What is the difference between abstinence and celibacy? Aren't they sort of the same thing or do you have to already have had sex to practice celibacy? And can someone who is abstinent say they are celibate too?
~ bebe08
Dear bebe08,
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.
Anyone can practice abstinence (or celibacy) at any time — whether they'd had sex play before or not. Some people may choose to be sexually abstinent in certain circumstances. Others may choose to be abstinent throughout certain periods of their lives, regardless of what circumstances arise.
