Hope for Chastity
Why Start The Augustine Way?
A New Path Toward Chastity
“I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate… The willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not. For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want… For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self, but I see in my members another principle at war with the law of my mind.” Romans 7:15, 18-19
All people can relate to St. Paul’s words in this famous passage, especially those who are struggling with a persistent habit of pornography and masturbation.
If you are embarking on The Augustine Way, you are probably much like St. Paul. You “delight in the law of the Lord,” meaning you readily accept the Church’s teaching on sexuality and its exclusive place in marriage. But your belief and actions don’t always match; despite your strong convictions, sexual temptations are often stronger. The “war” which St. Paul describes is being waged within you each day.
You’ve probably already tried to conquer unhealthy sexual habits on your own. Perhaps you’ve been trying for years. You have been to Confession many times, making a firm purpose of intent to never fall again.
And yet, the struggle continues.
The Truth about Your Identity
Like many others who suffer from the scourge of habitual pornography and masturbation, you may feel defeated, trapped, and worthless.
You are not defeated
God can do all things with His grace. “I can do all things through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:13).
You are not trapped
There are trusted pathways for habit change. “The truth will set you free” (Jn 8:32).
You are not worthless
God understands your weakness and your mistakes and loves you. “He leaves the ninety-nine” (Mt 18:12).
You are not a broken person, although you may have broken habits.
You would not be starting this program if you had given up all hope of being chaste. To the contrary—because of the witness of the saints, and perhaps because you have experienced peaceful periods of chastity yourself—you know that chastity is possible.
Why would Christ himself take a “high view” of chastity (Mt. 5:27-28) if it were completely out of reach?
But how to get there? What is the path? If you have prayed hard, sought the sacraments, talked with a spiritual director, and are still struggling, you are looking for different solutions. Most of all, you are looking for freedom.
Welcome to The Augustine Way.
