Chastity Pledges: How Effective Are They?

Chastity pledges are pretty simple. Young teenagers and those who feel that they want to make a commitment to save sex for marriage usually sign some sort of promise or "contract" that says that they will save their virginity for their husbands or wives. Some of these teenagers actually receive a "chastity ring" in return for their promise and as a symbol and reminder that they have signed one. Young girls and boys alike can make these promises that are known as Chastity Pledges. Purity Balls have even caught on in some areas of the United States where the father makes a commitment to their daughter to help the lines of communication stay open so that their daughters will stay true to their chastity pledges.

But how far does the chastity pledge go? Does it exclude making out? Does it limit kissing? Are you allowed to hold hands? Many young teenagers decide to take on this chastity pledge or vow, but there are a couple issues surrounding these pledges that make them worrisome. Some Chastity Pledges, like the Purity Ball craze that has caught on, actually discourages even kissing someone of the opposite sex. While it is great to think that saving your very first kiss for your husband would be ideal, how practical is that? Marriage is supposed to be between two people who love each other and who want the best for each other. But isn't romantic love and chemistry between the two people crucial information to know before you actually get married? This is not to say that having sex with every partner should be the case either. But those chastity pledges that exclude even kissing and a little making out may want to rethink their promises. If you are marrying someone that you have never kissed before, how do you know that the two of you will have a good experience physically, sexually, and romantically?

Furthermore, another issue that surrounds the Chastity Pledges involves the efficacy of the pledge itself. I remember while I was in high school there were students who signed a "PROMise" that stated that they would not drink alcohol or do drugs on prom night. But how many of those same people decided that it was okay to get drunk and binge drink because not only were a lot of the Prom parties doing so, but because they signed only a small piece of paper saying that they wouldn't drink? Even though a Chastity Pledge is a whole lot different and a larger issue, some would argue, than a simple promise not to drink and do drugs after Prom Night, it seems as though it would be the same principle when it comes to the effectiveness of it.

All that being said, however, chastity pledges are, indeed, an excellent idea, but the way they are presented and the restrictions that are being placed on these young girls and boys may need to be revamped. Many young girls especially may feel horrible if they accidentally make a mistake and decide to have sex before their father's approval. How would that affect their self-confidence and self-esteem? All of this needs to be taken into consideration before actually committing a young person to such a serious and life-changing promise!