Question
Human intim acy and sexuality is God's given gift to be used as he intended. F rom a Catholic viewpoint, why should couples wait until marriage to experie nce sexual intimacy? OR 2. Even with media cam paigns against it,drug use and abuse continue to be a problem among today's te enagers. Why do you think some teens still choose to ex periment with drugs? How much of a role does peer pressure play?Are all drugs bad for you ? Explain your answer. The "Gateway Theory"of drug use prop ses that someone who uses marijuana is more likely than a non-user to go on to use)more serious drugs. Do you ag reeídisagree? Explain your answer.
Solution
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Rosalie
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
### 1. Catholic Viewpoint on Waiting Until Marriage for Sexual IntimacyFrom a Catholic perspective, sexual intimacy is considered a sacred gift from God meant to be shared within the confines of marriage. Here are some reasons why couples are encouraged to wait until marriage:- **Sacrament of Marriage**: In Catholicism, marriage is a sacrament, a holy covenant that reflects the union between Christ and the Church. Sexual intimacy within marriage is seen as an expression of this sacred bond.- **Commitment and Responsibility**: Marriage signifies a lifelong commitment. Waiting until marriage ensures that both partners are fully committed to each other, providing a stable foundation for family life.- **Moral and Spiritual Values**: The Catholic Church teaches that premarital sex is morally wrong. Abstaining from sexual relations before marriage aligns with the Church's teachings on chastity and purity.- **Emotional and Psychological Well-being**: Engaging in sexual intimacy within a committed marriage can foster deeper emotional connections and reduce potential psychological harm associated with casual relationships.### 2. Drug Use Among Teenagers#### Reasons for Experimentation- **Curiosity and Exploration**: Teenagers are naturally curious and may experiment with drugs to explore new experiences or sensations.- **Peer Pressure**: Peer influence is significant during adolescence. Teens may use drugs to fit in with their social group or to gain acceptance.- **Stress and Coping Mechanisms**: Some teens turn to drugs as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or personal issues.- **Media Influence**: Despite campaigns against drug use, media portrayals can sometimes glamorize drug culture, influencing teens' perceptions.#### Role of Peer PressurePeer pressure plays a substantial role in teenage drug use. Adolescents often feel compelled to conform to the behaviors and expectations of their peers, which can include experimenting with drugs.#### Are All Drugs Bad?Not all drugs are inherently bad; many have legitimate medical uses when prescribed by healthcare professionals. However, recreational use of drugs, especially without medical supervision, can be harmful and lead to addiction, health problems, and legal issues.### Gateway TheoryThe "Gateway Theory" suggests that using less harmful drugs like marijuana can lead to the use of more serious substances. Opinions on this theory vary:- **Agree**: Some believe that initial drug use lowers inhibitions and alters decision-making, increasing the likelihood of trying harder drugs.- **Disagree**: Others argue that not everyone who uses marijuana progresses to harder drugs, and factors such as environment, genetics, and personal choices play a more significant role.Ultimately, whether one agrees or disagrees with the Gateway Theory, it highlights the importance of understanding the complex factors contributing to drug use and the need for effective prevention strategies.