Hi,
I have been looking for OFFICIAL Catholic teaching on intimacy between un-married couples and find LOTS of opinions but no real “rules”.
It seems “sex” lies somewhere between “french” kissing and coitus as per CA opinions. Even a prolonged kiss or embrace a “sin” per opinion.
If this is so does one lose their virginity by heavy petting? Even tactile manipulations?
I figure sex is an act that violates virginity. Other more lustful acts I will refrain from being graphic about certainly being sins of lust and passion but NOT mortal/grave sins of fornication (based on the 3 standards of mortal sin being met)
I firmly believe SEX is reserved for married heterosexual couples and contraception shows a lack of trust in God.
BUT lacking a firm definition how can any of us call any other acts between unmarried couples sin? Is this not in and of itself a sin of judgement?
I’m not looking for loop holes. I just don’t want to be running to confession every other day because I french kissed my girl friend or caressed her breasts even in a gentle loving manner. She is beautiful enough that I am aroused upon sight so that could be considered a sin. This sans lustful thoughts, just a wonderful inspired reaction I do not fuel as much as possible.
So aside from opinions can someone provide citations from “official” church teaching on the limits of physical contact between and man and a women.
Respectfully, Please keep your “opinions” to yourself.
Oh yes…I am in a new town and my parish has no priest at present and has not for some months. We get visiting priests and even the Bishop pitches in but no steady confessor. Sure I can go to another parish but this one needs my support.
Thanks,
EP