Posted on Sep 18, 2018
Memoirist: Evangelical Purity Movement Sees Women's Bodies As A 'Threat'
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When Linda Kay Klein was 13, she joined an evangelical church that prized sexual "purity" and taught that men and boys were sexually weak. According to Klein's faith, girls and women were responsible for keeping male sexual desire in check by wearing modest clothing, maintaining a sexless mind and body and taking a "purity pledge," in which they promised to remain virgins until marriage. Looking back now, Klein says, "It was all about how [a woman] needed to be a good Christian by protecting them from the threat that is you — the threat that is your body. The threat that is your sexuality." Klein says the central tenant of the purity movement is to delay the age at which young people first have sex. But in practice, she says, the movement is most effective at stifling women's sexuality and creating a "deep, long-lasting shame" among its practitioners.
Memoirist: Evangelical Purity Movement Sees Women's Bodies As A 'Threat'
Posted from npr.org
Religion
Christianity
Sex
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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All of the best and bravest Christian saints didn't start as moral paradigms but as sinners who eventually repented, changed their ways, and taught others to do so as well. The religion this woman was thrust into as a child seems a bit extreme.
Also, religion should never be forced upon people because forcing people only breeds resentment. Religion should emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually benefit the worshippers under its guidance; worshippers do not exist to benefit the religion.
But I fail to see how the "purity" lectures this memoirist listened to as a young teen, at church, injured her more than the carnal trinity of porn, dating apps, and ribald parties typically degrades and misguides the kids of today.
Also, religion should never be forced upon people because forcing people only breeds resentment. Religion should emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually benefit the worshippers under its guidance; worshippers do not exist to benefit the religion.
But I fail to see how the "purity" lectures this memoirist listened to as a young teen, at church, injured her more than the carnal trinity of porn, dating apps, and ribald parties typically degrades and misguides the kids of today.
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MAJ (Join to see)
I agree that this group she was with was a bit extreme. No one should be shamed for their sexuality. But at the same time, promoting the dangers and seriousness of sex is not a bad thing at all. I'm not convinced that these people were bad. Missing the mark a little bit? Perhaps. For instance, it is NOT the job of women to control men's sexual desires. That is for men to do. And saving yourself for marriage does not mean your marriage will be perfect.
But you're correct, our society teaches a much more damaging view of sexuality these days and we're paying the price for it as a country.
But you're correct, our society teaches a much more damaging view of sexuality these days and we're paying the price for it as a country.
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What that movement forgets is that we are all sinners, but through our belief in Christ, we will be forgiven. These folks have forgotten, that they are also to forgive.
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I've never heard of this group, and our church joined the ECC 8-10 yrs ago, must be a different splinter group.
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