Washington DC at large City Councilmember David Catania's Youth Sexual Health Project has just released a 140 page report.
Mr. Catania's brave new world will teach that "youth sexual health is the ability to understand, respect, and enjoy the different dimensions of sexuality". A sidebar in the introductions quotes from the Canadian Health Education Guidelines, 2008 "Sexuality encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expresssed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behavior, practices, roes and relationships".
The word "abstinence" is mentioned only four times in the entire document. "Condoms" are mentioned about 50 times. The report includes a newly developed sexual health curriculum for 7th to 12th grade called "TRISH", for Teen Relationships, Identity, and Sexual Health. Two thirds of the curriculum deals with "Identity" (Sexual Orientation), and "Gender". There is a lot of very objectionable material in this curriculum, and I will be examining it in subsequent posts.
How can a major document written by four supposed "experts" and six research assistants working in the city with the highest HIV/AIDS infection rates in the nation not even mention reducing the number of sexual partners as a goal for sexual health? Also how can there be almost no focus whatsoever on promoting sexual abstinence? This is because the report is based on the flawed view that all kinds of sexual exploration are healthy for youth and that you should not discourage sexual exploration.
Dedicated to raising youth leaders to develop good character and to model and teach about the benefits of sexual abstinence, in preparation for marriage and successful family formation. View recent Blog posts at our new site: New Blog
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Is it discriminatory to promote abstinence in preparation for marriage?
One of the most common arguments against promoting abstinence until marriage is that same sex couples cannot marry. The argument goes that this is discriminatory against same sex couples.
But is it really? The premise is that same sex attraction disorder (SSAD)is something that you are born with. But there is absolutely no conclusive evidence that this is true. That is why those vehemently promoting SSAD normalization are so against those who provide guidance and counseling and services for those who wish to deal with their SSAD and change. It also follows that if people are not born SSAD, and that many, if not all, wish they could change, and many do change to heterosexual lifestyle, that is is a choice to remain SSAD, that could be changed.
This idea totally undermines the argument for special privileges, rights to marry, etc for SSAD couples. That is why they insist that people can't change, yet SSAD people can and do change their sexual orientation.
If SSAD is recognized, then there is no basis for special privileges and rights, including the argument that it is wrong to talk about abstinence in preparation for marriage.
Promoting abstinence in preparation for marriage does not discriminate against anyone. Many people can and do change their sexual orientation.
Furthermore, if you eliminate the definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman, then any type of relationship must be accepted, since there is no longer any definition. What about polygamous relationships or incestuous relationships? What would the basis be to deny these groupings "rights"? Ironically, giving special rights to those with SSAD leads to discrimination against those who hold religious, moral or social views that uphold the institution of marriage as being between only one man and one woman.
But is it really? The premise is that same sex attraction disorder (SSAD)is something that you are born with. But there is absolutely no conclusive evidence that this is true. That is why those vehemently promoting SSAD normalization are so against those who provide guidance and counseling and services for those who wish to deal with their SSAD and change. It also follows that if people are not born SSAD, and that many, if not all, wish they could change, and many do change to heterosexual lifestyle, that is is a choice to remain SSAD, that could be changed.
This idea totally undermines the argument for special privileges, rights to marry, etc for SSAD couples. That is why they insist that people can't change, yet SSAD people can and do change their sexual orientation.
If SSAD is recognized, then there is no basis for special privileges and rights, including the argument that it is wrong to talk about abstinence in preparation for marriage.
Promoting abstinence in preparation for marriage does not discriminate against anyone. Many people can and do change their sexual orientation.
Furthermore, if you eliminate the definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman, then any type of relationship must be accepted, since there is no longer any definition. What about polygamous relationships or incestuous relationships? What would the basis be to deny these groupings "rights"? Ironically, giving special rights to those with SSAD leads to discrimination against those who hold religious, moral or social views that uphold the institution of marriage as being between only one man and one woman.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Why can't homosexual "marriage" work?
Due to the principles through which God created the world, love requires an object. It is quite apparent in the natural and human world, that God created using the pair system, where male and female, men and women complement each other. Men and women come together, centered on love and the higher purpose of forming a family that will create children. It is also quite apparent that a man or a woman cannot create a child by themselves, no matter how long they may try. These basic relationships of family, including the parents and grandparents, form a nucleus for all relationships in the world, by extension, such as the brotherhood of all humanity centered upon our one common Creator.
Same sex relationships are out of order with the natural world, as stated above. Additionally, a dutch study found that men in homosexual relationships on average have eight partners a year outside those relationships. In this aspect, these relationships are not what most people would consider "marriage". Also, there is a large degree of banality and crassness in many such relationships. Consider this post by ex gay Greg Quinlan, when confronted by a former Human Rights Campaign staff member.
A world of peace will come when we recognize God's principles and follow them. These principles are not a religion, but rather the same "inalienable rights" that the Founding Fathers recognized. At that time, they were a part of the community that was a given, although they were not always carried out completely, as in the case of slavery. Relationships of love come centered on higher values. When these universal principles are discarded in favor of banal, crass relationships, the very core of society is threatened. We must awaken to this fact and vigorously defend the institution of marriage between and man and a woman.
Same sex relationships are out of order with the natural world, as stated above. Additionally, a dutch study found that men in homosexual relationships on average have eight partners a year outside those relationships. In this aspect, these relationships are not what most people would consider "marriage". Also, there is a large degree of banality and crassness in many such relationships. Consider this post by ex gay Greg Quinlan, when confronted by a former Human Rights Campaign staff member.
"At the booth, Besen (former Human Rights Campaign spokesperson) stuck his finger in my face and called me a "fu*king fag*," "fu*king co*ksucker," "nellie fairy," etc. "You're still having gay sex," he yelled at me. We had to call security to remove him because we were scared for our safety."
A world of peace will come when we recognize God's principles and follow them. These principles are not a religion, but rather the same "inalienable rights" that the Founding Fathers recognized. At that time, they were a part of the community that was a given, although they were not always carried out completely, as in the case of slavery. Relationships of love come centered on higher values. When these universal principles are discarded in favor of banal, crass relationships, the very core of society is threatened. We must awaken to this fact and vigorously defend the institution of marriage between and man and a woman.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sex and the Church
I felt today that it is very important for every church to have a program that guides young adults toward healthy relationships in preparation for marriage. Sexual abstinence before marriage is especially important. The YOUth Awakening REVOLUTION kick off today at 5 p.m. will address that issue. Each church or house of worship must have a ministry that guides youth and young adults to stay sexually pure. Youth and adults who have this commitment will guide the younger ones and be their accountability partners regarding their commitment to abstinence. The ULTRA Teen Choice Chapter Start up Kit provides all of the know how and materials to start such a program at any church, worship place, organization, or home. Those of us who know this is the right way must act now to help, guide and protect our youth.
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.
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:
Here is the announcement: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.
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.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Purposeful living
Often there is confusion or controversy about what is right and wrong when it comes to teaching youth about sex, and about promoting abstinence until marriage as the expected standard for youth.
However, when you think about it from a God-centered perspective, it is clear. Genesis 1:28 says that one should "Be fruitful, and multiply, and ...have dominion". Many equate being "fruitful" and "multiplying" as being the same, but that is not the case. Being fruitful means fulfilling your God-given potential and purpose. This is the stage where youth and young adults should develop their heart and spiritual self, learning to love and serve others. It is good for youth to focus on causes greater than their own self-interest. Relationships between boys and girls should be brotherly and sisterly, and should not involve romantic relationships.
During the second phase, which is "multiply", each person should resemble God, who has both male and female attributes, by forming a family. Since this will enable that couple to resemble God's complete image, the sexual union within marriage is a sacred union. It is not an exaggeration to say that God wants to bless that union, and that under His blessing, He wants to dwell in that very relationship, where the couples' love will bear fruit and where life and lineage can be created.
Since a man and a woman are resembling God through the sexual relationship (or should be!), it is a sacred union, one that should not be consummated outside the confines of marriage.
With this understanding, we can realize that anything that keeps youth from moving toward the purpose for which God created us (to grow as individuals in our relationship with God, resemble Him in families, and take care of the Creation) is wrong.
So should we be giving HPV vaccine to 11 year old girls. Of course not!. Should we be promoting same sex relationships to the same age group. Of course not! Should we be telling youth that sexual relationships are normal, just use a condom! Of course not!
From the above spiritual perspective, it is no surprise that sex outsie of marriage carries serious physical, emotional and social, as well as spiritual consequences.
However, when you think about it from a God-centered perspective, it is clear. Genesis 1:28 says that one should "Be fruitful, and multiply, and ...have dominion". Many equate being "fruitful" and "multiplying" as being the same, but that is not the case. Being fruitful means fulfilling your God-given potential and purpose. This is the stage where youth and young adults should develop their heart and spiritual self, learning to love and serve others. It is good for youth to focus on causes greater than their own self-interest. Relationships between boys and girls should be brotherly and sisterly, and should not involve romantic relationships.
During the second phase, which is "multiply", each person should resemble God, who has both male and female attributes, by forming a family. Since this will enable that couple to resemble God's complete image, the sexual union within marriage is a sacred union. It is not an exaggeration to say that God wants to bless that union, and that under His blessing, He wants to dwell in that very relationship, where the couples' love will bear fruit and where life and lineage can be created.
Since a man and a woman are resembling God through the sexual relationship (or should be!), it is a sacred union, one that should not be consummated outside the confines of marriage.
With this understanding, we can realize that anything that keeps youth from moving toward the purpose for which God created us (to grow as individuals in our relationship with God, resemble Him in families, and take care of the Creation) is wrong.
So should we be giving HPV vaccine to 11 year old girls. Of course not!. Should we be promoting same sex relationships to the same age group. Of course not! Should we be telling youth that sexual relationships are normal, just use a condom! Of course not!
From the above spiritual perspective, it is no surprise that sex outsie of marriage carries serious physical, emotional and social, as well as spiritual consequences.
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