It is easy to see this at a party, say in one of the Arabian Gulf states where large numbers of men and women are away for long periods from their partner. The behavior of the happily married and voluntarily celibate persons is exactly the same. They can be warm and friendly and loving with all, but at a certain point they can be seen to refuse the adulteration of their vision. Others easily slide into a series of adulterous and unsatisfactory relationships. We should also remind ourselves of the final outcome.
Many people believe death is the end.
To avoid this fate marriage should be enjoyed if possible, but any other opportunity for sexual fulfilment must be grabbed before it is too late. If a marriage is adulterated, or sex is sordid and unsatisfactory, the only hope is that another relationship might offer something better. Those who think in such ways may grant that a Christian vision would be beautiful and comforting, but it is beyond the reach of what they can believe. The vision of sex and marriage which we have adopted is in the light of the resurrection. Married and presently celibate persons who share that faith look forward to the resurrection of their bodies.