Virginity and Celibacy.

The celibate lifestyles are still held in very high esteem.  This is certainly the case in the traditional faiths like Catholicism but it is also promoted by other Christians of non Catholic background.  The Apostle Paul is believed to have led a celibate lifestyle.  Although some say that if he was a Pharisee he would have had to have been married at one stage.  Still, the book of Corinthians charges him as saying that it would be better for his readers to remain as he has.  This and the idea of the virgin Mary escalates celibacy and the idea of keeping virginity high on the list of virtues.

Of course Jesus is probably seen as the ultimate celibate although there are Christians who entertain the possibility that he did have a sexual relationship with Mary Magdalene.  However, the great majority hold fast to the view that Jesus remained sexually pure.  Mind you I find that the idea of celibacy is not purity in my book.  I would see celibacy as an incomplete state, much like a child who never grows up.  I find it tragic that such notions of celibacy is held in such high esteem.  It is unnatural and stifling to human nature.  Sex in its many forms should be a spiritual experience. 

Why is virginity something that is lost?  Isn't it really a gain in sexuality.  Why do we have to place a negative slant on these things?  Of course virginity should never be taken from someone by force, but when a sexual experience is shared by two people isn't the passing from the virgin phase something good?

I do have serious problems with the idea of sexual purity from a Christian sense.  I also have problems with the notion that two people must remain virgins until their wedding day.  I know of situations where honeymoons have been ruined by this by hospitalisation.

So what do you think?