CNN and other news agencies are trumpeting the latest findings from Johns Hopkins University concerning nearly 300 teens who took a pledge to abstain from fornication and over 600 who took no such pledge starting in the mid-1990s. These youth have had time to pass through this period of sexual temptation, and researchers found that the rate of fornication between both groups was about the same. Invariably, news outlets are using these findings to suggest the “dangers” of abstinence-only sex education due to the much lower rate of contraception use among “pledgers” than “non-pledgers.”
Ignoring the blatant social agenda possessed by the mainstream media and some in the medical field, it is valid to ask why those who went to the trouble to make this abstinence pledge had the same success (failure?) rate as those not making it? The study’s author, Dr. Janet Rosenbaum, says, “Virginity pledgers are very different than most U.S. teens — they are obviously more conservative, they have more negative views about sexuality and birth control and so, even if they didn’t take a pledge, these would be teenagers who would be very likely to abstain anyhow.” Nearly half of the students studied in this group called themselves “born again Christians.” Another professor at this renowned Maryland university concluded that virginity pledges are “useless.”
I grew up before these pledges were in vogue. Our children have never been associated with any groups that make such ceremonious pledges. I am not opposed to any effort that encourages our young people to stay sexually pure. Yet, whether one signs his or her name to such a pledge or makes an unwritten or internal promise to God about such, there is still the matter of self-control and will-power.
The virginity pledge will not keep a young person from being alone with one for whom they feel strong attraction. The young person must do that.
The virginity pledge will not keep a young person’s thoughts pure. The young person must do that.
The virginity pledge has no conscience or moral bearing. The young person must have that.
The virginity pledge will not offset the natural desires heightened by hormones and maturity. This is the function of the young person, aided by parents and trusted, godly influences among peers and other age groups.
The virginity pledge does not make those of the opposite sex unattractive. It does not relieve peer pressure. It will not govern the actions of others.
Virginity pledges are fine, not faulty. But, they are only good so far as they go. Our young people still need moral guidance from the home that is as objective and unbending as scripture itself on this subject. There can be no rationalizing that fornication is OK if you are in love or if you are dating the person you will be marrying. There can be no buying into the assertion that “everybody is doing it” or that “kids will be kids.” The home environment must remain open, honest and encouraging of discussion, but moral standards must be seen as absolute. God knows that sexual purity before marriage allows one the healthiest path in marital bliss that can be. He wants what is best for His children. Parents, can we expect less than God does?
Neal Pollard
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