Today we unpick some of the cultural assumptions about sex being a need which underpin the idea that celibacy is bad for you. We discuss the problems with the view that sex is the only form of intimacy, sex is just about pleasure and sexual expression is core to our identity.

We examine some faulty interpretations of significant Bible passages on sexual desire and show that the Holy Spirit enables us to live fulfilled lives as celebate people who enjoy God, his people and his creation.

Resources mentioned and related

• The Plausibility Problem Ed Shaw
• The Plausibility Problem: A Review Steve Ward
• Marriage: God’s Solution to Sexual Temptation? Dani Treweek
• What is the Gift of Singleness? Andrew Bunt 
• Finding Your Best Identity Andrew Bunt 
• Finding Your Best Identity: A Review Alicia Barwick 
• The Case Against the Sexual Revolution Louise Perry
• The Case Against the Sexual Revolution: A Review Ed Shaw 
• The Mental Health and Well-Being of Celibate Gay Christians Mark Yarhouse and Olya Zaporozhets 
• Hey, Single Christian. Your Celibacy Isn't Extraordinary Dani Treweek 
• Hey Single Christian. Your Celibacy is Uniquely Meaningful Dani Treweek