Humans are spiritual beings. And no doubt, when humans enter into multiple sexual relationships, damage is done on a spiritual level. When one enters into marriage, one takes into that marriage the spiritual dimensions of past relationships. It is a consequence.
On a physical level, though, there are also consequences. God forgives the repentant. But an unwanted child, affects of an abortion, or sexually transmitted disease may still remain.
Little is said, though, about the possible consequences of oxytocin.
Two mismatched people upon having sex become inseparable. Why? It is likely because of a chemical called oxytocin. Scientific research into this neuro-peptide has revealed startling evidence for its role in human bonding.
Animal research has revealed high brain levels of oxytocin in nesting behavior in birds, cub-rearing in bears and with lions, and lifetime mating in prairie wolves. New data, though, supports the belief that oxytocin has a key role in human romantic attachments, too.
Oxytocin is produced in the pituitary gland. Highest levels in the human are found during labor and delivery, breast-feeding, and sexual arousal.
In labor and delivery, a woman’s brain floods with oxytocin, which results in a chemically inspired bonding. Breast-feeding, too, causes these high levels. Oxytocin is God’s "super-glue" between mother and child.
In a similar way, oxytocin has its part in sexual arousal and climax. During a man’s erection and orgasm, oxytocin levels rise three-fold. If oxytocin is blocked, sex is about as exciting as giving a urine sample.
Men, therefore, who damage this bonding mechanism through casual sex are less able to form lifetime commitments.
In women, a more positive relationship with her mate is associated with higher levels of oxytocin. This suggests that a woman’s previous sexual relationships can alter the release of the biochemical "super-glue." If a woman’s sexual history is sufficiently adverse, she will lose her ability to bond in the current relationship.
An interesting finding in oxytocin research is the likelihood that oxytocin inhibits the development of tolerance in the brain’s opiate receptors. The excitement of sex is partly credited to endorphins exciting opiate receptors. As a human relationship matures, fewer endorphins are released. If sexual relationships are well bonded, though, the oxytocin response maintains the excitement despite how few endorphins are released. This keeps excitement present between oxytocin-bonded couples.
In the same way, though, these studies reveal the rationale behind an inability of some to stay bonded in seemingly good relationships. People who have misused sex to become bonded with multiple persons will diminish their oxytocin bonding within their current relationship. In the absence of oxytocin, the person will find less or no excitement. The person, then, will feel the need to move on to what looks more exciting.
The science is still new, and more must be learned concerning the role of oxytocin in human bonding. No doubt, though, there is ever-increasing evidence that sexual behavior can affect human emotions and human bonding.
The ongoing sexual revolution has left many casualties along life’s highway. God gives his warnings because He loves us and knows best. He knows how He designed our bodies to function best. Because humans have left His path, there is a huge amount of sexual dysfunction, accompanied by disease and despair. In the Church, too, multitudes are leaving their spouses in search of something more exciting. These fail to understand that each new relationship will only prove less satisfying. And, again, children are the victims.
There is a place for abstinence. Also, stay committed where you are, and teach your children the painful consequences of rejecting God’s way.
Medical Information provided by: "Bonding Imperative," [a special report from the Abstinence Medical Council] by Eric J. Keroack, MD, FACOG and John R. Diggs Jr., MD.