Celibacy is derived from the Latin word caelebs, which originally means a state of being “unmarried” or “single.” The scope of the term, moreover, extends to complete abstinence from sexual congress with any man, woman, or animal, and the popular concept of celibacy encompasses the absence of sexual desire. In addition, celibacy is deeply rooted in religious philosophy and becomes a metaphor for chastity and purity structured in mental and physical landscapes. St. Augustine’s prayer, “Grant me chastity and continency, but not yet” (Confessions, VIII: VII, 17) suggests that celibacy is a significant means of coming to terms with sexuality. Having developed culturally, in time and space, it has become an important aspect of human existence – religious and secular – pulsating throughout people of all ages. It has encompassed the sacred scriptures, political discourses, and medical literatures. Away from the antagonistic sensual self of erotic desire – often considered “impure,”...
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Choudhury, C. (2019). Celibacy. In: Leeming, D. (eds) Encyclopedia of Psychology and Religion. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27771-9_200040-1
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