺ appearing before her as a man, perfectly formed. She appealed, “I truly seek refuge in the Most Compassionate from you! ˹So leave me alone˺ if you are God-fearing.” He responded, “I am only a messenger from your Lord, ˹sent˺ to bless you with a pure son.” She wondered, “How can I have a son when no man has ever touched me, nor am I unchaste?”|author={{Qref|19|17–20|c=y}}}}


Extramarital sex is forbidden. The Quran says: Extramarital sex is forbidden. The Quran says:


"And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way." (17:32) {{Blockquote|text=Do not go near adultery. It is truly a shameful deed and an evil way.|author={{Qref|17|32|c=y}}}}


"And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden , except by right, and do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever should do that will meet a penalty. Multiplied for him is the punishment on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein humiliated -Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful." (25:68-70) {{Blockquote|text=˹They are˺ those who do not invoke any other god besides Allah, nor take a ˹human˺ life—made sacred by Allah—except with ˹legal˺ right, nor commit fornication. And whoever does ˹any of˺ this will face the penalty. Their punishment will be multiplied on the Day of Judgment, and they will remain in it forever, in disgrace. As for those who repent, believe, and do good deeds, they are the ones whose evil deeds Allah will change into good deeds. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.|author={{Qref|25|68–70|c=y}}}}


In a list of commendable deeds the Quran says: In a list of commendable deeds the Quran says:


"Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward." (33:35) {{Blockquote|text=Surely ˹for˺ Muslim men and women, believing men and women, devout men and women, truthful men and women, patient men and women, humble men and women, charitable men and women, fasting men and women, men and women who guard their chastity, and men and women who remember Allah often—for ˹all of˺ them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.|author={{Qref|33|35|c=y}}}}


Because the sex desire is usually attained before a man is financially capable of marriage, the love to God and mindfulness of Him should be sufficient motive for chastity: Because the sex desire is usually attained before a man is financially capable of marriage, the love to God and mindfulness of Him should be sufficient motive for chastity:


"But let them who find not marriage abstain until Allah enriches them from His bounty. And those who seek a contract from among whom your right hands possess - then make a contract with them if you know there is within them goodness and give them from the wealth of Allah which He has given you. And do not compel your slave girls to prostitution, if they desire chastity, to seek the temporary interests of worldly life. And if someone should compel them, then indeed, Allah is , after their compulsion, Forgiving and Merciful." (24:33) {{Blockquote|text=And let those who do not have the means to marry keep themselves chaste until Allah enriches them out of His bounty. And if any of those ˹bondspeople˺ in your possession desires a deed of emancipation, make it possible for them, if you find goodness in them. And give them some of Allah’s wealth which He has granted you. Do not force your ˹slave˺ girls into prostitution for your own worldly gains while they wish to remain chaste. And if someone coerces them, then after such a coercion Allah is certainly All-Forgiving, Most Merciful ˹to them˺.|author={{Qref|24|33|c=y}}}}


====Sharia (Law)==== ====Sharia (Law)====
Chastity is mandatory in Islam. Sex outside legitimacy is prohibited, for both men and women whether married or unmarried. The injunctions and forbiddings in Islam apply equally to men and women. The legal punishment for adultery is equal for men and women.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}} Social hypocrisy in many societies over history had led to a double standard when considering sin committed by men versus sin committed by women. Society tended to be more lenient and permissive towards men forgiving men for sins not forgivable when women do them. Chastity is mandatory in Islam. Sex outside legitimacy is prohibited, for both men and women, whether married or unmarried. The injunctions and forbiddings in Islam apply equally to men and women. The legal punishment for adultery is equal for men and women.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}


The prophet's prescription to the youth was: The prophet's prescription to the youth was:
{{Blockquote|text="O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power."|author={{Href|bukhari|5066|b=yl}}}}


⚫ Chastity is an attitude and a way of life. In Islam it is both a personal and a social value. A Muslim society should not condone relations entailing or conducive to sexual license. Social patterns and practices calculated to inflame sexual desire are frowned upon by Islam, such incitements to immorality including permissive ideologies, titillating works of art, and the failure to inculcate sound moral principles in the young. At the heart of such a view of human sexuality lies the conviction that the notion of personal freedom should never be misconstrued as the freedom to flout God's laws by overstepping the bounds which, in his infinite wisdom, he has set upon the relations of the sexes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam |url=https://islamicstudies.info/literature/halal-haram.htm |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=islamicstudies.info}}</ref>
Those of you who own the means should marry for this should keep their eyes uncraving and their chastity secure. Those who don't, may practise fasting for it curbs desire. " (Ibn Massoud)

⚫ Chastity is an attitude and a way of life. In Islam it is both a personal and a social value. A Muslim society should not condone relations entailing or conducive to sexual license. Social patterns and practices calculated to inflame sexual desire are frowned upon by Islam, such incitements to immorality including permissive ideologies, titillating works of art and the failure to inculcate sound moral principles in the young. At the heart of such a view of human sexuality lies the conviction that the notion of personal freedom should never be misconstrued as the freedom to flout God's laws by overstepping the bounds which, in His infinite wisdom, He has set upon the relations of the sexes.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}


===Baháʼí Faith=== ===Baháʼí Faith===
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== In Eastern religions == == In Eastern religions ==

===Hinduism=== ===Hinduism===
]'s view on premarital sex is rooted in its concept of ] or the stages of life. The first of these stages, known as ''],'' roughly translates as chastity. Celibacy and chastity are considered the appropriate behavior for both ] and ] ]s during this stage, which precedes the stage of the married householder (]). ] and Hindu monks or ]s are also celibate as part of their ] discipline. ]'s view on premarital sex is rooted in its concept of {{transliteration|sa|]}} or the stages of life. The first of these stages, known as {{transliteration|sa|]}}, roughly translates as chastity. Celibacy and chastity are considered the appropriate behavior for both ] and ] ]s during this stage, which precedes the stage of the married householder ({{transliteration|sa|]}}). {{transliteration|sa|]}} and Hindu monks or {{transliteration|sa|]s}} are also celibate as part of their ] discipline.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}


===Sikhism=== ===Sikhism===
In ], premarital or extra-marital sex is strictly forbidden. However, it is encouraged to marry and live as a family unit to provide and nurture children for the perpetual benefit of creation (as opposed to sannyasa or living as a monk, which was, and remains, a common spiritual practice in India). A Sikh is encouraged not to live as a recluse, beggar, monk, nun, celibate, or in any similar vein. In ], premarital or extramarital sex is strictly forbidden. However, it is encouraged to marry and live as a family unit to provide and nurture children for the perpetual benefit of creation (as opposed to {{transliteration|sa|]}} or living as a monk, which was, and remains, a common spiritual practice in India). A Sikh is encouraged not to live as a recluse, beggar, monk, nun, celibate, or in any similar vein.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}


=== Jainism === === Jainism ===
The ] contains the vow of ] (meaning "pure conduct"), which prescribes the expectations for Jains concerning sexual activity. Brahmacarya is one of the five major and minor vows of Jainism, prescribing slightly different expectations for ascetics and laypeople, respectively. The ] contains the vow of {{transliteration|sa|]}} (meaning "pure conduct"), which prescribes the expectations for Jains concerning sexual activity. {{transliteration|sa|Brahmacarya}} is one of the five major and minor vows of Jainism, prescribing slightly different expectations for ascetics and laypeople, respectively.


Complete celibacy is expected only of ] (who are also referred to as monks and nuns). For laypeople, chastity is expected—with extra-marital sex and adultery being prohibited.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}} Complete celibacy is expected only of ] (who are also referred to as monks and nuns). For laypeople, chastity is expected, with extramarital sex and adultery being prohibited.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}


===Buddhism=== ===Buddhism===
{{Main|Buddhism and sexuality}} {{Main|Buddhism and sexuality}}
The teachings of ] include the ], comprising a division called ]. Under the ] ethical code, ] lay followers should abstain from sexual misconduct, while ] and ] monastics should practice strict chastity. The teachings of ] include the ], comprising a division called ]. Under the ] ethical code, ] lay followers should abstain from sexual misconduct, while {{transliteration|sa|]}} and {{transliteration|sa|]}} monastics should practice strict chastity.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}


=== Taoism === === Taoism ===
The ] of the ] religion include No Sexual Misconduct, which is interpreted as prohibiting extramarital sex for lay practitioners and marriage or sexual intercourse for monks and nuns. The ] of the ] religion include "no sexual misconduct", which is interpreted as prohibiting extramarital sex for lay practitioners and marriage or sexual intercourse for monks and nuns.

==Government==
In Iran, women are ] as part of that society's efforts to enforce chastity. In 2023 the ] announced a new bill titled the ], expanding its former sections from 15 to 70.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran: Law to Protect the Family by Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab Proposed |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2023-09-05/iran-law-to-protect-the-family-by-promoting-the-culture-of-chastity-and-hijab-proposed/ |access-date=2024-06-22 |website=Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA}}</ref>


== See also == == See also ==
⚫ * {{annotated link|]}}
{{col div|colwidth=30em}}
⚫ * {{annotated link|]}}
⚫ * ]
⚫ * {{annotated link|]}}
* ]
⚫ * ]
⚫ * ]
* ]
{{colend}}


== References == == References ==
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== External links == == External links ==
{{Commons category-inline|Chastity}} *{{Commons category-inline|Chastity}}
{{wikiquote}} {{wikiquote}}
{{wiktionary|chastity}} {{wiktionary|chastity}}
* * {{cite web|url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a6.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304123934/https://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a6.htm |title=Catechism of the Catholic Church|at=III.2.I|archive-date=4 March 2009}}
* * {{cite web|url=https://www.passtheword.org/SHAKER-MANUSCRIPTS/Abstinence/shaker-abst-x1.htm|title=Early Shaker Writings Relating to Sexual Abstinence}}
* * {{cite book|last=Melody|first=John|chapter-url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03637d.htm|title=Catholic Encyclopedia|chapter=Chastity}}
{{Portalbar|Human sexuality|Religion}}

{{Catholic virtue ethics}} {{Catholic virtue ethics}}
{{Virtues}}


{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


] ]
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] ]
⚫ ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 05:32, 7 December 2024

Ethic concept of temperance related to sexuality For other uses, see Chastity (disambiguation).
Allegory of chastity by Hans Memling

Chastity, also known as purity, is a virtue related to temperance. Someone who is chaste refrains from sexual activity that is considered immoral or from any sexual activity, according to their state of life. In some contexts, for example when making a vow of chastity, chastity means celibacy.

Etymology

The words chaste and chastity stem from the Latin adjective castus ("cut off", "separated", "pure"). The words entered the English language around the middle of the 13th century. Chaste meant "virtuous", "pure from unlawful sexual intercourse" or (from the early 14th century on) as a noun, a virgin, while chastity meant "(sexual) purity".

Thomas Aquinas links castus (chastity) to the Latin verb castigo ("chastise, reprimand, correct"), with a reference to Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics: "Chastity takes its name from the fact that reason 'chastises' concupiscence, which, like a child, needs curbing, as the Philosopher states".

In Abrahamic religions

For many Jews, Christians, and Muslims, people should restrict their acts of a sexual nature to the context of marriage. For unmarried people, chastity is equivalent to sexual abstinence. Sexual acts outside of or apart from marriage, such as adultery, fornication, masturbation, and prostitution, are considered immoral due to lust.

This article is missing information about chastity in Judaism. Please expand the article to include this information. Further details may exist on the talk page. (November 2020)

Christianity

"Of the excellences of the virtue of Chastity" (José de Jesús María, 1601).
"Vow of chastity" redirects here. For vow of chastity as part of public vows, see Religious vows.

Traditions

In many Christian traditions, chastity is synonymous with purity. The Catholic Church teaches that chastity involves, in the words of cardinal bishop Alfonso López Trujillo, "the successful integration of sexuality within the person and thus the inner unity of man in his bodily and spiritual being", which according to one's marital status requires either having no sexual relationship, or only having sexual relations with one's spouse. In Western Christian morality, chastity is placed opposite the deadly sin of lust, and is classified as one of seven virtues. The moderation of sexual desires is also required to be virtuous. Reason, will, and desire can harmoniously work together to do what is good.

As an emblem of inward chastity, some Christians choose to wear a cord, girdle or a cincture of one of the several Confraternities of the Cord or a purity ring. The cord is worn as a symbol of chastity in honour of a chaste saint whom the bearer asks for intercession. The purity ring is worn before holy matrimony by those who marry or for the rest of their lives by those who stay single.

Marital chastity

In marriage, the spouses commit to a lifelong relationship that excludes sexual intimacy with other persons. A third form of chastity, often called "vidual chastity", is expected by the society for a period after the woman's husband dies. For example, Anglican Bishop Jeremy Taylor defined five rules in Holy Living (1650), including abstaining from marrying "so long as she is with child by her former husband" and "within the year of mourning".

Celibacy

In the Roman Catholic Church, members of the consecrated life vow or promise celibacy as one of the evangelical counsels. In 306, the Synod of Elvira proscribed clergy from marrying. This was unevenly enforced until the Second Lateran Council in 1139 when it found its way into canon law. Unmarried deacons promise celibacy to their local bishop when ordained.

Eastern Catholic priests are permitted to marry, provided they do so before ordination and outside monastic life.

Vows of chastity

Vows of chastity can be taken either as part of an organised religious life (such as Roman Catholic Beguines and Beghards in the past) or on an individual basis: as a voluntary act of devotion, or as part of an ascetic lifestyle (often devoted to contemplation), or both. Some Protestant religious communities, such as the Bruderhof, take vows of chastity as part of the church membership process.

Teaching by denomination

Catholicism

Chastity is a central and pivotal concept in Roman Catholic praxis. Roman Catholic teaching regards chastity as essential in maintaining and cultivating the unity of body with spirit and thus the integrity of the human being. It is also fundamental to the practise of the Catholic life because it involves an apprenticeship in self-mastery. By attaining mastery over one's passions, reason, will, and desire can harmoniously work together to do what is good.

Lutheranism

The theology of the body of the Lutheran Churches emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit, who sanctified the bodies of Christians to be God's temple.

Many Lutheran monks and Lutheran nuns practice celibacy, though in some Lutheran religious orders it is not compulsory.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chastity is very important:

Physical intimacy between husband and wife is a beautiful and sacred part of God's plan for His children. It is an expression of love within marriage and allows husband and wife to participate in the creation of life. God has commanded that this sacred power be expressed only between a man and a woman who are legally married. The law of chastity applies to both men and women. It includes strict abstinence from sexual relations before marriage and complete fidelity and loyalty to one's spouse after marriage.

The law of chastity requires that sexual relations be reserved for marriage between a man and a woman.

In addition to reserving sexual intimacy for marriage, we obey the law of chastity by controlling our thoughts, words, and actions. Jesus Christ taught, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:27–28)."

Teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints also include that sexual expression within marriage is an important dimension of spousal bonding apart from, but not necessarily avoiding, its procreative result.

Islam

Quran

The most famous personal example of chastity in the Quran is the Virgin Mary (Mariam):

And ˹remember˺ the one who guarded her chastity, so We breathed into her through Our angel, ˹Gabriel,˺ making her and her son a sign for all peoples.

— Surah Al-Anbiya 21:91

screening herself off from them. Then We sent to her Our angel, ˹Gabriel,˺ appearing before her as a man, perfectly formed. She appealed, “I truly seek refuge in the Most Compassionate from you! ˹So leave me alone˺ if you are God-fearing.” He responded, “I am only a messenger from your Lord, ˹sent˺ to bless you with a pure son.” She wondered, “How can I have a son when no man has ever touched me, nor am I unchaste?”

— Surah Maryam 19:17–20

Extramarital sex is forbidden. The Quran says:

Do not go near adultery. It is truly a shameful deed and an evil way.

— Surah Al-Isra 17:32

˹They are˺ those who do not invoke any other god besides Allah, nor take a ˹human˺ life—made sacred by Allah—except with ˹legal˺ right, nor commit fornication. And whoever does ˹any of˺ this will face the penalty. Their punishment will be multiplied on the Day of Judgment, and they will remain in it forever, in disgrace. As for those who repent, believe, and do good deeds, they are the ones whose evil deeds Allah will change into good deeds. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

— Surah Al-Furqan 25:68–70

In a list of commendable deeds the Quran says:

Surely ˹for˺ Muslim men and women, believing men and women, devout men and women, truthful men and women, patient men and women, humble men and women, charitable men and women, fasting men and women, men and women who guard their chastity, and men and women who remember Allah often—for ˹all of˺ them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.

— Surah Al-Ahzab 33:35

Because the sex desire is usually attained before a man is financially capable of marriage, the love to God and mindfulness of Him should be sufficient motive for chastity:

And let those who do not have the means to marry keep themselves chaste until Allah enriches them out of His bounty. And if any of those ˹bondspeople˺ in your possession desires a deed of emancipation, make it possible for them, if you find goodness in them. And give them some of Allah’s wealth which He has granted you. Do not force your ˹slave˺ girls into prostitution for your own worldly gains while they wish to remain chaste. And if someone coerces them, then after such a coercion Allah is certainly All-Forgiving, Most Merciful ˹to them˺.

— Surah An-Nur 24:33

Sharia (Law)

Chastity is mandatory in Islam. Sex outside legitimacy is prohibited, for both men and women, whether married or unmarried. The injunctions and forbiddings in Islam apply equally to men and women. The legal punishment for adultery is equal for men and women.

The prophet's prescription to the youth was:

"O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power."

— Sahih al-Bukhari 5066

Chastity is an attitude and a way of life. In Islam it is both a personal and a social value. A Muslim society should not condone relations entailing or conducive to sexual license. Social patterns and practices calculated to inflame sexual desire are frowned upon by Islam, such incitements to immorality including permissive ideologies, titillating works of art, and the failure to inculcate sound moral principles in the young. At the heart of such a view of human sexuality lies the conviction that the notion of personal freedom should never be misconstrued as the freedom to flout God's laws by overstepping the bounds which, in his infinite wisdom, he has set upon the relations of the sexes.

Baháʼí Faith

Chastity is highly prized in the Baháʼí Faith. Similar to other Abrahamic religions, Baháʼí teachings call for the restriction of sexual activity to that between a wife and husband in Baháʼí marriage, and discourage members from using pornography or engaging in sexually explicit recreational activities. The concept of chastity is extended to include avoidance of alcohol and mind-altering drugs, profanity, and gaudy or immodest attire.

In Eastern religions

Hinduism

Hinduism's view on premarital sex is rooted in its concept of ashrama or the stages of life. The first of these stages, known as brahmacharya, roughly translates as chastity. Celibacy and chastity are considered the appropriate behavior for both male and female students during this stage, which precedes the stage of the married householder (grihastha). Sanyasis and Hindu monks or sadhus are also celibate as part of their ascetic discipline.

Sikhism

In Sikhism, premarital or extramarital sex is strictly forbidden. However, it is encouraged to marry and live as a family unit to provide and nurture children for the perpetual benefit of creation (as opposed to sannyasa or living as a monk, which was, and remains, a common spiritual practice in India). A Sikh is encouraged not to live as a recluse, beggar, monk, nun, celibate, or in any similar vein.

Jainism

The Jain ethical code contains the vow of brahmacarya (meaning "pure conduct"), which prescribes the expectations for Jains concerning sexual activity. Brahmacarya is one of the five major and minor vows of Jainism, prescribing slightly different expectations for ascetics and laypeople, respectively.

Complete celibacy is expected only of Jain ascetics (who are also referred to as monks and nuns). For laypeople, chastity is expected, with extramarital sex and adultery being prohibited.

Buddhism

Main article: Buddhism and sexuality

The teachings of Buddhism include the Noble Eightfold Path, comprising a division called right action. Under the Five Precepts ethical code, upāsaka and upāsikā lay followers should abstain from sexual misconduct, while bhikkhu and bhikkhuni monastics should practice strict chastity.

Taoism

The Five Precepts of the Taoist religion include "no sexual misconduct", which is interpreted as prohibiting extramarital sex for lay practitioners and marriage or sexual intercourse for monks and nuns.

Government

In Iran, women are required to wear hijabs as part of that society's efforts to enforce chastity. In 2023 the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance announced a new bill titled the Protection of the Culture of Chastity and Hijab Law, expanding its former sections from 15 to 70.

See also

References

  1. The American and English Encyclopædia of Law. Edward Thompson Company. 1887. p. 156.
  2. "chastity". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 2012-10-01.
  3. "chaste". Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  4. "chastity". Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  5. Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologiae. II-II, Q.151. Aquinas refers to Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. III.12.
  6. López Trujillo, Alfonso; Sgreccia, Elio (8 December 1995). "The truth and meaning of human sexuality – Guidelines for Education within the Family".
  8. Jeremy Taylor (1650). "II.3: Of Chastity". Holy Living. Archived from the original on 2021-12-08.
  10. "I. "Male and Female He Created Them …"", Catechism of the Catholic Church, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, archived from the original on 2021-01-26
  11. "II. The Vocation to Chastity", Catechism of the Catholic Church, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, archived from the original on 2021-02-06
  12. Reinke, Langdon (18 September 2018). "Cremation and a theology of the body". Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  13. "What Is the Law of Chastity?". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  14. "The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam". islamicstudies.info. Retrieved 2024-07-13.
  15. Research Department, Universal House of Justice (1991). "A Chaste and Holy Life". Compilation of Compilations (Volume 1). Australia: Baháʼí Publications Australia.
  16. "Iran: Law to Protect the Family by Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab Proposed". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved 2024-06-22.

External links

  • Media related to Chastity at Wikimedia Commons
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