The nation was stunned when in late 1991, Earvin "Magic" Johnson announced he had tested HIV positive and he had the AIDS virus. Magic Johnson is one of the greatest basketball players of our times. He has been a hero to many adults and young people not only for his athletic skill but, also for his anti-drug message and his winning personality. There is, however, a problem. His initial response was to say he is going to promote "safe sex" among teens. He later committed himself to promoting abstinence from illicit sexual relations, too. That commitment, however, received little media coverage. Magic Johnson continues to be known primarily as a proponent of so-called "safe sex."

     In my opinion it is very dangerous for a public figure to promote something that offers a false sense of security. Something that all too often simply does not work. Condoms and the "safe sex" hysteria that promotes their use are not the answer to AIDS. Rather, the answer is to delay intercourse until marriage. Abstinence and chastity - difficult virtues to promote in the 1990s but, nevertheless, sound concepts - are the messages Magic Johnson and every other leading personality should be giving the young people today.

A Major Problem

     Many of the major problems in our society today stem from the misuse of sex; a dropping of standards in the area of sexual morality. Television, movies, popular songs and the printed media present an enormous temptation towards sexual misconduct. The lack of personal discipline and self control regarding sexual matters has caused enormous difficulty.       
    
     First, the problem of teen pregnancy; a major concern in Lubbock and other diocesan communities. Sexual activity is happening on a large scale among unmarried teens. There are, for example, 1,000 births to teens in Lubbock annually.

     Next, abortion; often the result of illicit sex by teens (and others) who have been deceived into believing the easiest way out of an inconvenient pregnancy is that of killing the unborn child.

      Three, adultery, which often leads to marital problems and divorce. Broken marriage brings forth a harvest of tragic consequences. Divorce may not always be wrong, but it is always bad. Look what it does to the children. It is a subtle form of child abuse, at least of an emotional kind.

     Four, sexual abuse of children, both within families and elsewhere.

     Five, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. I saw a statistic that said there are one million persons infected with the HIV virus that causes AIDS. One in five Americans was said to have a sexually transmitted disease, suffering consequences that range from the discomforting to the deadly.

     All these problems - and many others - are directly caused by the erosion of standards of decency in sexuality.

Time To Speak Out

     Perhaps, in years past, the church spoke too much about sexual morality.  I recent years, however, I believe we have spoken too little about it.

     The day Magic Johnson announced he had the AIDS virus I was at the National Catholic Youth Convention in Indianapolis.  One of the topics of discussion addressed in the small groups there was that of sexual morality.  One teen wisely commented that if Magic had followed Catholic teaching he would not have the AIDS virus; that AIDS is not a threat to anyone who follows our moral guidelines.

     The teenagers said they needed to hear from their parents and pastors the reasons why teenage sex (and any other illicit sex, really) is wrong.   Here are compelling reasons:

     One, it is a sin.  According to the Bible and Catholic teaching, illicit sexual activity is sinful because it is destructive behavior.  It will, ultimately, hurt you.

     Two, teenage sex leads to teen pregnancies.  There are more now than ever before.

     Three, teen sex often leads to abortion.

     Four, teen sex can result in AIDS and other diseases.

     Five, teen sex can make it difficult to have a good marriage later.  Promiscuity and a lack of self control devalues fidelity and commitment, making it difficult for a person to remain faithful to a spouse later on.

     Six, the teenage girl not only becomes a sex object, but if she becomes pregnant and does not give the child up for adoption it usually becomes her responsibility alone.  her family often bears much of the burden while the child's father walks away.

We Can Help

     Our society has become so sexually permissive that it can be very challenging for our young people and others to follow Christian teaching.  Nevertheless, we need to try.  When people fail, the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to them.  Your church cares about your happiness.  The church brings us saving encounters with Jesus Christ in the sacraments.

     The church also offers help and support in teaching our children about sexuality through parish programs; the resources of the AIDS education program at Catholic Family Services; and the ministry of our diocesan youth office.

     Our young people need sexual education - appropriate to their age levels and comprehensive in scope - including the moral aspects of sexuality.  I encourage the many teenagers who are postponing sexual activity until it is a moral choice.  Perseveres in your goodness.  God will bless you for your fidelity to his teachings.  We must cherish virginity and point out the emotional and spiritual power it brings a relationship moving towards marriage.

     Parents, talk to your children about God's precious gift of sexuality.  Who is teaching your children about sex - MTV, other kids at school, or you?  Tell them that sexual love is only to be expressed in the context of commitment, the commitment of marriage.

     Have a spirit of love within your homes so your children aren't tempted to go elsewhere to find love.

     Teach your children to avoid the occasions of sin and to pray for the gift of chastity.  Let them know it is possible, healthy, smart and Christian to postpone sexual activity during the teenage years.  Guide them to an understanding that to live purely is to live free; free to enjoy the "magic" that is youth.