Jason Evert is a thirty-something A-lister on the chastity speaking circuit in the United States, and to some extent worldwide. He has got mad gifts for marrying profound truths with hip and hilarious banter that makes him a hit with both teens and adults alike. I for one am obviously a groupie. I’ve seen him twice in person. But he’s not just some motivational megapersonality. He’s got depth, a good marriage, good intellectual formation, and a spiritual life to match. Somehow in between being a husband, father and full time speaker, he finds time to stay on top of his game. He researches the medicine, science, social science behind all the philosophy and theology he studied, and combined with his engaging style, he’s a powerhouse of an advocate for purity.

“Romance without Regret,”  what began as a simple talk for teens, has branched out to a full-fledged chastity apostolate, which he balances with being an apologist for the Faith (particularly in the areas of sexual morality and chastity) for Catholic Answers. But this powerhouse of an advocate for purity knows that all the motivational talks in the world don’t make a difference if someone can’t walk the walk once they get home from that talk.

Evert’s created this collection of pithy quotes from a variety of sources to be daily inspiration in helping youth walk the often difficult walk. He mixes up no nonsense saints, philosophical saints, intuitive saints and some really holy high school students who are leading by example.

This is great book prefaced with some great advice. Do not skip the introduction by Evert. These are the words of someone who’s not just studied purity, been challenged by purity, but someone who lives and breathes it. He is clearly in love with God and greatly influenced by someone who loved purity even more–John Paul II. He reiterates JPII’s teaching by declaring,

Without an interior attitude of reverence and even awe toward the other person, human love is unable to become what it is meant to be: a reflection of the very love of God. This is why chastity is so essential even within marriage, as a reverent attitude toward the gift of sexuality.

It is on this last point that I want to close with. Clearly the target market of this book is meant for teens and young adults. This is largely indicated in the introduction, but also in the style and marketing of the book. Good for them. I think this is a great idea for youth, either as gifts or devotional texts in youth group. However, the following example reflects a lack of formation about purity in adults, and shows the great amount of inspiration that adults also need in living an integrated life of love.

I was listening to the LIA show on the radio on my way home one night. Lia is Wyoming’s version of sucroChristian radio call-in show Delilah. Lia was taking a programming break to plug some short of youth chastity web site. She was promoting this web site and the general idea of purity for kids, and she said something like, “Guys, check this site out. I think it’s great. Purity is great–but not for me. I’m married!”

I just shook my head and thought to myself that this is why some purity movements don’t always work to prepare people for holy and solid marriages. People equate purity or chastity with abstinence. Abstinence is not having sex–indefinitely or for a time. They see the ring on their finger as a “get out of jail free card” from the prison they perceive purity as. Chastity is a completely integrated approach to reverencing one’s body, including one’s sexuality. When you reverence your body and your sexuality as a mystery and gift to be given to another, and know that purity and chastity is a lifelong journey, you’re that much closer to a holier marriage and a happier life.

Obviously Evert’s on board with the fully integrated vision of the human person and sexuality. He even has done a couple materials I love for married couples including “Pure Intimacy,” one of my favorite materials to gift to NFP skeptics. But I would challenge my fellow writers, publishers, friends and NFP lovers with this: keep your  sights on the adult and married market as well. If 80-90% of Catholics are contracepting and divorcing at roughly the same rate as the rest of the population, take a look around you. Are these people being served and actively invited into purity and healing? What’s more, are the parents of the kids in the youth groups who hear these talks receiving the invitation to purity as well? Sometimes so, but more often not.

Let’s get back to work.

Here’s a couple things I’ve been meaning to read or do reviews on the ones I’ve already read. Have you read them? What do you think?

If you’re an NFP fan (as opposed to FAM–fertility awareness method), you probably get this question from your skeptical friends:

What’s the difference between NFP & Contraception? They can achieve the same end–postponing pregnancy–so what’s the difference? Isn’t NFP just “Catholic Birth Control”?

Although Providentialists & reactionary Catholics will tell you different, the answer is that they are different in their essence. Though it’s possible to have the same end, the means are different . Jason Evert explains the difference here quite well.

Great video of Jason Evert talking about Dating & Birth Control. To get to the part on BC, forward to about halfway through this clip.