![]() ![]() Celibacy was integral to Gnosticism because sex was understood as a sinful form of gratification and the body needed to be tamed. The title alone evoked an image of someone finding inner strength to refute societal pressures this is essentially an aspect of Gnosticism.Īs a religious studies student, I’ve learned that Gnosticism was an ancient religion that stressed dualism, especially the intrinsic tension between the body and the spirit. On a cool autumn evening a few years ago, my first year Bible-study group started a reading circle around a book entitled I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris. Those who wear purity rings are skirting with aspects of the ancient religious practice of Gnosticism. John Paul’s Theology of the Body teaches that sexuality is an important part of our created body.īut purity rings can represent piety masquerading as orthodoxy and send the message that Christians do not acknowledge the goodness of sex even within the sanctity of marriage. But one of my concerns with Christians who parade abstinence is that they risk trivializing the goodness of the body and human sexuality. Unmarried couples are called to abstain from sexual intimacy. This culture can impede dialogue between ring wearers and non-ring wearers as they are split into polarized camps: one that resents Christianity and embraces the body and one that seeks to overly moralize their faith. I can’t believe we are still having this conversation but, somehow, purity ring culture informs the lives of many people today. We are not divorced from our bodily experiences - that is why our parents teach us not to touch hot stoves. If the Word became incarnate then our flesh is good. If we can learn anything from the Gospel account of the risen Jesus, who still bears His wounds and scars, it is this: our bodies matter. But I think a doctrine of “waiting” has re-emerged in our vernacular because some Christians have adopted a distorted view of the goodness of our bodies. The promise ring, as a cultural practice, is essentially worn when one vows to refrain from premarital sexual activity. I write this column in response to two stories that went viral on the Internet: “Why I waited till my wedding night to lose my virginity and wish I hadn’t” and “Christians, stop staying pure until marriage.” I wonder if chastity movements have co-opted bodies as part of an agenda that does not necessarily reflect the beliefs and traditions of the Church. As much as I am stirred by young people living out holiness, I still question purity ring culture. I was never a member of the chastity-ring bandwagon and I don’t intend to be. If rings aren't for you, there are also purity bracelets and necklaces.He slips the ring off of his finger and hands it to me engraved on the inner side is “true love waits.” If you would like to wear a ring to symbolize your commitment to waiting for "the one" before having sex, you could always buy yourself one. Boyfriend and girlfriends could also exchange purity (or promise) rings to commit to each other and their belief. Either parent can give the ring to the teenage son or daughter. ![]() This isn't necessary, though it is common. The father gives the daughter her ring, and the mother gives the son his. Traditionally, the son or daughter receives the ring from the parent of the opposite gender. They often have phrases on them that remind the wearer of this commitment, such as "True Love Waits" or "One Life One Love" engraved into the metal. Stylish Couple Bracelets You'll Both Love to WearĬhastity rings also serve as commitments to God to remain pure - not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too.Men’s Jewelry Pictures to Inspire Your Wardrobe. ![]() The rings speak out on the young people's decision to stay pure, and in some cases remind them of their choice in tough situations where they may be tempted to compromise their beliefs. The rings are meant to be reminders and statements on abstaining from sex until marriage. Males and female teens and young adults make up the largest portion of the population that wears purity or chastity rings. ![]()
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