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A consistent and unified Christian code of sexual conduct did not emerge until some 400 to 500 years after the death of Christ. Many authorities credit St. Paul and St. Augustine as having been instrumental in identifying the early dominant themes of sexual morality which ultimately shaped the views of the Church on all matters related to sexual conduct. Paul advocated the emerging ideal of celibacy as the best way to control sexual urges. Marriage was reserved for those who were unable to resist these impulses, as reflected in his message to those who could not attain celibate status: "But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." (1 Cor. 7:7-9). Paul's position on this issue appears to be in response to the various pressures to which the growing Christian movement was exposed. On the one hand, the early Christians condemned the sexual permissiveness of the Greeks and the Romans, a criticism that was borrowed from the Jews. Conversely, there was a recognition that complete sexual abstinence as advocated by the ascetics would be impractical and unpopular with the masses. Marriage within the constraints of Church doctrine, then, was offered as a compromise solution.

The theme advocating abstention from sex was elaborated on by a number of other early Christian authorities including St. Jerome and St. Ambrose, but it was St. Augustine (died A.D. 430) who is credited with having the most profound influence on the Church's ultimate position in favor of celibacy as the Christian ideal. After having engaged in a sexually active life up through the age of about 30, Augustine converted to Christianity and accepted sexual continence as the ideal state. In the City of God he expressed his views in this manner: "Lust requires for its consummation darkness and secrecy; and this not only when unlawful intercourse is desired, but even such fornication as the earthly city has legalized." Given such strong antisexual opinions by such powerful authorities, small wonder that those who were unable to resist their sexual impulses (that is, the vast majority of individuals) did so at the expense of shame and guilt.

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