Shamed by Sex, Survivors of the Purity Movement Confront the Past
A “purity” movement in the 90s led by evangelical Christians promoted a strict view of abstinence before marriage. Today, followers are grappling with unforeseen aftershocks.
As a chastity movement supported by evangelical Christians gained momentum in the 1990s, virginity was celebrated at rallies and rock concerts, and some teenagers signed religious vows and wore “purity rings,” swearing off sex until marriage. But two decades later, followers are grappling with unforeseen aftershocks.
Related:
How an Abstinence Pledge in the ’90s Shamed a Generation of Evangelicals by Clyde Haberman
For teachers
- Producer: Sarah Weiser
- Editor: Anne Checler
- Associate Producer: Katherine Wzorek