Faith Matters

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 tradtions, ethnic backgrounds, economic levels, and geographic locations. In this book, you'll learn:

-The characteristics shared by a group of teens with rates of premarital intercourse not only lower than secualr teens but also lower than most other religious teens.
-The reasons swhy "abstinence only" doesn't give religious teens the help they need and want to make responsible sexual decisions.
-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.
-The reasons why half of the religious teens who become pregnant choose to have an abortion.
-The reality that one out of ten religious teens are not sure of a heterosexual orientation and face significant proglems dealing with their faith and congregational life.
-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.