Study: Many Young Christians Abandon Purity Pledges

An article in the CNN BeliefBlog cited a new study by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, which claims that the percentage of single evangelical Christian young adults (age 18 to 29) that have engaged in sex (80 percent) is nearly the same as the percentage of unmarried adults who have (88 percent). An upcoming article in Relevant magazine will explore the inferences of the results of this survey and the difficulties inherent in the abstinence movement, not the least of which is the increasing age of marriage. Author and Christian thought-leader Scot McKnight theorizes that "sociologically speaking, the one big difference—and it’s monstrous—between the biblical teaching and our culture is the arranged marriages of very young people. If you get married when you're 13, you don't have 15 years of temptation."

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http://www.orovalleychristianreader.com John J Flanagan

Sexual temptation is strong, but it is not impossible for a young man and a young woman to wait until they are married. Many people have done it. It takes self control, respect for your wife to be, and the deliberate choice to live in obedience to God.
http://talkorigins.org jatheist

John wrote: "it is not impossible for a young man and a young woman to wait until they are married. Many people have done it."

Sure it's "possible". But waiting until marriage is a sure fire way to getting a quick divorce. The stats seem to show this and it makes sense. What if you wait until marriage and ~then~ discover that you're sexually incompatible? What happens when you discover (as many have) that sex with one person your entire life is wholly unfulfilling?

A little (safe) experimenting is healthy, fun and a great way to find out what you like (and don't like) ~before~ committing to a long term relationship with the one you love…
- Winston
  
  Ahh, readers here can always count on the subtle and blatant lies and deception of Satan spoken through the fingers/mind of "jatheist". Just as a Jury member faces the duty to understand facts presented to them in order to make a determination as to guilt or innocence based on the preponderance of evidence, a Defense attorney enters the slightest room for "doubt" to disturb that ultimate decision. Satan is alive an doing well in the world… but those who have spiritual discernment knows when Satan speaks and places the battle into the hands of God for it is not of this world.
  - http://talkorigins.org jatheist
    
    Winston wrote: "…subtle and blatant lies and deception…"
    
    Is there any chance you'll be willing to give examples of my "blatant lies"? Or are you just blowing hot air?
    - http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22306708/ChristianDoctrine-Berkhof.pdf Despeville
      
      Listen to your High Priest of naturalistic materialism religion and a High Fool Dawkins supposedly telling you why you exists and making you a "whole person" in the process through the science for which laws he cannot possibly account for nor explain their continuation
      A fool and his foolish talk: Richard Dawkins – Video Library – The New York Times: http://nyti.ms/qvCr5X.
      Tell us if you feel a bit more "whole" after a snippet of this foolish sermon…
- Godisalive
  
  jatheist: The reason for so many failed marriages is that a relationship now days is based on lust not love. Lust does not last forever with anyone but love grows overtime & becomes stronger as a couple grow together. The respect, bond & love creates the desire for your partner unless you are too busy "lusting" after new conquests. Love is what keeps a couple together when, as age & health may take away the ability for sex for one or both. The Lord is wise & knows what is good for us, extramarital sex is not. If sex is all you care about, you may die a very lonely & bitter man. I knew of such a man & it tore my heart up & his children's to see him that way til he died. I pray that you will turn your heart to the Lord & follow his commands to a more fulfilling life on earth. The difference between "Love" & "Lust" is the difference between us & animals, where sex is involved.
  - Singer
    
    Couldn't agree more! Great post.
  - Singer
    
    Meant to add that lust is purely selfish. It wants to please itself. Love, is sacrificial and looks to please the other person. Very big difference between the two and the reason marriages are falling apart. People don't know the difference and confuse lust for love.
Winston

The Bible/God's Word does not have a "margin of error" in favoring sin over righteousness by any age group. Molding Christianity into a model to fit personal lifestyle and values carries with it eternal judgment.
http://www.kidon.com/media-link MalikTous

All that fuss got considered bu y outfits like Carter-Wallace, who developed a way to 'test the waters' without passing on 'the gift that keeps on giving' (STDs) or chancing pregnancy. It's the condom. When people are ready to commit to having children and have had all diseases cured, they're more likely to be successful in both the relationship and in raising their children. That's the problem with the modern model; too many stigmas getting in the way. Whether your motive is religious or, like mine, mostly secular, insuring that a young citizen couple is stable and ready to raise their children makes for a more solid family.