Purity culture is a term that refers to a set of beliefs and practices surrounding sexual purity, particularly within the context of Christianity. Purity culture emphasizes the importance of abstaining from sex before marriage and often places a heavy emphasis on external markers of purity, such as wearing a purity ring or saving one’s first kiss for the wedding day. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of purity culture, its pros and cons, and how Christians can approach the topic of sexual purity in a healthy and biblical way.
- The origins of purity culture.
Purity culture can be traced back to the 1990s, when organizations like True Love Waits and the Silver Ring Thing began promoting the idea of sexual purity and abstinence until marriage. Purity culture gained widespread popularity in the 2000s, with the publication of books like “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” by Joshua Harris and the release of the movie “Fireproof,” which featured a couple committed to saving sex for marriage.
- The pros of purity culture.
One of the main pros of purity culture is that it promotes sexual purity and encourages people to wait until marriage to have sex. This aligns with God’s design for sex and can help to protect individuals from the risks and consequences of premarital sex. Purity culture can also foster strong relationships and promote commitment and trust within a dating relationship.
- The cons of purity culture.
While there are certainly some positive aspects to purity culture, there are also some negative aspects to consider. One of the main cons is that it can create a culture of shame and guilt surrounding sex. Some people who have engaged in premarital sex may feel like they are unworthy or unacceptable in the eyes of God or the church. This can lead to feelings of shame and low self-worth.
Another issue with purity culture is that it often places a heavy emphasis on external markers of purity, such as wearing a purity ring or saving one’s first kiss for the wedding day. This can create a focus on outward appearances rather than on the heart and can lead to a performance-based approach to purity.
- A biblical approach to sexual purity.
As Christians, it is important for us to approach the topic of sexual purity in a way that is grounded in the Bible and that promotes a healthy and holistic understanding of God’s design for sex. Here are a few biblical principles to consider:
- God created sex and intended it to be a special and intimate part of marriage (Genesis 2:24).
- Sex before marriage is considered sexual immorality and is a sin (1 Corinthians 6:18).
- We are to have self-control and to use our bodies in a way that honors God (1 Corinthians 9:27).
- Purity is not just about abstaining from sex; it is about honoring God with our whole lives (1 Timothy 4:12).
In conclusion, purity culture is a movement that promotes sexual purity and abstinence until marriage. While there are certainly some positive aspects to this movement, there are also some negative aspects to consider. As Christians, it is important for us to approach the topic of sexual purity in a way that is grounded in the Bible and that promotes a healthy and holistic understanding of God’s design for sex. Let us seek to honor God with our bodies and to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.
Keywords: purity culture, sexual purity, Christianity, abstinence, relationship with God
