The Fullness of Sexuality
When we were teens (parents), we probably flirted; day dreamed about our future as a wife or husband, or perhaps organized “chance meetings” with a current crush. The desire for love is good, God created man and woman with a unique desire and capacity for union with the other.
Unfortunately, modern culture reduces sexuality to the act itself. It tells us, and especially our teens, it is good and healthy to act on our sexual desires in any way as long as it is safe and with consent. It promotes sex without limitations and that to engage in sex for sex itself is not only the “norm” but will make us happy.
This reductionist worldview on sexuality has been influencing teens since parents were teens themselves. Many of us grew up during or after the sexual revolution in a time with “on demand” sex, free love, and lack of commitment situations.
Catholics believes there is more to sex than sex itself. The purpose of sex is more than just feeling pleasure, but has lasting effects. We believe sex is both procreative and unitive.
Sex is procreative. Through the sexual union, a man and a woman have the potential to create life.
Sex is unitive. Through the sexual union, chemicals are released in the brain (serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin) that bond the couple.
Love is also misunderstood. It is not just a warm fuzzy feeling but, as you know, a decision to make a lasting gift of ourselves to the other. It is putting the others need before our own.
God is the ultimate example of love. Jesus responded to our need of redemption by giving Himself completely unto death so that our relationship with God would be restored.
Sex has more requirements (the Sacrament of Matrimony) than what the world teaches (safe and with consent) because it is more. We must do our best to reject the lies of the world and embrace and live out the truth, beauty, and goodness the Church offers and teach our children to do the same.