St. Augustine, the first archbishop of Canterbury, abstained from sex simply because he didn't like the idea that sperm comes from the same organ that produces urine. The English writer John Ruskin married a 10-year-old girl and was shocked into sexual abstinence at the sight of his wife's pubic hair! English sexologist Havelock Ellis, on the other hand, never masturbated, fearing he would contract venereal disease that way.
Other notable "virgins" in history found in "The Book of Lists" by David Wallechinsky, Irving Wallace and Amy Wallace are the English scientist Sir Isaac Newton, the German philosopher Immanuel Kant, and the British playwright George Bernard Shaw.
In today's world, those who practice celibacy are usually priests and nuns who are concerned about Christ's teachings on continence. These people believe they can better serve the Lord if they don't have to look after their husbands, wives or kids.
As 1 Corinthians 7:32, 34 reads: "An unmarried man can devote himself to the Lord's affairs, all he need worry about is pleasing the Lord. In the same way an unmarried woman, like a young girl, can devote herself to the Lord's affairs; all she need worry about is being holy in body and spirit. "
Since self-restraint is generally viewed by the Catholic Church as the first step in following Christ, a person can supposedly live the way our Savior did if he learns to control his or her passions and emotions.
Some people may be forced to practice celibacy either because of medical reasons such as a recent illness, surgery or simply as a way of preventing pregnancy. For those who can't afford to buy expensive contraceptives or those whose religious upbringing prohibits them from using other effective contraceptives, celibacy would appear to be the ideal birth control method.
After all, it costs nothing and, more importantly, has no physical side effects to worry about. In fact, one does not even have to abstain from sex in using celibacy as a contraceptive method. As Paul M. Insel and Walton T. Roth pointed out in "Core Concepts in Health:"
"Many couples who do choose to abstain from sexual intercourse in the traditional penis-in-vagina sense turn to other mutually satisfying alternatives. When open communication between partners exists, many new avenues may be explored. These may include dancing, massage, hugging, kissing, patting, masturbation, and oral-genital sex. Sexual feelings may be expressed and satisfied through a wide range of activities and intimacy in diverse interactions." (Next: Is celibacy practical?)
To enjoy sex in your later years, keep fit, eat right, and love life. That simple advice can go a long way in preserving your sex life. For extra help, take Fematril, a safe and natural female sexual enhancer that can stimulate your mind and body. For details, go to http://www.fematril.com/.
