Research and the Bible share some points where premarital sex is concerned. The Bible condemns sex outside marriage, and scientific research supports this due to the numerous psychological, physical, and emotional damages associated with engaging in sex before marriage. Concerning psychological effects, premarital sex increases anxiety and depression in individuals, especially teenage girls. Studies show that teenage girls who engage in premarital sex are far more susceptible to depression than their peers who abstain. It can also lead to an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections leading to health complications like liver disease, cancer, and another condition like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). One of the first things parents teach is often abstinence, and science backs that by showing that young women who were encouraged to delay sex during adolescence were less likely to become sexually active and were more likely to use contraceptives when they become sexually active in the future.
Research also shows that engaging in premarital sex can significantly impact a couple’s chances of enjoying a lasting and fulfilling marriage. Studies reveal that couples that wait until after marriage to have sex have stronger and happier relationships as compared to those who engage in premarital sex. Far from creating emotional bonds that last, premarital sex often leads to emotional attachments that form, then fade away, leaving wounds that are sometimes far too deep to heal. Not only does premarital sex affect the couple involved, but it can also resonate and impact the wider society. Research reveals that there is a strong correlation between premarital sex and declining moral values and eroding social norms in a society.
The Bible also shares similarities about premarital sex that research supports concerning the negative impacts it has on a person’s self-worth and dignity. Studies show that premarital sex negatively impacts one’s self-esteem and leaves them feeling devalued. The Bible condemns premarital sex, describing it as a sin for a reason; it destroys a person’s self-worth and diminishes their dignity. Research shows that those who engage in premarital sex often seek out numerous sexual partners, leading to sexual promiscuity that can be the root of numerous psychological and emotional issues.
In conclusion, research supports Biblical teachings condemning premarital sex. Both the Bible and research show that delayed gratification and sexual abstinence prolong the benefits of a healthy and fulfilling sexual life. When couples wait to have sex until after marriage, they tend to approach intimacy with maturity and responsibility leading to stronger relationships. Those who engage in premarital sex often succumb to the numerous negative impacts of sexual activity outside marriage—research shows that premarital sex has serious physical, emotional, and psychological consequences on the individuals involved, plus it can lead to moral and social decay. Therefore, it would appear that the research supports what the Bible has been teaching for centuries.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3271688/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0146167215580341
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pacific-heart/201909/the-psychological-effects-premarital-sex
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5404810/
https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2014/october/marriage-and-sex-why-christian-teaching-on-relationships-is.html
