What’s the difference between abstinence and celibacy?

A: Good question. Today, most people think abstinence and celibacy mean the same thing: not having any kind of sex play. In the past, celibacy meant "to remain unmarried." For some religions, the old definitions still stand. Some religions or religious orders require or recommend that their officials or practitioners take vows of celibacy, which means they will abstain from marriage, and/or vows of chastity, which means they will abstain from all kinds of sex play. In some cases, women and men take both kinds of vows. …

What is the definition of abstinence?

A: Sexual abstinence is defined in different ways by different people, organizations, cultures, and religions. For most, the concept of abstinence does not include any type of sexual activity with another person. This is the definition that we use. …