One website, chasity.com, that promotes love, commitment, and respect in all relationships says, “Chastity is what you can do and can have, right now: a lifestyle that brings freedom, respect, peace, and even romance—without regret. Chastity frees a couple from the selfish attitude of using each other as objects, thus making them capable of true love.”
In the Catholic Church, chastity is taught as a virtue- something that means demanding real love in no competence for sexual desires. When you really and truly love a person, you would sacrifice anything for them and would never want to harm them. By incorporating this aspect of true love into your life, you are applying love into your sex life. Sex, in regards to the Catholic Church, is loving a person for who they really and truly are, unconditionally.
During the sacrament of marriage, a man and a woman are proclaiming their unconditional love for one another and Jesus Christ to their community and Church. This idea of marriage is a symbol and bond of the union of the two people and God in the rest of their lives. This beautiful ceremony is done in purity and amalgamation of two people who truly respect one another. The ceremony of marriage is in parallel to the unification Jesus and acting out His teachings in our everyday lives.
According to newadvent.org, “[i]f you take the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit—Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Longanimity (forbearance), Goodness, Benignity (kindness), Mildness, Fidelity, Modesty, Continence, and Chastity—and mix them together, you get a fruit salad called mutual cooperation. Mutual cooperation is the essence of Christian life. And chastity is a core ingredient in that recipe. You simply cannot have mutual cooperation if you are always making others into objects for your personal pleasure.”
Chastity is a way of life; it is a sacrifice and willingness to live the practice of Jesus Christ.
Sources used:
http://www.chastitysf.com/home.htm
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03637d.htm
Thursday, November 5, 2009
More on Proper Dress
"A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's garment; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God." (Deut 22:5).
A woman, according to traditional Catholic Church standards, should dress in accordance to her feminine side. This belief is due mostly in part to the creation story, in which woman and men are separate identities. The anatomy is different, so therefore the clothing and dress should highlight these biological differences. One of the most significant beauties of humanity is the difference of the two sexes.
Therefore, because of these beliefs and distinctions, women are traditionally called upon to wear skirts and dresses, have longer hair, and groom themselves in a feminine manner in order to significantly distinguish themselves from men. All of these accessories to the body are a reflection of attitude and behavior. Wearing and dressing as a woman enforces these traits, encouraging the diversity between the two sexes.
When a woman does not dress modestly however, she has become somewhat misguided on the Catholic idea of a woman. Wearing a short skirt or tight clothing is an offence or rebel against her own body and God. Each person’s body is a product of God’s image, so therefore we should dress with respect and dignity for God and ourselves.
Another important aspect of dress in the Catholic Church is Halloween attire.
According to tradition, by dressing up as a vampire, witch, wizard, goblin, or etcetera, one is engaging in a communication with the devil. The Catholic Church urges parents to remind their children how dangerous Halloween can be. Using costume accessories such a fake blood or fangs resembles many qualities of the image of the devil, and it is very important to remember that when one dresses like a certain being, one is very customary to begin acting like such a creature.
As a Catholic, is very important to keep in mind we are all made in the image and likeness of God.
Sources used:
The Holy Bible
http://www.catholicplanet.com/women/dress.htm
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article6897422.ece
A woman, according to traditional Catholic Church standards, should dress in accordance to her feminine side. This belief is due mostly in part to the creation story, in which woman and men are separate identities. The anatomy is different, so therefore the clothing and dress should highlight these biological differences. One of the most significant beauties of humanity is the difference of the two sexes.
Therefore, because of these beliefs and distinctions, women are traditionally called upon to wear skirts and dresses, have longer hair, and groom themselves in a feminine manner in order to significantly distinguish themselves from men. All of these accessories to the body are a reflection of attitude and behavior. Wearing and dressing as a woman enforces these traits, encouraging the diversity between the two sexes.
When a woman does not dress modestly however, she has become somewhat misguided on the Catholic idea of a woman. Wearing a short skirt or tight clothing is an offence or rebel against her own body and God. Each person’s body is a product of God’s image, so therefore we should dress with respect and dignity for God and ourselves.
Another important aspect of dress in the Catholic Church is Halloween attire.
According to tradition, by dressing up as a vampire, witch, wizard, goblin, or etcetera, one is engaging in a communication with the devil. The Catholic Church urges parents to remind their children how dangerous Halloween can be. Using costume accessories such a fake blood or fangs resembles many qualities of the image of the devil, and it is very important to remember that when one dresses like a certain being, one is very customary to begin acting like such a creature.
As a Catholic, is very important to keep in mind we are all made in the image and likeness of God.
Sources used:
The Holy Bible
http://www.catholicplanet.com/women/dress.htm
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article6897422.ece
Church Attendance
To recall the Catholic Church’s teaching: it obliges members to attend mass weekly unless one is sickly or physically unable. Missing mass shows disrespect and contempt for God and His laws. Many people question why this practice is so important. Many claim that if they find a quiet place of their own, they can explore God for themselves in a peaceful way. However, many important aspects of the Catholic mass can strengthen and encourage God in one’s everyday life.
Attending mass is a proclamation to the world around us claiming we are indeed a practicing Catholics. It is a way of saying, “Yes! I do love Jesus!” Together, we are sharing our trust and excitement with a community of believers and worshipers. In this formal setting, it is a time to thank God for our graces- such as your personal possessions, family, friends, occupation, and so on. It is a time to devote to God, because He is the reason in which we are living, breathing, and thriving. He is the one who carries us through in times of struggle. For these reasons, it only seems necessary and fair to devote a small portion of our weeks to His admiration and worship.
"Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.... My flesh is true food and My blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in Me and I in him.... who feeds on me will have life because of Me." (John.6:53, 55-57). These are the accurate and profound teachings of Jesus Christ in which the mass is centered around. By receiving the body and blood of Jesus Christ, we are consuming a part of Jesus himself. Mass is the only time in which we can literally participate in these very important rituals.
The word Catholic literally means “universal.” In order to practice one’s Catholic faith, we must engage in a form of this universal behavior. Although one’s own spirituality and time with God is a very important aspect of this faith, spending time with believers who share in the same values of God is essential. Together, we can encourage a unity of faith world-wide.
Lastly, as William J. Bradley, a devoted man of the Catholic Church, said, “Jesus is always welcoming and if you put yourself in his hands, He will find a way to bring you home.”
Sources used:
The Holy Bible
http://www.catholicmissionleaflets.org/sunday.htm
Attending mass is a proclamation to the world around us claiming we are indeed a practicing Catholics. It is a way of saying, “Yes! I do love Jesus!” Together, we are sharing our trust and excitement with a community of believers and worshipers. In this formal setting, it is a time to thank God for our graces- such as your personal possessions, family, friends, occupation, and so on. It is a time to devote to God, because He is the reason in which we are living, breathing, and thriving. He is the one who carries us through in times of struggle. For these reasons, it only seems necessary and fair to devote a small portion of our weeks to His admiration and worship.
"Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.... My flesh is true food and My blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in Me and I in him.... who feeds on me will have life because of Me." (John.6:53, 55-57). These are the accurate and profound teachings of Jesus Christ in which the mass is centered around. By receiving the body and blood of Jesus Christ, we are consuming a part of Jesus himself. Mass is the only time in which we can literally participate in these very important rituals.
The word Catholic literally means “universal.” In order to practice one’s Catholic faith, we must engage in a form of this universal behavior. Although one’s own spirituality and time with God is a very important aspect of this faith, spending time with believers who share in the same values of God is essential. Together, we can encourage a unity of faith world-wide.
Lastly, as William J. Bradley, a devoted man of the Catholic Church, said, “Jesus is always welcoming and if you put yourself in his hands, He will find a way to bring you home.”
Sources used:
The Holy Bible
http://www.catholicmissionleaflets.org/sunday.htm
Homosexuality
As many of us know, homosexuality is condemned in the Catholic Church, yet it seems odd that Catholicism claims to love everyone. The Catholic Church, however, does not dislike, or is any means homophobic. “While the Church does recognize homosexuality as disordered, this does not mean that the Church is uncompassionate to those who suffer from the disorder. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: ‘Men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies . . . must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.’”
There is some confusion about the beliefs of the Church that must be clarified in order to comment on this subject: people who are not attracted to the opposite sex, are not immoral by any means, unless, of course if they were to act on these behaviors. The Catholic Church explicitly says that just because one’s sexual orientation may not, per say, be chosen, it does not mean that one is born being gay. These tastes are acquired by habituation and conditioning. These aspects could include how one is brought up, how one was treated by one’s parents or adult figures, and the environment in which he or she was exposed to. For instance, we as humans prefer a certain scent, a look, or a personality trait in the opposite sex; therefore, we are conditioned to like these qualities. The behavior and qualities that we find pleasure in a desirable person are not biological. In the same way, a person who likes the members of the same sex has been conditioned to find attractive qualities in same sex people.
In order to put this in terms of everyday life, one way to look at homosexuality is in comparison to alcoholism. Like alcoholics, “gays” and “lesbians” become the way they are due to the environment they are constantly inhabit. If a person is always around alcohol, they are most likely going to be prone to drinking alcohol, simply because it is something that they are comfortable around. If homosexual attractions and desires are things that are accepted and encouraged in their environment, people are bound to act this way.
Another way to look at homosexuality is something that is against “the norm.” The average person is attracted to members of the opposite sex, so therefore, this is often considered normal or standard. A person who is attracted to the same sex is against “the norm,” a special case. These people simply suffer from a disorder in which the Catholic Church is trying to cure.
So therefore, homosexuality can be seen as something like a disease. It is very unfortunate that these people have developed this abnormality and the Church is trying to fix their strange ways. Although this can easily be interpreted as homophobia or exclusion, it really is not. The people of the Catholic Church are simply trying to make those who are strange, and are attracted to members of the same sex, become reacquainted with society. They realize how difficult it is for them to have such awful circumstances, and do not mock them for this, but pray and hope for their recovery.
The Catholic Church, although dissimilar to the modern interpretation of homosexual people, is still trying to help. They are not excluding these people for being the way they are- they know that this has happened through uncontrollable factors, but instead they are just trying to help them become “normal” again. These people must be experiencing much discomfort and lack of satisfaction because of their differences. The Catholic Church realizes this sadness and inequality and this is trying to comfort these people into a normal lifestyle.
Source used:
http://www.catholic.com/library/gay_marriage.asp
There is some confusion about the beliefs of the Church that must be clarified in order to comment on this subject: people who are not attracted to the opposite sex, are not immoral by any means, unless, of course if they were to act on these behaviors. The Catholic Church explicitly says that just because one’s sexual orientation may not, per say, be chosen, it does not mean that one is born being gay. These tastes are acquired by habituation and conditioning. These aspects could include how one is brought up, how one was treated by one’s parents or adult figures, and the environment in which he or she was exposed to. For instance, we as humans prefer a certain scent, a look, or a personality trait in the opposite sex; therefore, we are conditioned to like these qualities. The behavior and qualities that we find pleasure in a desirable person are not biological. In the same way, a person who likes the members of the same sex has been conditioned to find attractive qualities in same sex people.
In order to put this in terms of everyday life, one way to look at homosexuality is in comparison to alcoholism. Like alcoholics, “gays” and “lesbians” become the way they are due to the environment they are constantly inhabit. If a person is always around alcohol, they are most likely going to be prone to drinking alcohol, simply because it is something that they are comfortable around. If homosexual attractions and desires are things that are accepted and encouraged in their environment, people are bound to act this way.
Another way to look at homosexuality is something that is against “the norm.” The average person is attracted to members of the opposite sex, so therefore, this is often considered normal or standard. A person who is attracted to the same sex is against “the norm,” a special case. These people simply suffer from a disorder in which the Catholic Church is trying to cure.
So therefore, homosexuality can be seen as something like a disease. It is very unfortunate that these people have developed this abnormality and the Church is trying to fix their strange ways. Although this can easily be interpreted as homophobia or exclusion, it really is not. The people of the Catholic Church are simply trying to make those who are strange, and are attracted to members of the same sex, become reacquainted with society. They realize how difficult it is for them to have such awful circumstances, and do not mock them for this, but pray and hope for their recovery.
The Catholic Church, although dissimilar to the modern interpretation of homosexual people, is still trying to help. They are not excluding these people for being the way they are- they know that this has happened through uncontrollable factors, but instead they are just trying to help them become “normal” again. These people must be experiencing much discomfort and lack of satisfaction because of their differences. The Catholic Church realizes this sadness and inequality and this is trying to comfort these people into a normal lifestyle.
Source used:
http://www.catholic.com/library/gay_marriage.asp
Proper Dress
In today’s society, the image of a catholic school girl is a promiscuous young girl in a short skirt and tight shirt. The attire is meant to entice young men and promote their anti-catholic nature. While walking down the street in my Catholic school girl uniform, I have often received numerous honks and comments regarding my appearance. To some extent, this may be flattering for a young woman, making one feel good about her appearance to the opposite sex. However, when I really started to contemplate these remarks, I began to realize how rude and degrading they actually were. It was putting a label on young women, like myself, as sex symbols and demeaning them into objects for a man’s pleasure. Little do Catholic school girls realize, however, that this attire is simply that dress in which we are required to wear. Girls must wear skirts and knee socks; oftentimes pants are not even allowed, and if they are, the popularity of them is very low due to their extremely unflattering aspects. It seems to me that there is no way out of this promiscuous stereotype. Whether or not we choose to act in this way is our own decision, but when dressing this way, there is no choice.
So I asked myself, how does this fit into the view of women in the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church clarifies that women and men are two separate identities, in which not to be confused. Because Jesus was a man and God is defined as a masculine being, this justifies that priests, the tellers of God’s word, must be males in order to ensure complete authenticity. As womanpriests.org explains: “[l]et us be clear on this matter: the Church has never denied women admission to the priesthood, because the "gift" was never offered to them by Christ. Put in other words, the female has never been deprived of the office, because she was never eligible for it.
The "equality" of the sexes (in the modern sense) has never been part of the Church's thinking about the priesthood. Her world-view has always been hierarchical.” In other words, women just are not “fit” for the job because they are not equivalent in authority and power to the man.
“In the Hebrew language, the names of God, Yahweh and Elohim, are masculine. He is described as "Father" (Ex. 4:22; Deut. 32:6; Isa. 63:16; Mal. 2:10, etc.). Jesus prays, ‘Our Father’ (Matt. 6:9). He is "father" in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Through baptism and the Spirit of adoption we are privileged to cry, ‘Abba, Father’ (Rom. 8:15). God has the title of King (ho basileus) Who rules a Kingdom (he basileia). He is Lord, ho kyrios. He is also Judge, Master, Savior, and Ancient of Days. The Old Testament speaks of Him as ‘the God of Abraham,’ not "the God of Sarah." The fact that the man Adam was created before the woman Eve suggests that God, in His actions (i.e., the Uncreated Energies), is masculine rather than feminine.”
It is quite apparent to most of us that men and women have significant differences. Instead of blurring theses lines, says the Bible, we must emphasize them. Masculinity and femininity have two opposite meanings, one power, and the other passivity. God, displayed as a very powerful creature, must likewise be portrayed as such. Women must therefore flaunt their femininity, showing we are incapable of power and control because this is the callings of Bible and mankind. In doing so, many young women portray this in a negative sense using little clothing and flirtatious attitudes, giving into the desire of men. The Bible most likely did not intend for these outcomes, however, the Bible is too often misinterpreted.
Sources used:
http://www.womenpriests.org/related/azkoul5.asp
http://www.womenpriests.org/related/azkoul5.asp
So I asked myself, how does this fit into the view of women in the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church clarifies that women and men are two separate identities, in which not to be confused. Because Jesus was a man and God is defined as a masculine being, this justifies that priests, the tellers of God’s word, must be males in order to ensure complete authenticity. As womanpriests.org explains: “[l]et us be clear on this matter: the Church has never denied women admission to the priesthood, because the "gift" was never offered to them by Christ. Put in other words, the female has never been deprived of the office, because she was never eligible for it.
The "equality" of the sexes (in the modern sense) has never been part of the Church's thinking about the priesthood. Her world-view has always been hierarchical.” In other words, women just are not “fit” for the job because they are not equivalent in authority and power to the man.
“In the Hebrew language, the names of God, Yahweh and Elohim, are masculine. He is described as "Father" (Ex. 4:22; Deut. 32:6; Isa. 63:16; Mal. 2:10, etc.). Jesus prays, ‘Our Father’ (Matt. 6:9). He is "father" in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Through baptism and the Spirit of adoption we are privileged to cry, ‘Abba, Father’ (Rom. 8:15). God has the title of King (ho basileus) Who rules a Kingdom (he basileia). He is Lord, ho kyrios. He is also Judge, Master, Savior, and Ancient of Days. The Old Testament speaks of Him as ‘the God of Abraham,’ not "the God of Sarah." The fact that the man Adam was created before the woman Eve suggests that God, in His actions (i.e., the Uncreated Energies), is masculine rather than feminine.”
It is quite apparent to most of us that men and women have significant differences. Instead of blurring theses lines, says the Bible, we must emphasize them. Masculinity and femininity have two opposite meanings, one power, and the other passivity. God, displayed as a very powerful creature, must likewise be portrayed as such. Women must therefore flaunt their femininity, showing we are incapable of power and control because this is the callings of Bible and mankind. In doing so, many young women portray this in a negative sense using little clothing and flirtatious attitudes, giving into the desire of men. The Bible most likely did not intend for these outcomes, however, the Bible is too often misinterpreted.
Sources used:
http://www.womenpriests.org/related/azkoul5.asp
http://www.womenpriests.org/related/azkoul5.asp
The Validity of the Catholic Church
Ever since kindergarten, I have gone to a small, private Catholic school where everyone was required to wear uniforms and follow a strict set of rules. As a small girl, I followed the regulations without any questions, I did exactly what I was told, and never questioned authority because I was afraid of the consequences. When I got a little older, I began to explore my own creativity more and more. I began to love wearing jewelry and adorning my wardrobe with as many colors as possible. I did not understand why my teachers did not approve of my bracelets or colorful hair ribbons. They told me I would receive a uniform violation if I did not refrain from wearing such accessories. So instead of expressing my creativity, my true self, I followed the rules.
I went onto a bigger high school, still with a uniform, where the rules and restrictions seemed much less limited and more bearable. I was excited, and I began to express myself through handmade friendship bracelets, patterned headbands, and painting my nails the colors of the rainbow. This, to me, was freedom.
As the years progressed, however, I noticed how sheltered my educational experience had made me. I noticed that by dressing the same, we conformed to the same idea; we were forced to attend mass, and ultimately act in the same fashion. Although students were highly encouraged to develop interests in sports, the arts, and volunteer opportunities, we all were made to follow the same set of rules. I began to wonder what we really stood for... to follow the teachings of Jesus, right? Didn't Jesus teach us to love one another regardless of how we look? Why does it matter, then, that we have a uniform, or conform to the same rules? Why must the priests be men, if Jesus loves everyone equally? Why are homosexuals looked down upon? Why is the attendance to mass every Sunday mandatory if Jesus is with us everywhere?
These are questions that I have begun to ponder- they make no sense to me. I hope, in my blog, to answer some of these difficult questions and explain the underlying thoughts of the Catholic Church.
I went onto a bigger high school, still with a uniform, where the rules and restrictions seemed much less limited and more bearable. I was excited, and I began to express myself through handmade friendship bracelets, patterned headbands, and painting my nails the colors of the rainbow. This, to me, was freedom.
As the years progressed, however, I noticed how sheltered my educational experience had made me. I noticed that by dressing the same, we conformed to the same idea; we were forced to attend mass, and ultimately act in the same fashion. Although students were highly encouraged to develop interests in sports, the arts, and volunteer opportunities, we all were made to follow the same set of rules. I began to wonder what we really stood for... to follow the teachings of Jesus, right? Didn't Jesus teach us to love one another regardless of how we look? Why does it matter, then, that we have a uniform, or conform to the same rules? Why must the priests be men, if Jesus loves everyone equally? Why are homosexuals looked down upon? Why is the attendance to mass every Sunday mandatory if Jesus is with us everywhere?
These are questions that I have begun to ponder- they make no sense to me. I hope, in my blog, to answer some of these difficult questions and explain the underlying thoughts of the Catholic Church.
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