Let's talk about ...... sex
Most of us have probably heard religious figures talk about sex only in a negative light. In many cases, this is probably an inheritance from when rulers and politicians used churches etc as a vehicle for their own moral preferences. While the bible certainly does encourage restraint, it doesn't really forbid it as such.
Some solitaries (and non-solitaries) practice celibacy and that is their choice. For those that can, it is one less distraction to their contemplative prayer life. In my view, it doesn't have to be this way although it can undoubtedly be a distraction and a potentially addictive one which is why it is used so widely in advertising.
The desire for sex is an entirely natural instinct for most people and there is no need to deny this. That doesn't mean that we should let our lives be dictated by it. Sex addiction is a real thing and can and has destroyed lives. Like in most aspects of life, discretion and balance is key. Going out to 'hunt' for sex is pretty unhealthy, but if you meet someone and the attraction is mutual, surely this is a natural thing provided consent and care for the other person such as contraception is applied.
Sin
Some people view sex between unmarried people as sin. Some even consider masturbation a sin. This is an interesting concept because in one sense they are right and in another sense they are wrong.
Viewed from a moralistic point of view, and providing the right things all align, I consider them wrong. Sex is natural and enjoyable. Where they are technically right (although they probably wouldn't acknowledge this) is that it is a 'sin'. I will discuss this more in a future blog but essentially, we tend to think of 'sin' as a moral thing, however, originally 'sin' means 'to turn away from God' ie if it distracts us from God, then it is a sin.
So yes, sex certainly diverts our minds away from God but so do a thousand other things. Food, shopping, TV, music .. most things in our daily lives can become a barrier between ourselves and God and this is why it is so important to spend some silent and quiet time with God away from these distractions.
And with that .. I will go and sit quietly for a while.