The title says "Be Aware," not "Beware."
Take care.

Anon y mouse! If you are going to be a lingo picky eater then I'll call you on your hypocrisy. Prostitutes??? I think the word is kind of ignorant and misleading.

“I'm just a musical prostitute, my dear.” Freddie Mercury

Yes, the definition of celibate is "someone who abstains from sexual relations." That implies a choice. Make your own choice.

I'm simply expounding on the health benefits of sex. This isn't a critique; it's an FYI. Do what you will.

Anon y mouse again! Your Celibate vs. Sexual Being is a false dilemma created by YOUR faulty logic interpretation not Dr. Melody's beautiful music.

False dilemma can arise intentionally, when fallacy is used in an attempt to force a choice ("If you are not with us, you are against us").

Your attempt at "Falsum in uno, falsum in omnibus" failed. You lose.

I'm glad things are "going well" for you and your hubby. Thank you for your very kind words. The people in J'ville have been great, as I've lectured there a few times now. Thanks again.

Yea, my Jewish friends told me that sex outside of marriage is not a "sin" for them (lucky dogs!), but in the Christian faith, the Bible clearly speaks against it. [Did you hear that, Joel Osteen? I answered the question directly, no waffling.]

That said, 1) I admit this causes a struggle with one's own flesh and yes, God-given natural urges. Sometimes people win the battle, and others times...some just don't :-).

2) Or maybe we need to ask God..."Why give us these urges and we can't indulge? Are you serious? We can't do 'it'?" [I've asked Him that before years ago; He didn't answer. I think He said to read my Bible. As a former church lady, trust me, I know all the Scriptures that pertain to fornication, adultery, etc.] Also, the sex hormones begin to kick in during adolescence; for sure, we don't need rampant sex within that age group (as is already happening).

3) Many now say they "ask for forgiveness instead of permission."

4) Others say the biblical passages about sex were offered because in old testament days, everyone was sleeping with everyone. [Again, sexual urges are nothing new, they are inherent to all living creatures.] Also, in the Bible, heck...for all the sex the prophets, etc., folks still "made it in." If sex is going to keep people out of heaven, then who's going to be there?

Okay, enough of the levity; and are all those 'excuses' to indulge? Hmmm.

Sex for unmarried Christians does cause some concern, i.e., struggle with the flesh. Not everyone can abide, though many make the effort to abstain--and many do, for years or decades. This is something people of faith have to work out for themselves. It is not my place to encourage anyone to sin, as I wrote in my post. There is a beauty to entering marriage as a virgin, I'd think. But then...that one person may be the only lover you've ever know. Hmmm.

BUT...yes, if of age, those who are abstinent are, in turn, missing out on the benefits sex affords. Exercise may give a similar health effect, if not the same pleasure and release. :-)

Wow...this answer requires more time and space than I have right now. In fact, I'm preparing another post for tomorrow which might be entitled, "Is the Church changing the World, or the World changing the Church?" That one deals with sex (in part), but more with the scandals--Eddie Long, etc; and the modern worship styles, etc., as many stand in search of "sacred worship."

Sex is always a lively discussion with friends over dinner, so maybe take it up with your friends, as well.

What is your answer to your question to me?

Thanks for writing.

Thank you for writing. When I lecture, maybe I'll tweet it, once I figure out how twitter works.

Thank you.