Faith Matters:
Teenagers, Religion, and Sexuality
by Steve Clapp, Kristen Leverton Helbert, and Angela Zizak
How do religious faith and congregational involvement influence the sexual values and behaviors of teenagers? Faith Matters shares what the authors learned in a study of 5,819 teenagers representing a broad range of religious traditions, ethnic backgrounds, economic levels, and geographic locations. In this book, you'll learn:
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The characteristics shared by a group of teens with rates of premarital intercourse not only lower than secular teens but also lower than most other religious teens. |
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The reasons why "abstinence only" doesn't give religious teens the help they need and want to make responsible sexual decisions. |
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The shocking reality that many religious teens are having oral sex – and that 55% of them mistakenly think they can't get a sexually transmitted disease from that act. |
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The reasons why half of the religious teens who become pregnant choose to have an abortion. |
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The reality that one out of ten religious teens are not sure of a heterosexual orientation and face significant problems dealing with their faith and congregational life. |
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The good news that teens want more help and direction from faith-based institutions in preparing for dating, marriage, and sexual decision-making. |
Faith Matters offers practical guidance to individuals and congregations wanting to make a difference. Discussion questions are included for teens and adults.
Steve Clapp is the President of Christian Community and a member of the Board of New Life Ministries. He has authored or co-authored over thirty books on congregational life, including Hospitality: Life in a Time of Fear and Youth Workers Handbook. Kristen Leverton Helbert and Angela Zizak have both collaborated with him on other publications including The Desires of Your Heart.
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Contents:
Chapter
One: Religion, Teens, and Sex – A Fresh Look
Why we decided it was time to do a major study on the ways in which religion
does (and does not) affect the sexual values and practice of teenagers. Basic
information about the study.
Chapter
Two: Sexuality is More than Sex
Understanding how teens feel about themselves, their bodies, and their
sexuality. Teen sexual behaviors, and what they have to say about it.
Chapter
Three: Abstinence
Abstinence is a major component in sexuality education for many faith
communities – sometimes the only component. Why is this strategy so important
to congregational leaders, and what are the limitations where it is the only
approach used?
Chapter
Four: Contraception
The frequency of pregnancy and of contraception among teens in the study. What
do teens know about contraception, where are they learning it, and how do they
feel about it? What kinds of support do faith-based institutions give teens who
are pregnant? Why do many religious teens have abortions? What about STDs?
Chapter
Five: Unwanted Sexual Experiences
How many congregationally active teens are having unwanted sexual experiences?
Is it possible that religious teachings actually make some youth more
vulnerable? How can adults help youth avoid tragic experiences?
Chapter Six: Gay,
Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth
Most faith-based institutions have more gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth than
clergy and other religious leaders realize. How do these youth relate their
faith to their sexual orientation? What kinds of settings do our congregations
provide for these youth?
Chapter Seven: How
Much Are Congregations Doing?
Clergy, adult youth leaders, and youth differ in how effective they see
congregations being at helping youth relate their faith to sexual decisions.
There is good news: youth want congregational help, and clergy and adult youth
leaders want to respond.
Chapter Eight: We
Can Do More!
Factors that should be incorporated in a religious community's program to help
youth in this important area of need. Ways to build support in the congregation
for sexuality education. Guidelines for talking with youth about sexuality, and
program suggestions.
Chapter
Nine: Sexuality and Spirituality – Empowerment for Young People
Discussion questions and activities for adults and youth who want to better
understand and respond to the issues raised in this book.