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Foundation for talking about Sexuality
"God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and God said to them: Be fertile and multiply..."
~ Genesis 1:27-28
"Sexuality, in which man's belonging to the bodily and biological world is expressed, becomes personal and truly human when it is integrated into the relationship of one person to another, in the complete and lifelong mutual gift of a man and a woman." (CCC 2337)
Theology of the Body Overview (from Mama Needs Coffee):- God created human beings out of love with both a body and a soul. Both your soul and body are good.
- You are your body, just as much as you are your soul. You also have free will (and thus, can control your body.)
- God created people for relationship (to love God and neighbor) and to be the best version of themselves (pursue holiness). God has a specific purpose for your life, and your body contains the blueprints for it.
- God created us, men and women, in His own image, in order to tell us specific things about Himself (in other words: gender is important, intentional, and immutable.)
- Why do people date and marry?
- Because we are made for relationships and they can draw us all closer to God and heaven by loving others. If called to the married vocation, eventually a family.
- Why do we have these desires and feelings?
- They come from God and point to our need for Him.
- Is it ok to have these desires and feelings?
- Of course, but they need direction and discipline.
- How do we properly channel them?
- By learning chastity and self-control
- What does appropriate intimacy look like (whether emotionally or physically)?
- It depends on the level of the relationship, but sexual intimacy should be reserved for marriage.
Where do I start?Books:- Wonderfully Made! Babies: A Catholic Perspective on How and Why God Makes Babies
- Read with your child to start the conversation with both the biology and spirituality
- Beyond the Birds and the Bees: Raising Sexually Whole and Holy Kids
- Book for parents to help them start and continue the conversations
- TOB for Tots
Blogs:Theology of the Body Resources
More Resources on Chastity
Gender Questions
Same Sex Attraction
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