Why I “Did It Anyway” -- One Year Later

No, I'm not talking about premarital sex, I did that one way way back. I'm talking about why I created this blog, a YouTube Channel, and a website to challenge the one-sided theological opinions of the 'Christian' Right regarding their so-called “Sexual Purity” issues. I've operated this blog for about a year now, so I thought I would give my regular readers an update.

It's not for the money.
In the last year donations to Not Another Generation totaled $50, all from one person. This is the sum total of all receipts, including my failed attempt at affiliate marketing for a few books and software products. While donations do help and I appreciate them no matter how small, I don't want to turn the Not Another Generation message in to some kind of money grubbing religious guilt-machine. That type of thing really annoys me. I'm usually ecstatic when someone new just links to my website or blog from theirs...even if they disagree.

It's not for the fame.
Although I think the Not Another Generation message is interesting and provocative; let's face it, my view counts on YouTube ain't that impressive. Most people, including most church going Christians simply do not care if premarital sex is a sin in the Bible. It's not that they agree with me, they simply do not care one way or the other. Those of you who strongly disagree with me should wake up and realize you are in a minority of people even within your own church. Sure, many other members will act like they agree with your message against 'fornication', the simple fact is most of them are “nodding you off” because you're just too damn annoying about that issue. The majority of those who do care about the “Sexual Purity” issues do not want to hear anything different than what they always hear. This is why they only listen to 'Christian' radio, watch 'Christian' Television, read 'Christian' magazines, and shop at 'Christian' Bookstores.

It's not because I disrespect those who choose Abstinence Until Marriage.
I believe I offer some of the best and most respectful real-word advice for Christians who choose Abstinence Until Marriage here. It's actually one of my most popular blog articles. I have more respect for those who live that message than most ministry leaders who preach it. In the real world of Abstinence Until Marriage I've heard ministry leaders preach that crap against 'fornication' then turn around and crack jokes about 30 and 40 year-old virgins in their own congregation. No matter what side you're on that is upsetting behavior. I also provide a message of Abstinence Until Adulthood as well as good personal boundaries for unmarried Christians.

It's not because I'm selfish.
When I reached my conclusions that premarital sex is not actually a sin in the Bible, my first reaction was “I just better keep my opinion to myself”. I realized that holding my tongue, keeping my opinions to myself would in fact be the most selfish action I could take. Saying different would cost me dearly. I would loose friends, I might be threatened by zealots, and I would no longer be welcome at almost any type of church I'm used to. All those things have happened. Fortunately the threats have been rather cowardly, anonymous, and veiled...so far.

Simply, I believe God has called me to give the Not Another Generation message.
More Christians should publicly challenge the Abstinence Until Marriage dogma because it is putting Christian youth at statistically GREATER risk to STDs and unplanned pregnancy than unchurched youth. You might not see that at your church...but most don't notice the statistical probability that one or more of the young ladies at their church visited an abortion clinic either. Further, most of us don't get married until our late 20's now. According to the former President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; expecting virginity at that age is unreasonable, yet that is still the message publicly given. The only statical impact the Abstinence Until Marriage message has is a reduction in the use of condoms and other preventative contraception. Premarital Sex is one of few issues where many Christians actually believe “Ignorance is the Answer”. Ignorance coupled with a message that a condom is a “provision for sin” is putting Christian youth at grave risk to life threatening STDs and unplanned pregnancy.

I agree with ministry leaders who want to challenge the youth to delay sexual activity...but that challenge MUST be realistic. Preaching Abstinence Until Marriage today is tantamount to telling the youth you expect them to be a 30 year-old virgin one day. Do you REALLY expect they will live it? If you don't then why would you leave them uninformed, unprotected, and ashamed?

-The Scott

Ignoramuses and Hypocrites – R. Albert Mohler Jr.

Have you noticed that the 'Christian' Right doesn't bring out a 40 year-old virgin to give you a thrilling testimony about never having sex? It's not because people don't get there, it's because those who do don't have a winning testimony. In my experience, church leaders who preach the "sexual purity" message will crack jokes about real-life 30 and 40 year-old virgins within their congregation. When it comes to the so-called "sexual purity" message pushed by the 'Christian' Right it seems the major voices fall in to two categories. Ignoramuses and Hypocrites.


R. Albert Mohler Jr. is the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I'm not accusing him of any kind of hypocrisy with his personal sexual ethics, but of misrepresenting his intentions regarding his one-sided theological opinions. In a recent blog article Mr. Mohler chided retired Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong who pledges never again to debate the issues of homosexuality or homosexual rights.

Bishop Spong is a pro-Gay rights advocate, Mohler is not. I'm not a fan of the theologies either of these men use but what incensed me is the comment Al Mohler made about Bishop Spong,

“He is no longer even willing to admit that there are two sides to the debate.”
-R Albert Mohler Jr. here

Yet the irony is that it's Al Mohler and other 'Christian' Right leaders who lock-arms and refuse to discuss these “Sexual Purity” issues in a two-sided fashion. I wrote R. Albert Mohler Jr. not long ago to see if he would be willing to have a two-sided conversation about the issues I discuss on his radio program. I didn't have any reasonable expectation that Al Mohler would be willing to, but I felt obligated to at least try. As I expected, I received no response.

If Al Mohler believes these issues are a two-sided conversation, then he should give his audience the benefit of a TWO-sided conversation; but it seems BOTH Bishop Spong and R. Albert Mohler Jr are fresh out of conversation.

-The Scott

Ignoramuses and Hypocrites – The Bod Squad Petition

Have you noticed that the 'Christian' Right doesn't bring out a 40 year-old virgin to give you a thrilling testimony about never having sex? It's not because people don't get there, it's because those who do don't have a winning testimony. In my experience, church leaders who preach the "sexual purity" message will crack jokes about real-life 30 and 40 year-old virgins within their congregation. When it comes to the so-called "sexual purity" message pushed by the 'Christian' Right it seems the major voices fall in to two categories. Ignoramuses and Hypocrites.

I've already called Dannah Gresh out as both an Ignoramus and a Hypocrite here. Dannah Gresh wants moms to help her petition the fashion industry to provide more age appropriate clothing for Christian teen girls. I don't bother with church anymore, but when I used to go I also noticed that Christian teen girls are often very inappropriately dressed. Dannah Greesh thinks the teen fashion industry is the problem and that a petition will set them straight. here

Good grief. This makes me want to scream “GET THE LOG OUT OF YOUR OWN EYE!” Christian teen girls are often handed a great deal of duality about their sexuality even at church. On one hand they are told an awful lot about modesty, “Sexual Purity” and pressured in to virginity promises; and when all is said and done they are then given completely contrary roll models. One such example is Carie Prejean.

Carrie Prejean was Miss California USA and created a great deal of controversy when she made statements against Gay and Lesbian marriage. She was eventually fired by Donald Trump for not fulfilling her contractual obligations. I suspect this stems from the controversy surrounding her anti-gay statements though. 'Christian' Right political organizations like to float Carrie Prejean as an example and spokesperson for their 'family' values. She was a speaker at the “Value Voters Summit 2009” along side people such as Phyllis Schlafly and Bill Bennett here. Let's take a look at the 'Christian' Right “sexual purity” dress code according to Carrie Prejean.

'Christian' Right Topless Spokesmodel Carrie Prejean.

Teens and Parents pay attention: Even though I'm critical of Carrie Prejean, her politics, and her church; I want to congratulate her that she dresses appopriately when she's at church. She doesn't have to prove she is beautiful to anyone...and neither do you!

Dannah Gresh has a point that Christian teen girls are over-sexualized and many need to dress more modestly. I disagree with her that it's an issue of "age appropriateness" of clothing. It's an issue of modesty at any age. When big girls start to become young ladies they want to look attractive and sophisticated. That is a completely normal and healthy transition in life. I would challenge her and Christian moms to train young ladies in the appropriate use of fashion...not the lack there of. Dannah Gresh would be better off working with fashion producers to help with this, not irritating them with a petition that will go nowhere. If a petition is in order perhaps Dannah Gresh should petition people such as Carrie Prejean, her church The Rock San Diego, or The Values Voter Summit who may actually hear her message; rather than fashion producers who primarily serve the whims of a marketplace that has been created.

-The Scott

The Evolution of 'Biblical' Purity

One of my claims is that marketplace pressure from Conservative, Fundamentalist, and Evangelical groups has been driving translations of the Bible to become increasingly puritanical. One piece of evidence I offer for that is puritanical outrage which occurred when the Revised Standard Version translators chose the words “young woman” instead of “virgin” in Isaiah 7:14. If you want to know more about that, then watch my video titled “Revised Standard Virgin”. Here

Another case I offer is the ongoing evolution of 1 Corinthians 7:36. The literal order of words in this verse, both in the original Greek and also in the King James Version put sexual activity before marriage and it is declared to not be a sin. When you realize the implications of the literal order of words of 1 Corinthians 7:36 it is hilarious to see how various modern translators attempt to deal with it. Let's take a look at the evolution of this verse within some Bible translations.

The Evolution of 1 Corinthians 7:36.

1611 King James Version - KJV
Notice the word for marriage is used only once, and it is the last word of this verse.

But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of [her] age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

1973 New International Version - NIV
Notice the word for marriage is now used twice and the concept of engagement is used as well.

If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if she is getting along in years and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married.

1996 New Living Translation - NLT
Like the NIV, marriage is used twice and engagement is used as well

But if a man thinks he ought to marry his fiancée because he has trouble controlling his passions and time is passing, it is all right; it is not a sin. Let them marry.

2002 Today's New International Version - TNIV
Notice marriage is used 3 times and includes the concept of engagement. To my knowledge this is the world record for marriage reference in 1 Corinthians 7:36.

If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if she is getting beyond the usual age for marrying [a] and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married.

Bible translations do seem to be getting increasingly puritanical, at least depending on who the intended marketplace is. There is talk of yet-another revision of the NIV for those within Evangelical groups which use it. I wonder if the translators will set a new record on how many times they can squeeze words for marriage in to 1 Corinthians 7:36. Just remember, the Greek word for marriage is only used once, and it is the LAST word of this verse.

-The Scott

Fake Your Virginity Kit

The great equalizer between boys and girls is here and it's afford ably priced at $30. It is a Chinese manufactured device which brings the concept of “faking it” in to a whole new universe. Ostensibly manufactured as a sex-toy this $30 devise allows a woman of any age and sexual experience to fake her virginity. Personally I think it would be a hilarious gag for a single-mom with her new boyfriend however not everyone sees it that way. Egyptian officials are refusing to take premarital sex lying down and are calling for a ban of this device and punishments for those who attempt to import it. here

No more worry about losing your virginity. With this product, you can have your first night back anytime. Insert this artificial hymen into your vagina carefully. It will expand a little and make you feel tight. When your lover penetrate, it will ooze out a liquid that look like blood not too much but just the right amount. Add in a few moans and groans, you will pass through undetectable. Its easy to use, clinically proven non-toxic to human and has no side effects, no pain to use and no allergic reaction. -Gigimo.com

-The Scott

Big Decisions: Free Abstinence-Plus Education Curriculum

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy publishes a brochure about what actually works to prevent unplanned pregnancy. According to their research, the first item in their brochure is this:

Curriculum-based sex education that discusses abstinence and contraceptive use. These programs are generally offered as part of regular school classes or as part of after-school programs either on school grounds or in community centers. -National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy; What Works

Notice that Abstinence and Contraceptive Use are both listed. Yet it seems that few political groups actually intend to promote both. Religious conservatives who believe a condom is a “provision for sin” do not want their youth to even know about condoms and other contraceptive measures. Liberal groups often sneer at abstinence and do not want it taken or taught seriously. Yet, according to the best resource on the subject both topics must be taken seriously to best prevent unplanned pregnancy.

“Big Decisions” is a Free Abstinence-Plus Education Curriculum which not only includes serious coverage of abstinence for teens, but also medically accurate information about sexual health including STDs, pregnancy and condom and other contraceptive use. This curriculum was created by San Antonio physician and public health expert Dr. Janet Realini who seems to have a clue about parental sensibilities regarding “sexual purity” and can balance that with the unspoken needs of some students. Download and learn more at www.BigDecisions.org.

Those who buy in to the world of Palin vs Pelosi politics have been divided and conquered over this topic; neither adequately encourage both Abstinence and Contraception and in my opinion, both extremes are detrimental to the youth. This political bickering is counterproductive to the real issue of teen pregnancy. Both Palin and Pelosi are wrong, and I don't see level-headed voices winning the day on this issue for a very long time.


The bad news is that this is a case where if you want something done right for your students you're going to have to put aside your personal embarrassment and do the job yourself. The good news is there is a Free Abstinence-Plus education curriculum available. It takes both the message of abstinence and contraceptive use very seriously. It was created by a Physician who wished to provide not just a message of abstinence, but also medically accurate information without being explicit. And it's free! You can just download it, and go through the lessons with your student.

The program is known as “Big Decisions”. I'm not a parent, but if I was I would make the “Big Decision” to kick the money-grubbing, hypocrite politicians out of my students' sex education, and give them real information from a Physician about BOTH Abstinence AND Contraceptive Use.

UPDATE: Big Decisions is being criticized by abstinence advocates as being "too comprehensive", and is also criticized by comprehensive sex ed advocates as being "not comprehensive enough". The fact that politically motivated voices on both sides are being critical against the "Big Decisions" curriculum should tell you something about the political extremism of sex education. I do tend to agree with those who say the curriculum doesn't inform the students about contraception as well as it could, mostly because of limitations within Texas laws that the program is designed to work with. However, there are plenty of good online sources available for more comprehensive information. I recommend Scarleteen as one good source.

-The Scott

Joshua Harris Debunked

One of the most creative soft-sell guilt-trip artists has to be pastor and author Joshua Harris. His style and manner of teaching reminds me a lot of Max Lucado. Joshua Harris is the Pastor of Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg Maryland and the author of “I Kissed Dating Goodbye”.

Joshua Harris' message of “sexual purity” seems to focus on Proverbs 5:18.

Pro 5:18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

Pastor Harris likes to focus all possible attention on the word wife in this verse, and in one sermon reiterates this concept of wife numerous times here. However, the word wife is just one of numerous possible choices. When Solomon wrote Proverbs he used this word numerous times and not always for a wife.

Other uses of the word ishshah (Strong's #802) within the book of Proverbs.

The Strange Woman - Proverbs 2:16, Proverbs 7:5
The Evil Woman – Proverbs 6:24
The Whorish Woman – Proverbs 6:26
The Woman with the attire of a harlot – Proverbs 7:10
The Foolish Woman – Proverbs 9:13
A Woman Without Discretion – Proverbs 11:22

Numerous other places within the Old Testament use this word to describe multiple wives and women, not just one.

Perhaps Solomon was saying a young man should be blessed and rejoice with all the Strange, Whorish Women of his youth that are wearing the attire of a harlot?

No? I don't believe that either. I agree with the traditional point-of-view that Pro 5:18 is most likely referring to a wife. What I object to is the English Literalism that Joshua Harris and others put on word choices like this. I agree the word wife is the best-fit for Proverbs 5:18 but to point and pound on it, and build zero-tolerance dogmas around these 'best-fit' word choices is ridiculous and irresponsible.

-The Scott