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Despite the prevalence of the permissive view of sex, young people becoming Baha'is seem to grasp very quickly the significance of the idea of chastity in the overall scheme of Baha'i philosophy: that chastity is an essential attribute of a just race of men and women (86:4) "As to a chaste and holy life it should be regarded as no less essential a factor that must contribute its proper share to the strengthening and vitalization of the Baha'i community.." (Shoghi Effendi) (86:5) They understand that chastity is in reality a state of mind, a spiritual concept, and that it involves not only reserving sexual relationships for marriage, but the way we think about others and the way we want other people to think about ourselves. Chastity is conveyed in our general bearing, and in the conduct of social relations (86:6) "A chaste and holy life must be made the controlling principle in the behaviour and conduct of all Baha'is, both in their social relations with the members of their own community, and in their contact with the world at large. It must adorn and reinforce the ceaseless labours and meritorious exertions of those whose enviable position is to propagate the Message, and to administer the affairs, of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. It must be upheld, in all its integrity and implications.... It demands daily vigilance in the control of one's carnal desires and corrupt inclination.. It can tolerate no compromise with the theories, the standards, the habits and the excesses of a decadent age.." (Shoghi Effendi)
(86:7)
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