Auer tackles the ticklish topic of teen sexuality from a Roman Catholic perspective. He is honest, open, and compassionate. His message to teens is that virginity is not a cage; instead, saving sex for marriage frees young people from a host of worries ranging from teen pregnancy to sexually transmitted diseases. He is beautifully sensitive toward those who feel same-sex attractions, condemning same-sex intercourse but strongly affirming the rights of gay and lesbian people to friendship and respect. He dispels the myth that sexuality is something dirty or shameful, and instead presents it as the fount of human life and an expression of enduring love.

teens and their parents. It is written from a Catholic perspective, but there is much material in this book which would be valuable for non-Catholic Christians. It might even be worthwhile for non-Christian youth who are interested in learning views on sexuality that they won't hear in the classroom. Chastity as a path to freedom is not a gift reserved strictly for Christian people. It may be most practical for parents to read this book themselves and then share it with their teenage children.

the fact that Auer sees teens as powerful, capable human beings who are able to master their own sexuality as a force of good in the world. In my opinion, the message of sex education that isn't focussed on abstinence is that teens are little better than animals who can't control themselves. Teens need to hear that they DO have it in them to save sex until the right time.

of my own Cahtolic beliefs, but also because abstinence makes life so much simpler for teens whether they are Christian or not. Chastity means being harder to exploit and having self-esteem that's not tied to pleasing a boyfriend or girlfriend sexually.

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Created Apr 03, 2006 at 8:49pm • Submit your own review...