Chastity in Christianity – A Brief History
Nowadays, hookup culture can be considered a norm. As western society strives to become more progressive and inclusive, people have adopted a generally sex-positive outlook. However, it wasn’t always this way. Society before the rise of the modern era had a very different understanding of chastity and sexuality, and that is what we’ll be discussing today. Here is a brief history of chastity in Christianity. Keep reading to find out more!
Chastity in the bible
In multiple verses throughout the Bible, chastity is presented as a virtue to be sought after and prized. To quote 1 Thessalonians 4:3 "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality". Some examples of similar verses are Colossians 3:5, Ephesians 5:3 and famously Exodus 20:14, which states "You shall not commit adultery". Throughout Christian theology, chastity is presented as one of the seven virtues, a contrast against the seven deadly sins, in particular, lust. Chastity in the Bible even extends to one’s thought and intentions, as seen in Matthew 5:28 "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart".
Adultery in the Bible
The Bible also mentions God’s displeasure with adulterers in multiple verses. In 2 Peter 2:14 God says "They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!". In other verses, he ascribes punishment to adulterers, such as Leviticus 20:13 "If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them". While most modern Christians would reject the literal interpretation of this verse, the point still stands. God hates adultery.
Chastity in the Middle Ages
With the spread of Christianity throughout Europe and the rest of the world, chastity became a part of many civilizations' cultural and religious virtues. Throughout the Middle Ages, traditionally Christian countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Britain, Portugal and Greece, viewed chastity as the mark of a Woman’s pride and worth, and for women, maintaining their virginity until marriage was considered an honour and a duty. Adulterers would bring shame and dishonour to their families, though often this was reserved for women adulterers only. In many countries, adultery was considered a punishable offence. Examples include medieval France, where women adulterers would be shaved bald and paraded through the streets.
Chastity in the Age of Discovery
The colonial efforts by nations such as France, Spain, Britain and Portugal brought with it another surge in the spread of Christianity. Along with their imperialism, these nations would often bring with them members of the clergy to act as missionaries to the local population. The far-reaching empires that these nations built meant that Christianity was spread to every corner of the globe from North America to South East Asia. Christianity brought along with the cultural value of chastity that was quickly assimilated by the locals. Christianity’s influence on local culture and values can still be seen in countries such as Brazil, America, Indonesia and Columbia.
Chastity and abstinence in the modern-day
In the more progressive times that we live in, chastity has fallen out of favour as a virtue in the eyes of many. It has been replaced by qualities that champion personal liberty and freedom of expression. While those are wonderful things in their own right, practising chastity and abstinence still brings with it a host of benefits, including completely nullifying the risks of sexually transmitted infections. It also helps in maintaining fidelity between you and your spouse and serves a role in building a healthy and happy relationship.
Using a chastity cage to maintain abstinence
The hyper fixation that our society has with sex means that it can be hard for you to maintain your streak of abstinence. How is a man expected to keep his thoughts pure when all he sees around him is sex? Sex pervades our entertainment, our news and our advertising. Everywhere you look, playboy bunnies are lying on top of a Ford Fiesta. It would be unfair if we were expected to keep it from pervading our minds as well. So, what can you do to help you maintain your abstinence? The answer; wear a chastity cage.
What is a chastity cage?
A chastity cage is a harness that surrounds your manhood and prevents it from being stimulated by any touch. It can be made from stainless steel or plastic and typically comes with a key lock. Some come with electronic locks that require a remote or special code to open.
Most chastity cages come with an opening to allow you to urinate without dirtying the cage. They come in a variety of prices, with cheap ones going for about ten to fifteen dollars. Should you go for something so cheap? I asked an expert on the subject, someone with numerous years of experience locking cocks in chastity cages. She thinks going for a stainless steel cage is the best way to go:
"I can’t recommend a steel chastity cage highly enough. They are really strong, which will prevent you from simply snapping it into pieces to release yourself. What would be the point in that?"
That’s dominant Miss T, a dominatrix based in the US with 12 years of pro-domme experience tucked into her latex belt. She’s had many in person sessions with clients that wanted to be locked in a device.
"The popularity of chastity play has certainly grown since I started and it’s only getting bigger. I usually get the sub to buy a chastity cage before visiting me so that they’re ready to go. Websites like House of Denial sell a reasonably priced selection of chastity devices, including the aptly named Holy Trainer, that will help to get you started. If it’s something you enjoy (not too much if I have anything to do about it!) you can look at getting a custom cage made that will fit you like a glove."
Benefits of a chastity cage
True to their name, chastity cages prevent you from being able to partake in any sexual activity. For many, this can be a huge mental burden off their shoulders, as they no longer have to rely solely on force of will for them to maintain their celibacy. This allows them to remain celibate for longer without any worry. This can be extremely helpful, as long periods of celibacy often put pressure on you to maintain them.
My final thoughts on the subject of chastity
God in the Bible has stressed for his followers the importance of maintaining their sexual purity and virtue of chastity. With the spread of Christianity, this virtue was instilled in the hearts and souls of many cultures all over the world. The influence of these virtues can still be felt today, centuries after. While it is harder than ever to maintain celibacy in today’s social climate, it is not impossible. Tools such as chastity cages allow the determined man to overcome the unique obstacles that today’s media represent and maintain his period of abstinence for as long as he deems fit.