The fundamental problem is one of worldview—whether we believe that we are designed by a loving Creator to glorify Him and enjoy His gifts, or that we are merely a biological accident with no transcendent moral law. If "human sexual relationships are predominantly emotional and moral rather than physical in character," as Rector and his team put it, we will teach kids to treat themselves and each other with care and respect, to recognize that sex is too important and valuable a gift to be taken lightly. If we ignore that emotional and moral aspect and tell kids to treat sex simply as recreation, we're creating a generation with no self-worth or respect for boundaries. And we ought to expect the unhappiness, depression, and even suicide that follows.

No matter how this link works, we need to acknowledge that it's there and what it's telling us about truth. As we keep reminding you here on BreakPoint, whenever we twist reality to suit our own desires and views, the consequences are serious—even deadly. But when we live as God intended, we find that it adds to, rather than subtracts from, our happiness.

For further reading:

Robert E. Rector, et al., "Sexually Active Teenagers Are More Likely to Be Depressed and to Attempt Suicide," Center for Data Analysis, The Heritage Foundation, June 3, 2003.

Karen S. Peterson, "Study links depression, suicide rates to teen sex," USA Today, June 3, 2003.

Laura Vanderkam, "Sexually active girls lament: Why didn't I wait?" USA Today, June 11, 2003.

For information about abstinence resources and organizations, visit the National Abstinence Clearinghouse.

See also the May 2, 2003, "Worldview for Parents" page, "Condoms in School."

Gina Dalfonzo, "What Aren't You Kids Doing!?" BreakPoint Online, June 4, 2002.

Roberto Rivera, "Changing Hearts," BreakPoint Online, May 1, 2003.

Wendy Shalit, "Modesty Revisited," Imprimis, March 2001.

Laurel L. Cornell, "Pure Again," Boundless, November 11, 1999.

Roberto Rivera, "40 (Dismal) Days and Nights," Boundless, March 21, 2002.

Lilian Callas Barger, Eve's Revenge: Women and a Spirituality of the Body (Wynwood, 2003).