Staff Publications

How do religious faith and congregational involvement influence the sexual values and behaviors of teenagers? This book reveals the results of Christian Community’s national study of 5,819 teenagers representing a broad range of religious traditions, ethnic backgrounds, economic levels, and geographic locations. This book provides an understanding of how teens feel about themselves, their bodies, and their sexuality; personal, anonymous, and honest feedback from teens about their own experiences, feelings, and insecurities; a discussion of abstinence and abstinence-only programs; a look into what teens know about contraception, including where they are learning their information and how they feel about it; information on how many church active teens are having unwanted sexual experiences and how the church can help youth avoid those situations. This resource also takes a look into gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth and how they relate their sexual orientation to their faith, and provides discussion questions and activities for adults and youth.

Based on Christian Community’s extensive research on teenage sexuality, this book contains factual information and clear guidance to help empower teenagers for the decisions they face about the care of their bodies, dating, sexuality, marriage, and parenting. This book can be used in a variety of ways: for private reading by teenagers; for reading by teens and discussion with their parents; and for group or retreat use.

This book includes a survey for teens to see what they already know about their bodies, sex, contraception, and marriage preparedness. It also includes a discussion of “sexuality,” including looking beyond physical acts. This book takes a look at health, including how teens feel about their bodies and appearance. Factual information on contraception, pregnancy, STDs, abortion, and how to protect against unwanted sex are included in the resource.