by Ginger Mack
I have been praying a lot about how my spiritual quest doesn’t have to make my life feel sterile or isolated because sometimes that’s what people think. Sometimes that’s what I’ve felt. But here’s what I’ve been learning: if God is really good-and Soul itself-then my spiritual quest has to be good and soulful, too. Understanding my innate spirituality makes life more colorful and enriched.
I have to admit that it doesn’t always feel that way, though. I was talking with a close friend the other day and she confided in me that she had lost her virginity. I was awash with different emotions. I felt like I was the last virgin in the world, taking a stand for a moot cause. I felt disappointed that on a certain level we couldn’t relate because I hadn’t had that life experience yet.
by Lois Carlson
In the news recently was the announcement that the American Psychological Association is embarking on a review of its policy on counseling gays and lesbians. Gay-rights activists hope it will end with a denunciation of attempts by therapists to change sexual orientation. Conservative groups are questioning the review’s credibility because the panel is dominated by gay-rights supporters. At issue is whether or not reparative therapy or conversion therapy is useful or potentially harmful.
Reading the article I found myself thinking that it’s true if someone’s sense of identity is anchored in their sexual expression, there would be significant limits, if not cruelty, in trying to talk them out of it. Christian Science offers a completely different way to understand identity. (more…)
by Evan Mehlenbacher
Have you ever heard of chastity jewelry?
According to a recent article by Sasha Riddle, “Pure promise: Rings gain popularity with teens,” a movement began in the 1990s when girls started wearing chastity rings to signify a commitment to abstaining from sex until marriage. Thousands of girls across the United States are wearing the symbols on their left ring finger with the idea that they will remain abstinent until it is replaced with a wedding ring. “On their wedding day they will give their rings to their husband. It is not an end, but a continuation to a life of purity.” Hutton, one of those interviewed is quoted as saying.
It’s an interesting practice I hadn’t heard about. (more…)
