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Christianity Today, August, 2008 |

Zipping It

Donna Freitas says that when it comes to sexual ethics, nonreligious schools are failing their students.

Interview by Katelyn Beaty | posted 8/26/2008 08:46AM

Conventional wisdom says that American universities that have lost their religious roots are places where neither spiritual longings nor moral boundaries can get a hearing. But Donna Freitas, a religion ...

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ZACHARY FARINA

Posted: September 03, 2008 12:38 AM

Ms. Beaty: As you brought out in your article, when it comes to Christian education, the most dangerous period for our children is between grade school and high school. Thus, homeschool. I had to homeschool my children (with the help of charter schools and homeschoolhebrew.com). If someone outside of the So Cal area has better opportunities, go for them. Public schools, however, have continued to be a real problem in So Cal.

tony	Posted: August 27, 2008 3:25 PM


Donna Freitas is cute in a "born again virgin" sort of way. Why she can't get a date?

Pete Benson, editor UNITYINCHRIST.COM

Posted: August 27, 2008 3:19 PM

The article is a good barometer to what's going on in both the Christian schools and colleges and the secular ones, as well as showing the pressures young people come under. Are any of these places teaching them what they need to know once they do get married (since so many are rushing to get (and give) that ring? See www.HOWMARRIAGEWORKS.COM just to get a clue as to what I'm talking about. So much efforts goes into finding Mr. or Miss Right, while so little effort goes into how to maintain a relationship, or just what that relationship entails. If more young people understood the sound principles that make up a relationship, I think it would even transform their dating habits, and help them make realistic and proper choices.

Ignatius

Posted: August 27, 2008 9:27 AM


Very insightful interview. The response about the 'Ring by Spring" phenomenon brought back old memories from the Christian College I had attended for 2 years and from some of the church singles groups. For too many months I had thought that the MRS. degree was something obtained from the Religion Dept.

realist

Posted: August 26, 2008 7:18 PM

For those who are trapped by guilt about their sexual past, God can give people back their chastity again and can make them useful and spiritually pure; but the guilt they feel is healthy while it calls them to a new better life. It's no good holding onto the past except if feelings of unease about sexuality gives a clear marning that things need to change. As for the claim that good christian women are married, well this needs to be addressed by scripture not by our culture; and scripture, according to St Paul, says that the "deep" christian is not in a relationship, but rather serves God. Being in a marriage means less time to serve Jesus and so less time to be blessed and less time to receive a blessing. How I yearn for the day when christians will wake up to the blessing of living a holy life and forget about living out their fairy tales. In a christian world Cindrella is a silly fantasy figure while the real person starts with Jesus and ends with Jesus. Let's get out the palace.

amber

Posted: August 26, 2008 5:31 PM


Thank you for pointing out the "ring by spring" phenomenon! Too many wonderful, talented women get caught in that trap. It really is something that religious schools should address. At times I felt inadequate because I was not "seriously" dating or engaged. I've come to realize that to be a good Christian women can mean being single, without "resigning" myself to that fact.

Isaiah Tor

Posted: August 26, 2008 5:21 PM

This article outlines the two basic cultural emphases in American universities todays. This however is not so languid a subject that one would supposed. Being "pure" or being sexually hedonistic can mean an absolute world of difference to how a young person's life will play out for the rest of their existence in terms of its usefulness to the Lord. 2 Thessalonians 4:7 clearly states that God has not called us for uncleanness but sanctification. Further in 1 Corinthians Pauls unequivocally states (as opposed to todays popular moral relativism) that whoever commits fornication sins against his own body. O the desperation that must be wrung out of America's apathetic heart in regards to this matter! We are not merely talking about AIDS etc. We are talking about the usefulness of this young generation, and the many that must follow them. Will we sacrifice their usefulness on the altar of popular culture or would we pray for them and serve them that their years would be useful to God?

Becky Tirabassi

Posted: August 26, 2008 12:37 PM

After visiting 23 college campuses (state, private, and Christian) in 40 days in 2006 for what I initially thought would be "spiritual" purposes (praying with students, etc.), I came away SHOCKED at how few young men and women--even those in leadership positions--felt safe or convicted about their sexuality or their spirituality. So many Christian students (on every campus) seemed confused or rebellious or indifferent. More seemed pressured by their culture to do things they didn't want to do, but had to do in order to be/feel loved, popular, etc. I rarely could find an administrator or faculty member who wanted to address these issues with me or students. First, admit that the problems are REAL and rampant among Christian students, then offer places for confidential, pastoral confession, as well as support groups for sexual issues, pornography, harrassment, etc. Of course, the leaders need to be sexually healthy, spiritually mature adults who are willing to volunteer time.

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