Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Sexting Scandal

The "sexting" related suicide of Jessie Logan, 18 year old Sycamore High School (Cincinnatti, OH) senior from who became extemely depressed after her ex-boyfriend sent her nude picture to other girls shows one more dark example of how far away from a culture of healthy and repectful relationships we have come. Jessie was relentlessly harrassed by other girls at her school.
It goes to show it is not just about sex at all, but about what wholesome relationships look like. Sexual purity of mind and body can protect children (and adults, too) from the coarseness and ravages of lustful, unwholesome relationships.
One thing I have noticed is that those who promote any kind of sexual relationship at anytime often have a very crude and rude view of sexuality. It is often seen as a kind of mechanical process, where love, beauty and sacredness have no place.
I found this out when we put an image on ULTRAteenchoice.org that showed a diamond with a chain around it. Websites that often talk about sex as "sticking the bolt in the nut", such as Pandagon, thought that was just hilarious.
I think that is a major reason that those with an "any kind of sex at most any time" is OK attitude will always clash with those who see sex as something that involves the most sacred bonds of love that can create a life and a lineage. One view is carnal and self-centered, the other is unselfish and brings higher value to the relationship and recognizes the importance of a union that embodies love and can lead to life and lineage. One kind of relationship, when consummated in marriage, is constructive, while the other is often destructive, and can lead to devastation, heartbreak, and sometimes even death.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is biased

I just sent this email to the DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. They send out a weekly newsletter called "Spreading the News" about pregnancy prevention news and events. The problem is that it is ridiculously lopsided against any promotion of sexual abstinence. In fact, this is the third time I have sent something to be posted, and the third time it was not posted:

Dear Ms. Bissell,
You have once again (for the 3rd time and 2nd year) "forgotten" to post the announcement that I sent about the Abstinence Awareness Week youth forum. Your "news" is so lopsided toward condoms, etc. and against those promoting sexual abstinence that it would be laughable if it were not a matter of life and death. If you are serious about helping as many youth as possible, please send out this announcement on Monday, March 9, as a correction. Thank you.
Here is the announcement:

Abstinence Awareness Week Youth Forum is coming to Howard University School of Business Auditorium, Georgia Ave. & Fairmont St. NW on March 9 from 6 pm to 9 pm. The theme is "Marriage & Family Matter: Abstinence is a Core Strength of the Community". This forum will feature a youth panel, parent panel, speakers, recording artist Angelia Robinson and table space for community organizations and ministries. Register and get more information at www.ultrateenchoice.org, or call Richard at 202-558-5550.