> If members of a lay confraternity took vows of marital
> chastity, did they abstain from sex within marriage, or
> simply restrict themselves to 'authorized' sexual activity
> within marriage and none at all outside it?
>
Dear Laura,
A very interesting question. Conjugal chastity could mean a number of
things to medieval theolgians. For instance, it could indicate sexual
fidelity in marriage; liturgical times when temporary continence was
observed; or an agreement made by a couple to live perpetually in chaste
marriage. Have you looked at Dyan Elliott, *Spiritual
Marriage. Sexual Abstinence in Medieval Wedlock,* (Princeton, 1993)? I
think you will find some info in there that will be very useful.
Good luck!
Carolyn
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