With the self-serving attitudes that pervade our culture, it is no wonder that young people today struggle so much with purity. The media and pop culture encourage promiscuity, empty pleasure, and instant gratification above all else. Chastity, on the other hand, is all about self-denial and discipline in the pursuit of something greater. It is a difficult pursuit, but a worthy one. As St. Josemaria Escriva says, “When you decide firmly to lead a clean life, chastity will not be a burden on you: it will be a crown of triumph.”
Are you looking for a book that teaches the value of chastity and gives practical advice on how to remain pure in the modern world? Or are you looking for a resource for someone you know that you believe could help them in their journey toward purity? Check out Why Purity: Navigating the Confusing Cultural Messages today!
In their book Why Purity: Navigating the Confusing Cultural Messages, Francis Insa and Dale Parker discuss the importance of chastity in forming healthy relationships and bonds. They introduce their main topic by looking at the life of Jesus. The way that Jesus treats and loves others is an example for us all to live by. In order to care for people in a Christ-like way, we must see the innate dignity in ourselves and others and uphold that.
When we see people in this way, we flip the cultural narrative on its head. Instead of using others for our own pleasure, we do all that we can to try to serve and help them as our brothers and sisters in Christ. Rather than use others or allow ourselves to be used as objects, we see and respect human beings for all that they are worth. This attitude is essential in the fight for purity.
In Why Purity, Insa and Parker discuss prayer, sacrifice, service to others, control over internet use, talking about one’s struggles, and obtaining help in confession and spiritual direction. They emphasize the virtue of chastity as an essential part of living a good, responsible, happy, and fulfilling life.
For more resources on chastity and purity, check out these resources:
Advice on purity in marriage; An understanding of the purpose of chastity; and for a saint’s perspective on celibacy.
