And the Centers for Disease Control reports that the number of high school students who said they've had sex has dropped notably, from 54 percent in 1991 to 46 percent in 2001.
Indeed, programs like True Love Waits (an international campaign launched by the Southern Baptists in 1993) have challenged millions of teens and college students to remain sexually pure until marriage. Newsweek even touted "The New Virginity" on its cover last fall and acknowledged that religion-along with caring parents and an awakening sense of personal responsibility-has played a major role in why teens are deciding to wait. Much has been written lately about abstinence education and how more teens are choosing not to have sex. But what happens when faith gets thrown into the mix? How does being a Christian affect a teenager's perceptions and responses in this sex-drenched society? Today's adolescents must navigate this cultural morass just at a time when hormonal surges and emerging feelings are making life confusing enough.
The fashion world touts midriff-baring designs, while prime-time TV rolls out one sexual innuendo after another. On the Internet, pop-up windows beckon Web surfers to erotic destinations. On the radio, popular songs declare the thrills of casual sex. Editor's Note: This article features frank discussion of a sensitive theme that may not be appropriate for some younger readers.