Why is living together wrong if we're committed to chastity?
The short answer
Even if you remain chaste, living together gives scandal — leading others toward sin. Saving money is good, but there are other ways: a same-sex roommate, or living with your parents until the wedding. It isn't worth the dishonor to your parents or compromising your commitment to Christ.
Scandal
Even if you never have relations while living together, your actions give scandal. The person who gives scandal becomes his neighbor's tempter; it is a grave offense if it deliberately leads another into grave sin (CCC 2284). Jesus warned that temptations to sin will come, but woe to the one through whom they come (Luke 17:1).
Other ways to save
Saving money is commendable, but moving in together is not the only way. Find a roommate of your own sex, or live with your parents until the wedding.
What it costs
Saving a little money isn't worth the dishonor to your parents or sacrificing your commitment to live by Christ's teaching as you prepare for marriage. Trust God for the grace to see you through.
Continue exploring
- Are marital relations not supposed to be pleasurable, since they are for reproduction?Q&A
- Does the Church allow birth control in certain circumstances?Q&A
- How is NFP different from the sin of Onan?Q&A
- Is marital intercourse sinful if the spouses do it with lust for each other?Q&A
- Am I required to have a large family?Q&A
- Can homologous artificial insemination be permitted as a treatment for male infertility?Q&A