Debate Passion Kathleen Norris Analysis

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In her online article entitled Celibate Passion, Kathleen Norris makes the claim that celibacy can allow people to "incarnate hospitality in the deepest sense" and lead a happier lifestyle dedicated to helping others. The author presented her thoughts on celibate practice through the telling of her own personal experience with the subject as well as the impact that a life of celibacy has had on her. Norris shares what she believes celibacy means and how she came to believe that. She also makes it a point to explain what the public's opinion on abstinence is and how skewed it really is. Norris' position on the positive impact of celibate living is considered both credible and reasonable because her usage of personal experiences adds a level …show more content…

In the very first paragraph of the article it is stated that there are some who regard celibacy as "an idealized, angelic state" while conversely, on the other end of the spectrum, others believe that "celibate hatred of sex is hatred of women", but neither is totally true. "Cultural prejudice" would make it difficult for celibates, particularly the younger ones, to stay abstinent when "the value of their striving" is denied by society. "They are made to feel like fools, or worse". Although, when the prejudice and obstacles are overcome, the "monastic values [eventually] supersede the values of the culture outside the ministry" (Norris). Adding the point of view of non-celibates (as to say the general public) makes Norris' original message that much more impactful because then the reader is offered both sides, making it a persuasive argument. Showing readers an exchange of opposite ideas and impressions about the subject of celibate living, instead of just her own, makes her entire argument and overall message a reasonable and logical

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