Sex

 Sex, in any of its physical forms, is a gift of evolution. Sexuality, in all of its human manifestations, is a result of culture. Vices are rooted in urges which humans act on with all kinds of consequences, some of which show them not to be vices at all. Humans attempt to control their vices for the sake of society. But sometimes the controls themselves are not reasonable or workable.

Over time, for example, societies have tried to curb the sexual expression of women and homosexuals. Prostitution is prosecuted for women but rarely for men. LGBTQ sexuality has only recently been given attention. Yet we live in a society where advertising, marketing, TV and movies spin out all forms of distorted and destructive messages about sexuality.

What we are not good at is talking openly and honestly about sexuality, healthy sexual behavior, sexual responsibility and sexual choice. Honest dialogue scares us while unhealthy messages swamp us. In the end, it’s not sex, but the ability to be informed and attuned to our partner’s needs and to be willing to take the consequences of our choices. Sex can be emotional, intimate, pleasurable and loving, but it should never be an act of anger, violence, will or force.