What do you think of when you hear the word 'celibacy'? To many, it probably sounds like an old-fashioned, painful discipline, relegated to monks and nuns in boring black robes...
Well that image needs to change, according to Christine Colon. She's the author of a book called 'Singled Out - Why Celibacy Must Be Reinvented in Today's Church' - and she believes that the whole discussion on the single life for adult Christians, could do with a makeover. She says singleness isn't a sad waiting season to be endured, but a valid way of living in itself.
Christine is an associate professor of English in her early 40s, and has never married; We spoke with her this week as part of our ongoing series on Singleness.
What are your experiences and thoughts on the topic of celibacy?
Does your experience of church encourage a positive experience of celibacy and singleness?
Do you feel that the search for marriage as an ultimate goal is over-emphasised?
If you are a celibate single, seeking to live according to the Bible, what strategies have you found to live that life successfully?
Tell us your thoughts.
Comments (1)
Hello Sheridan, Love your show, am an avid listener. I took a vow of purity at 18 and just trusted that God would send me someone. I turn 42 on Thursday, still pure, still waiting. Which doesn't bother me. I stopped bothering and thinking about it all at about 30. I'm a Catholic. I don't feel shortchanged by life at all. At 42 I'm in my last year of a Social Work Degree inspired by my faith, have oodles of friends, family and children in my life through my church. God took with one hand my own husband and marriage, but in return gave me so much more. I could never have done the things I've done had I been married with children. My married friends refer to me as Free Spirit. When I graduate I plan on working with the mentally ill and then travelling. Must check with God about that though first! Might not be HIS plan. I just don't feel short changed or suppressed or mentally distressed about being single and a virgin. Jesus is my husband as far as I'm concerned and he so far has been a brilliant, sensitive and caring spouse who has fulfilled my every need as a human being. I would rather have the love that God fills me with than sex any day. I no longer feel weird or displaced as I did at 30. I love your singles segment though, because the whole church seems geared towards families. Even Jesus was single and a virgin at 33. Which means a lot to me. He did it and so can I. I'm having a pain filled and yet joyful life which is indescribeable. Thanks for adding to the joy through your program. Tracey
Posted by tracey Deakin | October 5, 2009 5:49 PM
Posted on October 5, 2009 17:49