Out of the unchallenged policies of continence, abstinence, "chastity"
and "purity," we have reaped the harvests of prostitution, venereal
scourges and innumerable other evils. Traditional moralists have failed
to recognize that chastity and purity must be the outward symptoms of
awakened intelligence, of satisfied desires, and fulfilled love. They
cannot be taught by "sex education." They cannot be imposed from
without by a denial of the might and the right of sexual expression.
Nevertheless, even in the contemporary teaching of sex hygiene and
social prophylaxis, nothing constructive is offered to young men and
young women who seek aid through the trying period of adolescence.
At the Lambeth Conference of 1920, the Bishops of the Church of England
stated in their report on their considerations of sexual morality:
"Men should regard all women as they do their mothers, sisters, and
daughters; and women should dress only in such a manner as to command
respect from every man. All right-minded persons should unite in the
suppression of pernicious literature, plays and films...." Could lack
of psychological insight and understanding be more completely indicated?
Yet, like these bishops, most of those who are undertaking the education
of the young are as ignorant themselves of psychology and physiology.
Indeed, those who are speaking belatedly of the need of "sexual hygiene"
seem to be unaware that they themselves are most in need of it. "We must
give up the futile attempt to keep young people in the dark," cries Rev.
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