What is the Difference Between Chastity and Abstinence

The main difference between chastity and abstinence is that chastity allows sexual relationships between husband and wife. But, abstinence involves refraining from any form of sexual activity, even with a spouse.

Concepts of chastity and abstinence involve refraining from sexual activity. Although these two words are related, there is a distinct difference between chastity and abstinence. Chastity basically refers to refraining from premarital and extramarital sexual relationships, while abstinence refers to refraining from any form of sexual activity.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Chastity 
     – Definition, Characteristics
2. What is Abstinence
     – Definition, Characteristics
3. What are the Similarities Chastity and Abstinence
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Chastity and Abstinence
      – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Abstinence, Chastity, Sex, Religion

What is Chastity

Chasity is the state of not having sexual relationships with anyone or refraining from extramarital sexual relationships. To be more specific, for an unmarried person, chastity may mean refraining from any form of sexual behaviour whereas, for a married couple, chastity means refraining from extramarital relationships. In other words, it refers to refraining from premarital and extramarital sexual relationships.

The word chastity is often related to religion. People who practice chastity deliberately refrain from having sex for religious reasons. Many religions in the world highlight the importance of chastity, especially before marriage. In many religions, for unmarried people, chastity is equal to sexual abstinence; in other words, sexual acts are restricted outside marriage. Sexual acts outside marriage are often considered as immoral or sinful in most religions. In addition to that, chastity implies a sense of purity and morality.  Nuns and priests often take a vow of chastity so that they remain pure and moral.

What is Abstinence

Abstinence is the practice of refraining from indulging a desire, especially for alcoholic drinks or sexual intercourse. In this article, we are specifically focusing on sexual abstinence, which basically refers to refraining from any form of sexual activity. People practice abstinence due to various reasons, including social, medical, legal, psychological, religious or moral reasons.

Furthermore, abstinence can be voluntary when a person willingly chooses not to engage in sexual activity. Abstinence can also be an involuntary result of social circumstances; for example, when he or she cannot find a willing sexual partner. In some countries or regions, abstinence maybe even due to legal reason as sexual activity outside marriage is illegal. All in all, abstinence helps to prevent unplanned pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV.

What are the Similarities Between Chastity and Abstinence

• Concepts of chastity and abstinence involve refraining from sexual activity.
• Both help to protect from unplanned pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV.

Difference Between Chastity and Abstinence

Definition

For an unmarried person, chastity may mean refraining from any form of sexual behaviour. But, for a married couple, chastity means refraining from extramarital relationships. Abstinence, on the other hand, refers to refraining from any form of sexual activity.

Nature

Chastity refers to refraining from premarital and extramarital sexual relationships, while abstinence refers to refraining from any form of sexual activity.

Marriage

Moreover, chastity allows sexual relationships between husband and wife, but abstinence does not allow sexual relationships between spouses.

Time Period

A person may practice chastity for a long time, but abstinence can be a matter of a few days. 

Reasons

Chastity is often associated with religion and morality, whereas people practice abstinence due to various reasons, including social, medical, legal, psychological, religious or moral reasons.

Conclusion

In brief, chastity basically refers to refraining from premarital and extramarital sexual relationships, while abstinence refers to refraining from any form of sexual activity. Thus, chastity allows sexual relationships between husband and wife, whereas abstinence does not. Therefore, this is the main difference between chastity and abstinence.

Reference:

1. “Abstinence.” HHS.gov, US Department of Health and Human Services, 24 May 2019, Available here.
2. “Chastity.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Mar. 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Church Catholic Catholic church Free Photo” (CC0) via Needpix.com
2. “Abstinence” By Nick Youngson (CC BY-SA 3.0) The Blue Diamond Gallery