Celibacy vs. chastity?
Celibacy vs. chastity?
Question: I find myself perplexed by the different applications of the terms continence, chastity, and celibacy. Are they identical concepts?
— Name withheld, via email
Answer: The terms are connected yet possess unique definitions. Continence, in a broader context, essentially signifies “self-discipline,” particularly concerning the physical self. It originates from the Latin continentia, which signifies “a restraining.” Nevertheless, throughout the years, the term “continence” has also acquired a more specific connotation of sexual self-control or total avoidance of sexual activity. In this context, it resembles a lifestyle of celibacy.
The broader interpretation of celibacy pertains to individuals who consistently abstain from sexual intercourse. In this context, any individual who is not married should practice living “celibately.” Nevertheless, a person may eventually enter into marriage, at which point the celibacy would come to an end. More specifically, within the Church, “celibacy” denotes a vowed, lifelong commitment to abstaining from sexual relations that is taken on by religious figures and priests. In this scenario, the celibate lifestyle is continuous and is anticipated to be upheld for a lifetime.
Chastity is the virtue through which we abstain from any illicit sexual actions and relations. It is a virtue to which everyone is invited, although its expression will differ depending on an individual’s stage in life.
Therefore, for those who are married, chastity signifies loyalty to one’s partner in body, mind, and spirit. Engaging in sexual relations with anyone outside the marriage is considered adultery. Additionally, consuming pornography and dreaming about someone other than the spouse constitutes a type of unchastity. The practice of contraception is similarly associated with unchastity as it intentionally rejects the openness to the procreative aspect of sexual relations.
For those who are not married, chastity entails abstaining from any type of genital sexual contact, which encompasses unsuitable touching, indecent or inappropriate discussions, watching pornography, masturbation, and sexual daydreaming.
End to purgatory?
Question: I listened to a priest who provided a traditional explanation of purgatory, and as he finished, he remarked, “Purgatory will cease when the world itself ceases.” This is something I haven’t encountered before. Could you provide some clarification on this?
— Jim Flynn, via email
Answer: Some aspects of the response are tied to the enigma of time. We cannot be certain that the passage of time in purgatory, and undoubtedly in heaven, is perceived as it is in our world. It is probable that it is not. Moreover, if time does exist in purgatory, how does it connect to time in our realm? Additionally, the significance of the “end” of the world in relation to time concerning heaven and purgatory remains ambiguous.
What we understand is that some form of purification is essential for anyone who passes away in sanctifying grace, yet has not achieved the level of holiness required to behold God (Heb 12:14).
Even if the world were to conclude today, it appears unreasonable to suggest that no cleansing would be required for those remaining on earth. Therefore, some method to achieve this would seem essential. In this context, purgatory (as a process) would persist even if the world were to end. However, we need not presume that such a purification will last for “years” in the temporal sense we recognize today. The biblical evidence suggests a conclusive nature to all matters on Judgment Day, and this is likely what the priest intended. Nonetheless, God will certainly perform any necessary purifications in a manner known solely to him.
Msgr. Charles Pope is the pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian in Washington, D.C., and writes for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., blog at blog.adw.org. Send questions to Pastoral Answers, Our Sunday Visitor, 200 Noll Plaza, Huntington, IN 46750 or to msgrpope@osv.com. Letters must be signed, but anonymity may be requested.
