purity culture

3 Reasons Christians Should Not Endorse Purity Culture

3 Reasons Christians Should Not Endorse Purity Culture

Purity culture, an influential wave rooting a woman’s worth in her sexual history, peaked in the 1990s to the early 2000s and remains prevalent today. Despite purity culture teaching being biblical or rooted in love for the Lord, there are many ulterior motives. Sadly, there are many Christians who endorse purity culture, and it has caused many people to suffer for it.

There are many podcasts, social media accounts, and books rooted in purity culture, targeting Christian women. The media has promoted purity culture and its teachings for many years, causing young Christian women, once again, to believe their worth is tied to their virginity or the desire to be “pure.” As one can imagine, this can cause many women, both believers and nonbelievers, to question their worth as individuals.

The influence of purity culture leads women further away from Jesus. He offers grace, mercy, and love. Individuals promoting purity culture push judgments on individuals that are not warranted. Unfortunately, many Christians would prefer to extend judgment rather than mercy. As followers of Jesus, this is not acceptable. We are supposed to be the hands and feet of Jesus—not unrighteous judges.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Motortion

Don't Throw Purity Out with Purity Culture

Don't Throw Purity Out with Purity Culture

While I am all for forging your way ahead past spiritual abuse, purity culture and fear-based teachings, I believe so strongly that purity is a gift from God, not a punishment that toxic church culture invented.

It’s easy for humans to throw out the baby with the bath water. Purity culture has undoubtedly caused spiritual and sexual damage to those who grew up under its fearful, controlling grip. But purity itself isn’t bad. It’s beautiful.

If you’re either single and unsure if purity is worth it or married and need a reminder about God’s perfect design, keep reading.

Here are 3 ways on how not to throw out purity with purity culture:

Pastor Apologizes for Issuing 'One-Piece Swimsuit Ultimatum' to Girls in Viral Post

Pastor Apologizes for Issuing 'One-Piece Swimsuit Ultimatum' to Girls in Viral Post

A Washington youth pastor posted an apology to his Facebook page for having told his female students to wear only one-piece swimsuits. The post is now gaining viral attention.

Alisa Childers Defends 'Modest Is Hottest' Video: Purity 'Is a Biblical Concept'

Alisa Childers Defends 'Modest Is Hottest' Video: Purity 'Is a Biblical Concept'

In a new podcast episode with Alisa Childers and John Cooper, the two podcasters and former musicians defended Matthew West's controversial song "Modest Is Hottest", saying it was a humorous way to communicate a biblical message.

Christian Musician Matthew West Deletes 'Modest Is Hottest' Video after Pushback

Christian Musician Matthew West Deletes 'Modest Is Hottest' Video after Pushback

Singer Matthew West has removed the video for his parody song "Modest Is Hottest" after critics took issue with it, claiming that it promotes evangelical purity culture, which holds women responsible for men's actions.

Women Are Not Responsible for Men's Purity

Women Are Not Responsible for Men's Purity

There are many things to be said about the tragic killing of eight people in Atlanta, and many things that could have prevented this from happening. While, I do not mean to imply that purity culture alone led to this, if we draw the logic of the Church’s current purity culture all the way out, this is its conclusion. And it needs to change.