The TV documentary last night about Virgin Daughters and their fathers was shown last night on Channel 4. To be honest I found the last half that I saw just a little strange. Not having daughters, only sons, I am not in a great position discuss the relationship between father and daughter as I have no idea how I would feel if I did. However, I believe that the same principles are true for raising our children. The bible teaches us as parents how to raise children. It does not really distinguish between the sexes. I have to assume therefore that I would apply the same principles to daughters, if I had them, as I do with my sons.
I beleive that children are best served, raised and loved in a family context, with a mother and father who have build a strong, loving and committed marriage. In that context children excel. As we teach our children what is right and wrong we must always, as a Christian, encourage them, discipline them in love and with respect. I encourage my boys to read the bible for themselves as that is where I find the principles for family life, marriage and raising kids.
I believe Christianity to be a choice that every individual makes for themselves before God. I can not force my beliefs or world view on my children, they will ultimately have to make that decision for themselves. I can of course encourage them to discover the truth for themselves and I trust, like me, they come to understand that the bible is true and that becoming a follower of Jesus is the right way. That said, I accept that there is the possibility that they will not.
Even in that eventuality the bible offers me answers. Unlike the poor girl in the documentary who was pretty much excommunicated by her mother particularly, but also her father, I believe that I would want to continue to love my child, be a part of their life regardless of the choices they make. Of course I would be disappointed, but they are still my kids and either I love them or I don’t. My love for them is not dependant on what they do, but on the fact that they are my children! No matter what, and as far as they are willing to let me, I would want to be part of their lives no matter how old they were. I must confess to not understanding the responses of the young ladies parents. It seemed to me that for “bible believing Christians” they did not understand a great deal of the bible. The whole bible is a story of a Father (God) who did all he could to restore a relationship with his children (mankind – You & Me) after they rebelled against him and did what he asked them not to. Not dissimilar to the girl on the TV Show – Sure she made some mistakes. We all do! But I believe that God is able and willing to forgive us. If he is willing to do so, then I think we should too.
With regard to the whole “purity ball” thing I was a little unsure what I thought to be honest. As a former leader in the Silver Ring Thing in the UK I have great empathy with the principles behind the idea of teaching young people about sexual purity as the bible defines it. I want to encourage young people that not having sex before marriage is not only desirable, but possible. I teach this to my sons and as a leader in a church teach these bible principles regularly. I think that our culture is pressuring young people far to much to have sex. Our schools teach them many years before it is even legal for them how to do it “safely”. They use this word “Safe” like you can become invincible to the risks of STIs, pregnancy, emotional hurt and anguish. You can’t. The governments own stats tell you that sex outside of marriage is far from safe. STIs amongst young people has been quoted as being an epidemic, at best it is out of control with most STIs rising at an alarming rate. Teenage pregnancy is a massive issue to our society and a huge drain on the financial resources of our nation. Sex is far from safe. Sure we ”might” be able to say we can be “safer” but not safe!
Sorry, getting carried away. So, I have sympathy for the thoughts behind the Purity Ball concept, but I did find the way that it was portrayed in the documentary was a little “Over the Top” in some of the more prominent cases. Again, that said, having been on the receiving end of CHANNEL 4 DOCUMENTARIES I am very aware that what was shown may be miles away from the real facts of the situation. It is a fact that programme makers look to sensationalise stories to increase ratings in order sell advertising. The more people tuned in the better the advertising revenue. We the public must always be aware of that. So, if they can sensationalise it, outrage people, press peoples buttons as it were .. they will, Its what they do. Its what pays their salaries! So I urge viewers to be very careful before jumping up in outrage. Do some research for yourself before you get too far up on your high horse. I personally have had TV makers cut what I have said and the narrator voice over the complete opposite of what they cut me saying. So careful is my caution! Remember it is not about reporting its about advertising and entertainment!
