OUTLINE PER ARTICLE

______________________________________________________________________

1. Masid-Danas: A short description of the social issue/problem through a story, song,

narrative, etc.

Guide Questions:
○ What have I/we experienced about the issue?
■ In today’s modern society, it is no doubt that young people have the
tendency to be misguided and misled by immoral societal standards that
have been normalized for so long.

○ Who is affected mostly by the issue and how?

■ There are rising cases of premarital sex and teenage pregnancies
worldwide, with over 200,000 teenage girls giving birth every year in the
Philippines alone as stated by Viar (2021) in an article published by
BusinessWorld.

○ How has the issue arisen?

■ The problem continues to thrive because it is not addressed from the
roots, and even leads to more challenges in society.

○ What do people (the authorities/experts) say about the issue? Is there

information/data?
■ Despite these facts and statistics, authorities fail to give adequate
attention to this alarming issue as if it is treated as a right thing.

○ What will I remember most about what people are saying? (concerns, problems, and
hopes)
■ Premarital sex is a topic that remains utterly important to talk about,
despite it being a controversial topic that usually makes people
uncomfortable in conversations.

A. Social Analysis of the root cause of suffering/issue/problem

○ Guide question: Why should society be concerned about this issue?

■ Proper sex education is not given to young individuals who are all the
more in need of sufficient guidance and knowledge on these matters. Had
they been equipped with information about the possible consequences of
their actions, it is likely that they will not engage in sexual acts before
marriage.
B. Theological Analysis
(1. The traditional notion of the sacrament; 2. A rereading of the sacrament [rereading of
symbol, Scripture texts, significance])

Guide questions:
○ What is our traditional understanding of the sacrament and what it is for?
■ More than a mere celebration and symbol of love, marriage is a covenant
between a couple and God. It encapsulates the authentic meaning of
commitment, not just through the union of a man and a woman, but even
more so in their relationship with God who is at the center.

○ What is God trying to do to us and say to us in this sacrament?

■ In this sacrament, a couple becomes united as one flesh, and with God’s
blessing, it allows for the procreation of children as one of the goodness
that marriage alone can offer.

○ What scripture passage from the Bible can support the claims of what this sacrament
can do for us?
■ This is according to the scripture passage Genesis 2:24 stating that,
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his
wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

○ What particular teachings/insight about this sacrament can help us on the social
issue/problem?
■ In the teachings of the Catholic Church, engaging in sexual activities
outside of marriage violates and dishonors the sanctity that this
sacrament holds. The act itself is not just done casually "for fun," but it
remains sacred with the blessing of God and is reserved for marriage.
This kind of marital love symbolizes the faithful, exclusive, and self-giving
love between a couple and their relationship with God (Saunders, n.d.).

○ Is there anything about this sacrament that can contribute to the social
issue/problem? If yes, how can it be improved?
■ (insert text here)

2. Suri-Nilay

Part 1. Social Analysis focuses on the question: Why is it happening?

Guide Questions:
○ What are the causes of the issue or situation? (historical, political, economic, social
or cultural)
 ■ As time moves on, people's mindsets and attitudes about things also
change. Today, it is observable that humans emphasize having autonomy
with their own selves and decisions.

○ What are the consequences?

■ It has also been normalized too much that people think it is a "cool" thing
even when it actually produces consequences and issues, such as
teenage pregnancy and the premature decision of getting married
because a baby is conceived.

○ How are these elements linked?

■ This has heavily contributed to the shift in the perceptions of sexual
activities and involvement even prior to marriage. There are individuals
who believe that they should have full control of exploring their sexuality
and building intimate connections with other people outside the
sacrament of Matrimony.

○ Who are the key actors? (subjects, agents of influence, decision makers)
■ That is why every individual should empower each other to be key actors
for change and improvement. Everyone should play their part in
advancing the mindsets of humanity.

Part 2. Theological Reflection focuses on the question: What does it mean? or this would
also doing a reflection with the Lens of Faith

Guide Questions:
○ Are Gospel values being upheld or denied?
■ Premarital sex is a form of disrespect to the values promoted in the Bible
through the Gospel. Not only is adultery prohibited, but sex outside of
marriage is also considered immoral.

○ How do the Scriptures speak to this issue or situation?

■ According to Hebrews 13:4, “Let marriage be held in honor among all,
and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually
immoral and adulterous.”

○ How do the principles of Catholic Social Teaching speak to this issue or situation?
■ One of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching is called Rights and
Responsibilities, which encourages the protection of human dignity by
fulfilling responsibilities. Thus, in the context of the issue at hand, it is the
duty of every being to respect the sacredness and dignity of another by
not engaging in immoral acts like premarital sex.

○ What does Church teaching have to say about it?

 ■ The Church also amplifies the Word of God in the Bible, by emphasizing
the grvaity of premarital sex as a mortal sin. Commonly referred to in the
Bible as fornication, sex before and outside marriage is a condemnation
that must be taken seriously to steer clear of them (Pope, 2020).

○ Can the experience of the Christian community through time help us to discern this
situation or issue?
■ The experience of a Christian community can further assist in discerning
premarital sex and making informed decisions about it. Through scriptural
teachings, exemplary role models, and proper guidance, more reliable
insights can be gained to have a good foundation in navigating through
the Christian faith.

3. Taya-Kilos: addresses the question, How do we respond?

Guide Questions:
○ What are some of the things an ordinary citizen can do about this issue?
■ Premarital sex may be addressed through a comprehensive and inclusive
approach that entails proper education, open communication, and a
healthy environment. This begins with one single initiative within oneself
to act for the welfare of all.

○ What responsibility do we have as people of faith?

■ Openness and inclusivity are key for the people of faith to maintain a non-
discriminating community that openly talks about serious matters.

○ What are some of the things that are being done?

■ Programs should be further created and implemented by schools and
communities to deliver adequate knowledge and information about sexual
matters to equip people, especially the youth, about making informed
choices and avoiding risks related to premarital sex.

○ What would we like to change about ourselves or the situation?

■ Indeed, what needs to be normalized nowadays is the establishment of
open and non-judgmental discussions between the elders and the
youngsters about responsible decision-making, especially when it comes
to sex, to hopefully lessen the cases of premarital sex across the world.

○ What forces (people, institutions, cultural values, etc.) are likely to oppose me/us?
■ Due to varying beliefs and values, individuals may have different stands
regarding premarital sex as influenced by their religions, traditions, and
cultures.

○ What forces are likely to support us?

■ It is hoped that groups and institutions that advocate for a safer space for
individuals of all kinds will help support this empowerment campaign with
the help of proper information dissemination.
INSERT HERE THE DRAFT OF THE ARTICLE
(with compiled answers to the guide questions. Make sure that the transitions are smooth.)
Deadline for the article draft: Friday, July 14.

ARTICLE: “We Don’t Need to Normalize Everything: An Article about Premarital Sex”

“Just because it is normalized doesn’t mean it is right.” This is a statement that perhaps
a lot of people forget to bear in mind, especially with all the media and peer influence around. In
today’s modern society, it is no doubt that young people have the tendency to be misguided and
misled by immoral societal standards that have been normalized for so long. There are rising
cases of premarital sex and teenage pregnancies worldwide, with over 200,000 teenage girls
giving birth every year in the Philippines alone as stated by Viar (2021) in an article published by
BusinessWorld. Yet, despite these facts and statistics, authorities fail to give adequate attention
to this alarming issue as if it is treated as a right thing. In this sense, premarital sex is a topic
that remains utterly important to talk about, despite it being a controversial topic that usually
makes people uncomfortable in conversations.

There are several factors contributing to this occurrence worsening over time. In
conservative countries, such as the Philippines, sex is considered a taboo topic that is not
widely talked about in casual discussions, especially within families and households. Due to
this, proper sex education is not given to young individuals who are all the more in need of
sufficient guidance and knowledge on these matters. Had they been equipped with information
about the possible consequences of their actions, it is likely that they will not engage in sexual
acts before marriage. It is indeed undisputable that not being open to talk about the crucial topic
of sex has become a major root cause why some people partake in premarital sex.

More than a mere celebration and symbol of love, marriage is a covenant between a
couple and God. It encapsulates the authentic meaning of commitment, not just through the
union of a man and a woman, but even more so in their relationship with God who is at the
center. It is a testimony of the eternal, unbreakable, and boundless love that they are willing to
give each other amidst all tribulations that may come. In this sacrament, a couple becomes
united as one flesh, and with God’s blessing, it allows for the procreation of children as one of
the goodness that marriage alone can offer. This is according to the scripture passage Genesis
2:24 stating that, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his
wife, and they shall become one flesh.” The Catholic Church further emphasizes that engaging
in sexual activities outside of marriage violates and dishonors the sanctity that this sacrament
holds. The act itself is not just done casually "for fun," but it remains sacred with the blessing of
God.

As time moves on, people's mindsets and attitudes about things also change. Today, it is
observable that humans emphasize having autonomy with their own selves and decisions. This
has heavily contributed to the shift in the perceptions of sexual activities and involvement even
prior to marriage. There are individuals who believe that they should have full control of
exploring their sexuality and building intimate connections with other people outside the
sacrament of Matrimony. It has also been normalized too much that people think it is a "cool"
thing even when it actually produces consequences and issues, such as teenage pregnancy
and the premature decision of getting married because a baby is conceived. Due to these
societal norms and perspectives, premarital sex has become prevalent in the modern society,
and is also overlooked by many. That is why every individual should empower each other to be
key actors for change and improvement. Everyone should play their part in advancing the
mindsets of humanity.

Premarital sex is a form of disrespect to the values promoted in the Bible through the
Gospel. Sex outside of marriage is considered immoral. According to Hebrews 13:4, “Let
marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge
the sexually immoral and adulterous.” One of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching is called
Rights and Responsibilities, which encourages the protection of human dignity by fulfilling
responsibilities. Thus, in the context of the issue at hand, it is the duty of every being to respect
the sacredness and dignity of another by not engaging in immoral acts like premarital sex. The
Church also amplifies the Word of God in the Bible, by emphasizing the grvaity of premarital sex
as a mortal sin. Commonly referred to in the Bible as fornication, sex before and outside
marriage is a condemnation that must be taken seriously to steer clear of them (Pope, 2020).
The experience of a Christian community can further assist in discerning premarital sex and
making informed decisions about it. Through scriptural teachings, exemplary role models, and
proper guidance, more reliable insights can be gained to have a good foundation in navigating
through the Christian faith.

Progressive actions are required as a response to this problem that not only impedes the
sanctity of marriage but also causes multiple challenges in society. Premarital sex may be
addressed through a comprehensive and inclusive approach that entails proper education, open
communication, and a healthy environment. This begins with one single initiative within oneself
to act for the welfare of all. Openness and inclusivity are key for the people of faith to maintain a
non-discriminating community that openly talks about serious matters. Programs should be
further created and implemented by schools and communities to deliver adequate knowledge
and information about sexual matters to equip people, especially the youth, about making
informed choices and avoiding risks related to premarital sex. Indeed, what needs to be
normalized nowadays is the establishment of open and non-judgmental discussions between
the elders and youngsters about responsible decision-making, especially when it comes to sex,
to hopefully lessen the cases of premarital sex across the world.

Due to varying beliefs and values, individuals may have different stands regarding
premarital sex as influenced by their religions, traditions, and cultures. However, it has now
been an issue that needs to be resolved not solely because of conservatism reasons but
because it leads to alarming effects. It is hoped that groups and institutions that advocate for a
safer space for individuals of all kinds will help support this empowerment campaign with the
help of proper information dissemination.
 References

Catholic Community Services. (2017, April 24). Catholic social teaching.

https://ccsww.org/about-us/catholic-social-teaching/

Neil. (2021). Rising teen pregnancy and the ‘cycle of misinformation.’

BusinessWorld Online.

https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2021/11/14/410414/rising-teen-pregnancy-

and-the-cycle-of-misinformation/

Pope, C. (2020, September 15). Premarital sex is a mortal sin. Catholic

Education Resource Center.

https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/education/chastity-education/premarital-

sex-is-a-mortal-sin.html

Saunders, W. (n.d.). Pre-marital sex: Lessons from reason, scripture. Catholic

News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55407/pre-marital-

sex-lessons-from-reason-scripture