Difference between revisions of "Abstinence"
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The word '''abstinence''' means refraining from indulging in an appetite. | The word '''abstinence''' means refraining from indulging in an appetite. | ||
| − | In the 1800s and 1900s, the word "abstinence," used without other explanation, almost always meant abstinence from alcohol. The "abstinence movement," for example, led to the establishment of [[prohibition]]. ''Teetotaler'' meant someone who advocated "total abstinence," rather than just moderation. | + | In the 1800s and 1900s, the word "abstinence," used without other explanation, almost always meant abstinence from [[drinking|alcohol]]. The "abstinence movement," for example, led to the establishment of [[prohibition]]. ''[[Teetotaler]]'' meant someone who advocated "total abstinence," rather than just moderation. |
| − | Starting in about the 1990s, "abstinence" has been more commonly used in the context of abstinence from sexual intercourse, particularly in the United States in the context of sex education for adolescents. Thus, for example, we read in a 2002 White House policy statement: | + | Starting in about the 1990s, "abstinence" has been more commonly used in the context of abstinence from sexual intercourse, particularly in the United States in the context of [[sex education]] for adolescents. Thus, for example, we read in a 2002 [[White House]] policy statement: |
:..."the goal of Federal policy should be to emphasize abstinence as the only certain way to avoid both unintended pregnancies and STDs."<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/02/welfare-book-06.html WORKING TOWARD INDEPENDENCE] Encourage Abstinence and Prevent Teen Pregnancy, White House News and Policies, February 2002</ref> | :..."the goal of Federal policy should be to emphasize abstinence as the only certain way to avoid both unintended pregnancies and STDs."<ref>[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/02/welfare-book-06.html WORKING TOWARD INDEPENDENCE] Encourage Abstinence and Prevent Teen Pregnancy, White House News and Policies, February 2002</ref> | ||
Studies of the effectiveness of [[abstinence education]] programs have yielded differing conclusions. A 2004 study by the [[Heritage Foundation]] found that [[virginity pledge]]s significantly reduce premarital sex without putting backsliders at risk.<ref> Teens Who Make Virginity Pledges Have Substantially Improved Life Outcomes | Studies of the effectiveness of [[abstinence education]] programs have yielded differing conclusions. A 2004 study by the [[Heritage Foundation]] found that [[virginity pledge]]s significantly reduce premarital sex without putting backsliders at risk.<ref> Teens Who Make Virginity Pledges Have Substantially Improved Life Outcomes | ||
by Robert E. Rector, Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D., and Jennifer A. Marshall | by Robert E. Rector, Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D., and Jennifer A. Marshall | ||
| − | Center for Data Analysis Report #04-07 [http://www.heritage.org/Research/Abstinence/cda04-07.cfm] </ref> A study funded by the Administration of [[liberal]] President [[Bill Clinton]] through Mathematica Policy Research found that "the programs had no effect on the sexual abstinence of youth."<ref>[http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/abstinencereport.asp Impacts of Four Abstinence Education Programs]</ref> But this study reached this [[liberal]] conclusion by omitting abstinence education during the pivotal high schools.<ref>http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WU07D09</ref> | + | Center for Data Analysis Report #04-07 [http://www.heritage.org/Research/Abstinence/cda04-07.cfm] </ref> A study funded by the Administration of [[liberal]] President [[Bill Clinton]] through Mathematica Policy Research found that "the programs had no effect on the sexual abstinence of youth."<ref>[http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/abstinencereport.asp Impacts of Four Abstinence Education Programs]</ref> But this study reached this [[liberal]] conclusion by omitting abstinence education during the pivotal high school years and by only following 4 elementary and middle school programs out of 700 total schools that had received funding.<ref>http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WU07D09</ref> |
[[Liberals]] oppose abstinence policies and [[Planned Parenthood]], a powerful liberal organization, profits from teenage sexual activity. Yet the facts are undisputed: abstinent teens do not get infected with STDs or become pregnant from having sex. | [[Liberals]] oppose abstinence policies and [[Planned Parenthood]], a powerful liberal organization, profits from teenage sexual activity. Yet the facts are undisputed: abstinent teens do not get infected with STDs or become pregnant from having sex. | ||
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'''Benefits of Abstinence''' | '''Benefits of Abstinence''' | ||
| − | Clear conscience with God. | + | Clear conscience with [[God]]. |
Peace of mind in your life and future relationships, and marriage. | Peace of mind in your life and future relationships, and marriage. | ||
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You don't have to put yourself under someone else's mercy not to reject you. It's still a fact, that the more "experienced" guys and girls are generally less desirable and less respected as dating or marriage partners. | You don't have to put yourself under someone else's mercy not to reject you. It's still a fact, that the more "experienced" guys and girls are generally less desirable and less respected as dating or marriage partners. | ||
| − | Realize there is a 98 percent chance you will never marry the person you date in high | + | Realize there is a 98 percent chance you will never marry the person you date in high school, so it is always better to keep yourself pure for the right person, that is your future wife or husband. <ref>[http://www.premaritalsex.info/ Sexual Purity]</ref> |
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
Revision as of 23:28, January 16, 2008
The word abstinence means refraining from indulging in an appetite.
In the 1800s and 1900s, the word "abstinence," used without other explanation, almost always meant abstinence from alcohol. The "abstinence movement," for example, led to the establishment of prohibition. Teetotaler meant someone who advocated "total abstinence," rather than just moderation.
Starting in about the 1990s, "abstinence" has been more commonly used in the context of abstinence from sexual intercourse, particularly in the United States in the context of sex education for adolescents. Thus, for example, we read in a 2002 White House policy statement:
- ..."the goal of Federal policy should be to emphasize abstinence as the only certain way to avoid both unintended pregnancies and STDs."[1]
Studies of the effectiveness of abstinence education programs have yielded differing conclusions. A 2004 study by the Heritage Foundation found that virginity pledges significantly reduce premarital sex without putting backsliders at risk.[2] A study funded by the Administration of liberal President Bill Clinton through Mathematica Policy Research found that "the programs had no effect on the sexual abstinence of youth."[3] But this study reached this liberal conclusion by omitting abstinence education during the pivotal high school years and by only following 4 elementary and middle school programs out of 700 total schools that had received funding.[4]
Liberals oppose abstinence policies and Planned Parenthood, a powerful liberal organization, profits from teenage sexual activity. Yet the facts are undisputed: abstinent teens do not get infected with STDs or become pregnant from having sex.
Benefits of Abstinence
Clear conscience with God.
Peace of mind in your life and future relationships, and marriage.
More self-respect and more respect for each others and respected by other people.
Always remember, in a healthy relationship, respect precedes love. and premarital sex only throws away your self respect and your partner's.
You enter marriage with a more positive outlook and without carrying emotional baggage.
Personal freedom for both of you and your (future) marriage partner.
Significantly better chance in having more satisfying and more stable marriage.
Longer lasting relationship. Premarital sex surprisingly breaks up more dating couples than any other factor.
No comparing or being compared sexually in marriage. It also means "being free to enjoy maximum sex, maximum leisure, maximum satisfaction, and maximum liberty, in the way God intended" that is in the covenant of marriage.
No worries about pregnancy and STDs.
Less worries about bad reputation.
It's a fact that persons and couples who have premarital sex are more likely to have extramarital affairs as well.
Premarital sex often fools a person into marrying someone who really isn't right for them.
You don't have to put yourself under someone else's mercy not to reject you. It's still a fact, that the more "experienced" guys and girls are generally less desirable and less respected as dating or marriage partners.
Realize there is a 98 percent chance you will never marry the person you date in high school, so it is always better to keep yourself pure for the right person, that is your future wife or husband. [5]
See Also
External links
Notes and references
- ↑ WORKING TOWARD INDEPENDENCE Encourage Abstinence and Prevent Teen Pregnancy, White House News and Policies, February 2002
- ↑ Teens Who Make Virginity Pledges Have Substantially Improved Life Outcomes by Robert E. Rector, Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D., and Jennifer A. Marshall Center for Data Analysis Report #04-07 [1]
- ↑ Impacts of Four Abstinence Education Programs
- ↑ http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WU07D09
- ↑ Sexual Purity