American teen chastity movement

hey im into the silver ring thing and was wondering where i would get a t-shirt from. Im english so im not sure if you can buy any over here, but if you can send me one i can assure you that i'll wear it to school and set a trend. write back asap amelia xx

Posted by: Amelia DAVIDSON | January 25, 2004 04:29 PM

I can understand that after seeing certain music videos on tv and hearing about all sorts of dangers involving sex, that some people want to react against that. I'm just worried and surprised about the fact that some of these people then grab to such conservative methods as 'no sex before marriage', in an age where not everyone sees the benefits of marriage as opposed to just living together (I mean marriage for church: not everyone believes that there is some sort of god that brings you together). If these conservative ideas become more popular, then I wouldn't be surprised of hearing soon that women should disappear in their houses again in stead of studying and working, which is a completely crazy and terrible idea! (it is already bad enough that women still aren't allowed to be priests in most christian organisations, not to talk about the way the church and president bush speaks about homosexuals!!). I saw the leader of the silver ring thing on tv, and it frightened me to hear him speak about god and the bible (a literal interpretation of it!! isn't that outdated now? That should mean that Eva was born out of the ribs of Adam: who still believes that?), and to see this typically suburbian upper-middle class attitude towards the world in general, which in a way resembles the fundamentalist thinking of a MINORITY of muslims (maybe the only reason why they are sometimes worse is because they're in an underdog position, coming from a poor country).

Posted by: sofie | January 27, 2004 05:52 AM

hi i saw the program concerning the silver ring thing on the bbc program this world, i thought that it was a very good idea and was just wondering if there were any such programs in england, as the program didnt say. also i was wondering if there was any chance of getting a ring somehow if there arent any such organiseations in the uk

Posted by: Jim | January 27, 2004 01:37 PM

I live in England and wanted to know how to get a ring because I would like to become part of this movement oh by the way I am 13.

Posted by: Minasu Towolawi | January 27, 2004 04:04 PM

Oh for God's sake - just go to any jewellery shop or stall in a market - silver rings are not that hard to get in England. I'm a goth, by the way, and I'm kind of annoyed that my trademark silver jewellery is being hijacked by Christian fundamentalists... can't they wear a chastity belt instead or something? but hey, live and let live :) xx

Posted by: Alianne | January 31, 2004 04:10 PM

And by the way, I am 18. :)

Posted by: Alianne | January 31, 2004 04:11 PM

And by the way, I am 18. :)

Posted by: Alianne | January 31, 2004 04:12 PM

hi, im elle and im doing my r.e. hwork about u people. im not quite sure if im up for the whole silver ring thing but can u please give me some advantages and disadvantages of it asap. thanks.

Posted by: Elle | February 4, 2004 04:24 PM

to whom this may concern: my name is kasey jackson from wilkinsburg high school. I am part of the peer helpers program. We watched the movi that both the sikver rings ans thepeer helpers did togatherand wedid aggree with it. first sated in the movie someoe said that the plan paret hood group was a group that "teaches children t have sex as much as they want as long as they protect there selves" and i'm hear to say that that s not te truth. we learn to stay abstient as long as you can but if you do decide to have sex you should know how to protect your self. i think that yu all should teach that to your kids because you cant protect them for ever. thy have to be able to expectthe unexpected. A ring is a ring, its not goingt protect you from the dieases that you can get from not having sex. not to mention that yu can still get pregant from not having sex. i just hought yu all hould know the real meaning of our programand that what we learn is real life. not sme fairy tail thing because where i'm from people have SEX. and we need to kow about it. its not something you can hide.

Posted by: kasey jackson | February 5, 2004 07:44 PM

Hi. My name is Tally and I am 16. I live in Chester, England. I watched the T.V. programme,this world, on bbc2. I am a Christian and believe in abstinence (My church also teaches no touch love.) I was wondering if it would be possible to get a ring. I would like to know if there is a programme like yours in England? I think that now is the hardest time to be a Christian as the time is short and the devil is going crazy because he knows Jesus is coming back soon, so we must keep our covictions . I want to wear the ring so it will be a symbol that people can see and a talking point for me to share the reason behind wearing the ring. I am praying for you in the spiritual battle that you are in. May God bless your work abundantly.

Posted by: Tally Bell | February 10, 2004 12:15 PM

I am 17 and at school in Scotland. I saw the programme on BBC recently, and it really made me think. At the time I was in a relationship and things were getting close to serious; the possinility of having sex was very real. But watching the programme made me wonder what I really think about having sex before marriage. I can't say that it's made me determined not to, I agree with 'Sofie' in that taking the bible literally is not the best plan...but I can't help thinking that sex is mroe than just something the Bible doesn't want you to do until you're married. For me, it's a huge step, and one which reflects how you value yourself. I know that I value myself more highly than just jumping into bed with loads of guys, what I don't know is whether waiting until marraige is necessary, or even right. But I do know that I am going to wait unitl I have made a decision, until I have worked out what I really think. After all, it's a very personal thing and it may well be that what I decide is best for me is not so for others. I just wanted to say that everyone should wait until they really know how they feel about sex before doing it and not rush into it without thinking. After all, once you've done it you've done it!

Posted by: Freddie | February 11, 2004 12:01 PM

i've just watched a documenty on the silver ring thing and felt i had too look you up , i've been a christian for just over a year and a half and have also been in a long term relation ship for just over a year and a half too, also even befor then i believed in astainin. and still do i was wondering how i could join and how i can bring the silver ring thing into my area and church , i'm from the UK in an area of england that happens to have a large pregancy rating problem and also STD situation, thank you "God Rocks" º¤Åñgël¤º¤ê¥ê§¤º

Posted by: Angel eyes | February 11, 2004 08:17 PM

Here we go again,The god botherers are telling us how we should live our lives.Dont do this, dont do that, do what we say as it got to be right because jesus says so! Wear a silver ring, wear a golden cross,hide behind a crucifix, but what ever you do dont think for your self.join the group,be one of us you can trust us because we are christians and every body knows that all! christians are trustworthy.The more people we get the more money we get, not that we are in it for the money of course, you must understand but jesus didnt say we couldnt get rich,and anyway the helicopter we just bought helps us spread the word alot faster.the mercs we have are of course vital! for all the miles we have to travel er! spreading the word,so come and join us make us seem more important than we acctualy are, give the pastor/priest/the man wearing the dress/ more power over you than than he deserves, What do you people do you swallow it hook line and sinker.every single time. you really deserve each other you really do, you are aware that next year it will be sonething else that will "grip" whatever country, and be hailed as the ultimate god bothering fashion,and if you buy the trinket associated with it every one will love you shallow,transparant,and pedictable, just like christianity realy.

Posted by: tomaluk | February 11, 2004 09:38 PM

you obviously dont know the silver ring thing organisation, and you obviously think that christians are boring, well i think you'll finde were not in the slitest, your making assumptions with out getting to know the preson behing the "cross" as you seem to put it, if you wanna know some history i have been a christian for just over a year and a half, im now nearly 20 and from the ages of 10 to 18 i suffered from anarexia, belimia, self harm/self mutilation, and through all the couseling and everything nothing ever helped, but them my friends introdused me to church , which i though was boring and stupid, but i like many others have been proved wrong, i have an activ social life, i have stoped self harming, i'm in a happy relation ship and i have finaly found what i was looking for all thoes years, (this is a brief part of my life and god has changed so manythings), if you can't understand what people see in god, then thats your own oppinion, but dont diss other peoples faith, its one of the most important things to me, and alot of other christians, so if you havent got anything nice to say then p*** off(as it were) º¤Åñgël¤º¤ê¥ê§¤º

Posted by: º¤Åñgël¤º¤ê¥ê§¤º | February 12, 2004 11:08 AM

is there no replies to eveyones questions?

Posted by: katie Barnett | February 12, 2004 07:05 PM

Hey, 14-year-old Bible bashers: you obviously don't know what this website is. It's not the Silver Ring Thing site (which you can find on Google or something) so it's useless to send compliments about Silver Ring Thing here: they won't get them. I honestly don't see the problem with getting silver rings in England - just go to any jewellery shop or market stall which sells them. They're not exactly the hardest thing to get hold of, if you get off your arses and look. No offence :)

Posted by: Alianne | February 13, 2004 05:17 PM

If I get a silver ring through my labia will it count?

Posted by: Alianne | February 13, 2004 05:18 PM

oh and please give angeleyes a spell checker for her next birthday.. kiss kiss

Posted by: tomaluk | February 13, 2004 07:24 PM

tomaluk do you like insulting dyslexics then cos i find you V offencive !! so just stick it up your fat ass ok cos it aint nessesary

Posted by: º¤Åñgël¤º¤ê¥ê§¤º | February 14, 2004 11:52 AM

and btw Alianne the whole silver ring thing isnt just an ordinary ring it actualy has a scripture verse on it, but you woldnt know that one now would you , and quit with th "14 year old "lark , its not big and its not clever , and i also happen to be 20

Posted by: º¤Åñgël¤º¤ê¥ê§¤º | February 14, 2004 11:55 AM

YAWN!

Posted by: tomaluk | February 14, 2004 07:25 PM

"Stick it up your fat ass"? Hmm, I hope that was an *ironic* lapse into immaturity, instead of the playground insult it seems to be. Pardon me for not knowing there was a scripture verse on the ring - maybe I shoulda looked at the website first. What verse is it, anyway? "Be fruitful and multiply"? As for 14-year-olds, you will find that most of the kids who stated their ages on here ARE around 14. But I take back my snide comment about them anyway: I guess so-called adults can be brainwashed too. xx Alianne

Posted by: Alianne | February 15, 2004 01:36 PM

Sorry, I cannot post today as I have a silver ring stuck up my fat ass! It does have a scripture verse. It reads "I am Brian"

Posted by: tomaluk | February 15, 2004 07:55 PM

obviously people dont get ironey then , and as for christianity and so called brain washing, there are a hell of a lot more religions that do the same thing , if you have a faith than its something to hold on to, my faith is just as important to me as almost living, as if i didnt have a faith i wouldnt be here today, and thats not ironic or melodramatic or anthing , this is a seriouse thing for me, and if you cant understand that then fair enough, but faith to me is like having a best friend, but i cant explan it any better than that, and i appologise for my ignorance and insults (haveing bad week)

Posted by: º¤Åñgël¤º¤ê¥ê§¤º | February 17, 2004 12:33 PM

Apologies for all my insults then... I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. As for brainwashing, I suppose it's kind of hard to tell what's brainwashing and what's free will. People are always influenced by their upbringing and stuff, so I wouldn't know where to draw the line. I was brought up atheist and never seriously considered being anything else, so maybe I'm brainwashed :) There are so many arguments about why God can't exist and why I can't believe in him, which are a separate subject I won't bring up here (because you've probably heard them many times before!). My atheism feels natural and logical, and I couldn't honestly believe in anything else, and that's all I really can say. I'm also a humanist, I have faith in humanity to sort themselves out. Lol @ tomaluk... there *are* many dumb right-wing religious people around, and they seem to think God authorises everything they say/do/believe. All that stupid stuff about gay marriage for example, and "if God had meant two men to have sex he wouldn't have given them both penises". (I actually heard that somewhere!) But they're not all bad, give em a chance... Bye for now, Alianne xx

Posted by: Alianne | February 17, 2004 01:32 PM

I think the silver ring is brilliant.It encourages young Christians to stand, and to stand with confidence.In a world full of sex, it is difficult to stand by your beliefs, and if a ring gives support in staying true to the faith.....then I don't see what's wrong with that. If a young Christian chooses not to wear one .....fine..........if one chooses to....fine as well..........

Posted by: Soaring Blue | February 17, 2004 02:52 PM

Dear all I prsonaly have absolutely no problem with anyones beliefs, sexual.religious.or political. What I do have a big problem with is having other peoples beliefs thrust down my throat,and them telling me how to behave.I dont need them to give me instructions on how to live my life. If what these holyer than thou pepole are peddling is soooo good then everyone would do it. but of course they dont do they?.....if angeleyes wants to belive then fair play to her,if alianne doesnt belive,then again fair play to her as well.it makes no diffrence to me, or the rest of the world what does make a diffrence is when suposedly god loveing people fly aircraft into buildings,or blow themslves up on a crowded bus.That is the face of religion that I personaly cannot stand, It is a very emotive subject that has been argued through out the centuries by wiser and better people than me, and still the argument rages. there are no clear cut answers there never are,in the end it is an individual choise. Like most things in life,fortunatly we are able to change our minds and of course justify why we have changed it, with as much vigor as we did when we made the origonal descition. thank you for your time tomaluk

Posted by: tomaluk | February 17, 2004 11:21 PM

tomaluk i have to make a direct appology if you felt like that, i wasnt meaning to if it was how you felt, the same i have no poinions or objections to peoples race sexuality religion or anything, just it annoys me when teens as young as 10 are having sex , and teens as young as 12 are having children they cant cope with, in england (especialy where i live ) there isnt enought support or help there for them and it just i dont know really, and i have to agree with the quote too “if God had meant two men to have sex he wouldn’t have given them both penises”. , the thing is the bible says too things about things like that love your brother /sister bla bla bit and also heat and condem the sinners that do , so i say "hate the sin love the sinner" i dont know if any one agrees, but thats my own oppinion, it would be good to see what every one else thinks bout thies kind of things, sex sexuality religiouse slants anything really "be the mirical" º¤Åñgël¤º¤ê¥ê§¤º

Posted by: º¤Åñgël¤º¤ê¥ê§¤º | February 19, 2004 11:41 AM

Yeah... it *is* extremely depressing that some teenagers feel they have to have lots of sex at an early age to feel accepted and loved, and we need to sort out the media who are pushing sex in everybody's face, but people should remember that's not the only face of teenage sex. A lot of teenagers have active, loving and fulfilling sex lives that don't lead to heartbreak. But they'd make a boring news story, so we don't get to hear about that much. ("Teenagers in safe happy sex shock"? Hmmm, didn't think so). I do get a little worried when I hear about yet another evangelical religious group making yet another moral crusade. An awful lot of these groups seem to be run by those traditional fundamentalist types who take everything in the Bible as read, up to and including Adam and Eve. You know the kind... anti-abortion, pro-death penalty, suspicious of evolution. I'm all for teenagers having less sex: it means less unwanted pregnancies and less STDs going round, for one thing. But I don't like the idea of "if you respect yourself you won't have sex" which I seem to hear a lot, because self-esteem and sexual activity are two separate issues. Plus the "save yourself for marriage" thing is hard on people who don't believe in marriage, don't feel they have to sign a piece of paper to prove their love, or can't get married anyway because they're gay. And I'm concerned about all the high-handedness and dubious messages that gets thrown into the mix when religion gets involved with a serious issue. Not the nice, live and let live sort of religion - that's okay - but the blinkered sort. It suppresses rational debate... it's like either something is God's will, or it isn't, and if it isn't we mere mortals can't argue but have to put up with it. Still want to hear my views on sexuality, or is that enough for one day? :) Alianne xx

Posted by: Alianne | February 21, 2004 02:50 PM

Go girl let it all out its your right to speak freely. if every body spent more time f******G and less time fighting it would be a far safer world than it is now....I personaly would find facing a loaded penis a lot better than a ak47! wouldnt you its hard enough to find someone to love you these days than it is finding someone to kill you. so you go right ahead say what you want, If i am the only person that will listen then you are guaranteed at least an audiance of one,and thats got to be better than nothing .......tomaluk

Posted by: tomaluk | February 21, 2004 07:36 PM

Lol, thanx! Okay, I'll talk about sex and sexuality then. It's pretty simple really (at least to me). Sex is an extremely pleasurable activity which should be enjoyed. It's not the most important thing in life, but it is pretty important... maybe among the top five. It seems to be a better experience with someone you love - more fulfilling and more passionate - because you're completely at ease and uninhibited with them (and they forgive a lot more). But that's just my personal view as a hopeless romantic. I don't object to others preferring sex with strangers, or not having any sex at all, if that's their way. As for being gay, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it whatsoever. Okay, me being a bisexual lesbian is going to colour my opinion on that a little. But for god's sake, it's not disgusting and it's not unnatural (even sheep have gay sex, and you can't get much more "natural" than sheep). I don't see the point of marriage, but if anyone is allowed to marry, then gay couples should be allowed as well - their love is no less deep and sincere than straight couples, so what's the problem? Love thy neighbour is one of the best bits of the Bible, you should apply it as often as you can... xx

Posted by: Alianne | February 21, 2004 10:51 PM

Alianne i totaly agree with wat your saying, some people do take the bible too LITERALY some times, they read way way way too much into things and its like !!! hey hang on a minut TANGENT moment , stap back kinda thing actually look at your self, and the whole thing about treat your self as you would others, well does that mean if some one bitches bout you your supposed to btich about them . . . but i totaly agree with what your both saying!! both bout the whole sex thing, and sexuality, i dont get the whole phopar with gay people or homosexual people, why people treat them differently , its only "unatural" to some one because it isnttheir way of life, i mean you could say that homosexuals think the same thing boiut use, but i dont know that, i know my friend says its weired for a girl to kis a guy , but thats only his opinion, i mean what is NORMAL thies days when it comes to sexuality, i do sociology and we are under the impression that there is not TRUE gender now, (if you know what i mean) its all unisex, or ambiguos,

Posted by: Angel eyes | February 22, 2004 06:47 PM

I saw the programme on the silver ring thing and I do not agree with the morales and ethics behind it. The reason why the silver ring thing has come about is becasue of an apparent "epidemic" ,in America, of STD'S and teenage pregnancies. To reduce these number is all very well, and it would be a great thing to be able to do. However the waythe silver ring goes about it is in the wrong manner. To teach teenagersd and young children that contraception fails....? Simply a scare tactic to try and make them not have sex in the first place. If a teenager is going to have sex and they are in love with their partner or they feel ready, we should be teaching them how to go about it safely. You do not strike fear into them.tRUE abstinence is the safest method of contraception..if only kids didn't watch movies liek American pie and realsie they too wanna get laid! Inparticular somehting that I found really quite unethnic was to get at the teenagers through their religion. As I know for a fact that religion in America is taken very seriously, in the sense that a lot of people are very religious. So take the scenario: A young teenager that isn't a virgin. Also feels close to God. How dignified is it to turn around to them and compare them to a used tooth brush and that you are dirty and no future partrner could possibly want you? The teenage years are made through experience, and they shape who we are and will be as a person in the future. At those times there is a lot of naivety and to indoctrinate these kids with the sort of information like the 'tooth brush idea' is simply irresponsible and appalling. The negative affect that this sort of put down would have could seriously affect a young person. No-wonder it seems George Bush is prepared to plough millions of $ into this scheme..he is doing what he always does ..acting with money rather than sense. In the BBC programme it mentioned the fact that emergency contraceptive pill was now available to girls as young as 13 (Actually its 16) over the counter in Britain. And so what AMERICA? If it deals with the problem, and at the same time puts money into other methods of propaganda and avertisement to make youngsters aware. Surely this is better than ineffect demoralising them, and denying the truth of contraception, highlighting only the downsides. For example a fact such as 1.8 million americn teens get pregnant every year due to inefficent condoms. Yet it fails to say that over 3 times that number are prevented from pregnancy due to efficent condoms. So for once, just perhaps, if some high powered Americans stopped ..in a world that has more than 1 country other than themselves...took anotehr approach to this situation. Its like a bad driver....You try and stop them driving..they wont get anywhere in life ( they may even try to rebel)...instead you teach them how to be a better driver and about awareness on the roads...then you got an 8 lane high way and no traffic.

Posted by: Lizzy | March 22, 2004 12:41 PM

Silver Ring Thing is coming to the UK this Summer 04. Get on Web site www.sliverringthing.com and register.

Posted by: PLJ | April 27, 2004 09:16 PM

Get a life is my message to you silver ring losers

Posted by: zorro | April 29, 2004 02:55 PM

why don't you just go hear what they have to say...you know how much the media twists stuff up.... i want to find out for myself....and i can't wait until they come www.silverringthing.com

Posted by: snackcake | May 13, 2004 09:30 AM

Well after reading up on this I am shocked to say the least. The so called "evidence" is at the best of times one sided, worst of times made up. They go around saying condoms don't work, and while it is true that they fail at times, they do not fail anywhere near as often as The Silver Ring Thing claim. Now I come from a country that is rather Catholic and conservative, mores the pity, Ireland, and the overwhelming Irish opinion is that a group like this can just go back to the US, as they are not wanted in our country, just like their so called president. The anwser to teen pregnancy and STI is education plain and simple. If you educate people, rather then hit them with the bible as a reason, if they do have sex they will use precautions. A scary fact about Silver Ring Thing teens is that only approx 25% of the teens keep the promise, and those that don't, don't use condoms, thus spreading STI's and risking pregnancy. Am I the only one who finds this somewhat ironic?

Posted by: Rkiver | May 14, 2004 09:38 AM

Ok, I'd just like to say that I agree 100% with Rkiver here. Rather than pushing The Silver Ring Thing through God, why not just BE SENSIBLE instead? It's not as though the youth of today need saving by abstaining completely from sex, I just think it would be a lot better if people only did it when they knew it was right and with someone they loved, not just for the hell of it. It would help so much if they were TAUGHT properly about it too. There are a lot more serious issues than teenage sex, like teenage crime, the amount of young kids around my area who regularly roam the streets at night, getting drunk and commiting crimes I'd much rather you helped them stop that than stop having sex. To all the die-hard christians: "If God can do everything, then surely he can make a stone he cannot lift. But if he can do everything, why can't he lift it?" Think about it. To me religion is just another form of control, a control that has been degrading since it was formed. Everyone should be free to form their own opinions of the universe and how it works. I feel the most sorry for those who started out like me, forced into religion at an early age. Although I was rather left to decide for myself I pity those who follow simply because it's all they've ever been taught. I see The Silver Ring Thing as another (and might I add thinly disguised, and aimed at teenagers because of it) way of letting the Christian church maintain it's power over society. Now, I'm not saying everyone has to share my views, because that would almost be as bad as starting my own anti-religion. I'm just saying I'm sitting out here on the sidelines of it all and thats how it seems to me.

Posted by: Riddla | May 14, 2004 10:00 AM

i concur with rkiver and riddla.

Posted by: Mr.Whippy | May 14, 2004 10:12 AM

It seems this topic has started as a for and against debate about whether Silver Ring Thing is a good or bad thing which has spread into a religious argument. There is a catch twenty two on educating youths on sex as facts have proven that areas with high sex education has a higher sex and pregnancy rate. However the areas with less education has higher STD rate as they are not fully educated on how to protect themselves. The idea for Silver Ring Thing is I think a very good idea. However they should refrain making it religious as best they can. You may have noticed that a high percentage of youths are not interested in religeon and the thought of being a part of such a thing is "not popular". Keeping the Silver Ring Thing as a cool thing, would be much the way forward. Setting it as a trend. Hope this puts things into perspective. Luke.

Posted by: Luke | May 14, 2004 10:22 AM

Luke if that was only true it would be a good idea, to some degree, but unfortunately it's not. It is religious in nature, it is backed by someone who is known for religious bigotry and rather insenitive and stupid comments. If Silver Ring Thing tried to educate regarding sex, and gave out correct information regarding condoms it would not be so bad, in fact I might even support it somewhat. But teenagers will have sex, so giving them all they need to know about it, rather then labelling it as evil makes a lot more sense. I think Riddla said it rather well as a thinly disguised attempt at control. I have been having sex since I was 16, and I am now 23. I do not regret having sex that young, as I was careful and practiced safe sex. I never forced anyone into anything, in fact I was the reluctant party as my then girlfriend wanted to loose her virginity to me. Back to the topic, if Silver Ring Thing really wants to do good, they should remove the religious part of it, get correct information, and say that while they prefere abstinence, safe sex if preferable to unsafe. That's just my opinion on it.

Posted by: Rkiver | May 14, 2004 10:32 AM

I know this post probably won't be read by too many people, as this article is old, but hopefully someone will... I'm 17, from America, and am a crew member of the Silver Ring Thing (I've been in skits, ran equipment, worked the merchandising booth, traveled with SRT in America, etc..). I am a part of the team that is bringing the SRT over to the UK. Well, I figure to be taken seriously at all over in the UK, I need to do my homework. So, I've been reading news articles from the UK about SRT and getting myself familiarized with what I should expect. I just read all of the previous postings, and thought it might give everyone a good insight as to what SRT is about if someone directly from SRT said a few things about it... Let me attempt to clear a few things up... 1. Yes, SRT received a government grant. Within the past year, the law has changed that ANY "faith-based organization" can apply for government grants to fund their program, which, sure - Bush helped put into action. But, the key word here is, "faith based." Any faith - not just Christian - Mormon, Muslim, Buddhism faiths, whoever, now receive government funding. Simply, we received a $700,000 government grant in 2002 to help the program expand even more. 2. Silver Ring Thing started in 1995, completely separate from the government. The govt did not design or implement this program in any way, nor does it directly ensorse it - complete separation from church and state prevents that from happening. This isn't a "Bush backed" scheme; if it were, every single faith based organization - christian, Muslim, whatever - would have to be labeled a Bush backed scheme as well. 3. Yes, SRT says that condoms are not safe. It's factual - they are not 100% safe. They may protect almost all of the time against pregnancy, but that isn't the point of the program. Condoms do not protect against STD's or emotional damage. 4. The point of SRT is to let it be known that you can practice however much safe sex you want, but "safe sex" won't protect you against the emotional, (all of) the physical, or even the spiritual baggage that comes along with it. There's something so much better out there. Hey - I live in the midst of America, have friends who have had sex, gotten pregnant, becane infected with an STD, and also friends who didn't suffer physical consequences but went through mountains of other emotional, social and personal problems -I know whats out there, as does SRT. Isn't it time to change the way we think? As far as people who've had sex, in no way are they judged or condemned. In fact, a director of SRT has had premarital sex herself, and a big portion of the show is concentrated on her story: how it affected her, what she went through, and most importantly - what she found in Christ: acceptance and forgiveness, no matter what you've done. It's about moving on from today, walking with Christ from this point on, abstaining from this point on - and if you mess up, guess what: through Christ, we're given a second chance every singe time. The main point of SRT is forgiveness, acceptance, and absolutely no judgement...there's something so much better out there: a life rooted in Christ. The emphasis is the commitment of sexual purity; the ring is merely a reminder of the commitment already made - it's not the commitment itself. It's in no way a "magic wand" that will stop anything from happening. It's a reminder of a purity commitment. Most importantly, we do not shove the bible down other people's throats. We don't force anybody to make the commitment to purity, we do not hate or judge non-Christians or people who have made a lot of mistakes - because frankly, all of us have made the same mistakes. We hate the sin, not the sinner. Because we are partially government funded, there is a point in the show where it is announced that there is an alternative seminar: where people can go and hear the abstinence message without the faith overtones. But really, I'd rather you'd hear it with it...because honestly, there's something incredible that has changed my life: God. Hey, we aren't telling you how to live your life. Live it how you want; we cannot change you...it's up to you. Frankly, we're just telling everybody we possibly can about something awesome: there's another way, a better way (we've experienced it firsthand), and that way is enriched and supported through Christ. We aren't prudes, either. Heck, after I'm married, I'm going to go nuts! I've saved it for my husband, and I'm going to enjoy it. It's all about living the fullest life through Christ. For a listing of the places that we'll be at, visit silverringthing.com. Maybe I'll see you there.

Posted by: Amy | May 28, 2004 08:26 PM

I think silver ring thing is brillant. You can rings from the tours the do and t-shirts from www.silverringthing.com.

Posted by: Cosette | June 4, 2004 06:58 AM

I'm a Christian. Now that that's out of the way, from that perspective, it's really difficult to understand the knee-jerk "Christianity=Abstinence" idea. If you believe God made the world, then you must believe that God made sex pleasurable for a reason, particularly for women. Sure, men have to orgasm to impregnate a women (for all practical purposes), but why do women have a clitoris? (Some cultures--let's go ahead and call them barbaric, as they are--react to that same question by cutting them off. Horrific.) Not to digress: the sexual mores of the Bible are tied to property laws, concerns about purity, dirt, and shame, and in a world where barely-pubescent girls were married to cement cultural relationships and, frankly, to breed. Is that the understanding of marriage you want to promote? I think not. So then, in a world where people are sexually responsive for progressively-longer periods of time before marriage, it makes no sense for a blanket notion of "abstinence before marriage." Never mind that studies have shown repeatedly that those who take those pledges, as well as those who have abstinence-only sex "education", are more likely to have unsafe sex when they do become active...there is room for an authentically-Christian sexual ethics for non-marital relationships. Some call this "right relationship", and it does require personal maturity and choice. It also demands that both partners are entering into that relationship on equal terms. I mourn for those who are so afraid of sex because "the church" says so; there's another world out there, and it's just as much a part of Christianity, despite the claims of those who see sex as inherently sinful and shameful. It's the fearmongering that's sinful and shameful.

Posted by: Chris | June 4, 2004 02:21 PM

>Posted by: Alianne: >I'm a goth, by the way, and I'm kind of annoyed that my trademark silver jewellery is being hijacked by Christian fundamentalists… can't they wear a chastity belt instead or something? Hehe! Speaking as someone who actually wears a chastity belt for the same reason, I completely agree with you Alianne! A ring ain't going to do it for me. Anyway, are these biblical verses on these rings so obvious that you don't take it for an ordinary silver ring? I think there must be a vast untapped market out there for someone to sell chastity belts to all these Silver Ring girls, it would work much better than any ring! Gwen

Posted by: gwen | June 12, 2004 05:42 PM

Yay, I sense a new chastity belt movement... They've got to be the next big thing. So much cooler than a silly old ring :) Anyway, onto slightly more serious stuff, I wish all Christians were like you, Chris... then I wouldn't have any objection to Christianity at all. Apart from my blanket objection about believing in faiths that can never be proved, that is. But you seem like the sensible face of Christianity. "Sensible"... now there's a word we don't hear too often. Riddla said "why not just BE SENSIBLE instead?" and I can't help but agree. Plain common sense seems to be a sorely underrated virtue these days, even though when it comes to sex (for example) you need common sense most of all. But then, it's hardly glamorous or exciting to talk about weighing up the options and making balanced decisions, is it? There's so much more drama in sin and damnation. So much easier to build an evangelical movement on, and get kids hooked on one of the most poisonous versions of Christianity there is. Yes, we need to be careful with sex: we shouldn't knowingly transmit STDs to each other, we should practice safe sex so unwanted babies aren't made, and so on. Basically, if you're a decent person and you follow the golden rule most of the time - "Do as you would be done by" - the same ideas and behaviour will easily apply to your sex life. It's THAT simple. Sex can hurt people, yes. So can traffic on the roads. Why make a massive song and dance about it, when all it takes is a little common sense? “Safe sex won’t protect you against the emotional, (all of) the physical, or even the spiritual baggage that comes along with it." So said someone-or-other a few messages back. Why's it all about the negative aspects, I wonder? Why don't they ever focus on the beauty of sex, the intense and passionate feelings, and the way it can bring two people together? I've had a few sexual encounters: they were passionate, uninhibited, deeply sweet and enriched my life, and I don't regret having them. Of course, if I was a member of a movement that encouraged non-virgins to feel like used toothbrushes, that all might change. Yes, some people have sex with the wrong people and get hurt by it. Some have sex with the right people and get hurt anyway, because they're over-sensitive. But why assume that about everyone? Pain doesn't always come with sex, you know. Unless you're talking BDSM of course ;) Alianne xx

Posted by: Alianne | June 15, 2004 08:57 PM

Dear I have read and heard so much about the silver ring. I will be very please if you can assist me to creat a silver organisation in Cameroon that will be as an offspring of the international silver ring organisation and will network with your association. Let me know what you think because I feel that is the way out now for our African children. I have 15years of AIDS management and alot of experiences working with children

Posted by: Nyuydzewira Margaret | June 17, 2004 04:05 AM

Hi just to say it's up to each individual what they want to do. The silver ring is special, you can't just get 1 from a jewellery shop!! It has a bible verse on it which is relevant. I think that people should stop dissing the people who are trying to follow their beliefs - it is up to them, not you, what they want to do!!!

Posted by: Steph C | June 20, 2004 03:51 PM

"Stop dissing the people who are trying to follow their beliefs." Great sentiments, Steph. I wish the Silver Ring Thing people would take heed and follow them. xx

Posted by: Alianne | June 26, 2004 08:48 AM

I'm a woman and I'm 32 now. I never have sex with anyone until now. I believe that it's great if I will have my first sex with the one I do really love him, he must be my the first & the last one and he must be my soulmate too. I think that I will be very happy & pround to wear the bery white wedding suite. 'Cuz I'm pure .. which mean virgin and suitable for "white". I would like to let you guys, sp. woman/ girl think the same as me.

Posted by: M. | June 27, 2004 09:51 PM

M. - you're 32 and never had sex! Extraordinary - have you got any idea what that's going to be like? Well let's start with painful. If it's going to be with another virgin it's also going to be quick. He will have a very quick orgasm, and, as you have no experience of foreplay, you are extremely unlikely to find it pleasurable at all. So together, it's going to be crap. I assume you'll be Just lying on your back, thinking of jesus while he pounds away for 30 seconds. Sexual technique is something you learn and can get better at - and I think having a number of sexual partners helps hugely in picking up tricks. Every man and every woman becomes aroused in a different way and likes different things in the bedroom. Given the build-up to your deflowering, have you considered what your reaction might be if your partner is rubbish? What if he can't get an erection? You're 32; that's 16 years when you could have been having legal sexual relations - think what you've missed out on. And I must add how proud I am of the British teenage population - so disinterested in the Silver Ring Thing that several of the freak-shows had to be cancelled. Excellent.

Posted by: Frank | June 28, 2004 09:19 AM

Poor souls... In my country we have this 'kind of' a saying: "While you don't find the right person, have fun with the wrong one."

Posted by: Sick'O | June 28, 2004 06:35 PM

Some thoughts Frank says > And I must add how proud I am of the British teenage population - so disinterested in the Silver Ring Thing that several of the freak-shows had to be cancelled. Excellent what is wrong with a freak show? everything right about being a peculiar people in my view. what worries me about the silverringpiece is that it is an uninterrupted monologue. Sign up for it by all means if you realise that is what you will get for the evening. I am reminded of an actor who I saw on television who is welsh, and hence went to chapel. (an ex housemate's father said we have the 3 R's in wales, Rain, Rugby and Religion in that order). So at chapel on sunday at a very young age she signed the pledge not to drink alcohol. I forget what age but perhaps too young. If you abstain from sex until marriage, how do you know if your potential partner is going to be satisfying physically? Is it wise to emark on a life long partnership without knowing that the physical side will be satisfying? is it not comming to Leeds? If not, then yes, good news! on the silverringpiece website > We address this question in the Second Virginity message ..... The answer is YES YOU CAN START OVER and, in fact, for this reason many students attend our program. Hey! could I have a second virginity? or a third? or a fourth? considering how hard it was to get rid of the first virginity I wouldn't want to go there but thanks for the thought. > Have you thought about how sex and depression might be related? Have you ever felt it as a very real part of your life? indeed. as did the saintly wilhelm reich. Over in Amerika where silverringpiece comes from Reich having fled the book burning Nazis had his books and papers burned and died in prison. now that's what I call a free country. ahem! and yes, i nearly died of sexual frustration. > What about the fact that by sleeping with someone, you are putting up a wall between you and God? who writes this shite! I would have no problem with this sentance if it omitted the word "fact". In my experience sex has if anything brought me closer to God. Since when was sex imoral? or impious? So yes, where is the silverringpiece thing's commitment to sexual pluralism? Who owns my body? Who decides who I may share it with? Who decides how much of it I may share? Love and liberation and happy shagging! Snowdrop xx

Posted by: Snowdrop | June 29, 2004 01:30 PM

Alianne writes > Plain common sense seems to be a sorely underrated virtue these days, yup! The history of Amerika is the history of the triumph of idealism over common sense. and the culture is likewise a culture of idealism over common sense. Don't get me wrong. I am a card carrying idealist. But look at prohibition, the war on drugs, the second amendment and the rest. > even though when it comes to sex (for example) you need common sense most of all. agreed. and the problem is that Britain is becoming more like Amerika, the silverringpiece is something we could do without. another gem from the silverringpiece thing website > What about your reputation? I would not say no to a reputation for being generous with my body and soul. True, it would not get me any dates. and yes. Sex is not compulsory. though I don't think silverringpiece is the best bearer of that message, they have a not so hidden agenda love and liberation Snowdrop xx

Posted by: Snowdrop | June 29, 2004 01:59 PM

I'm currently working the student atheist thing at the moment (i'm an individual don't 'cha know) and don't really understand why the "silver ring thing" is all christian... it seems to be just about not having sex untill you're married, which, you know, is fine if you want that, but only if you really want it. And if you do then why do you need to have a ring to show it? My friend says he will stay a virgin untill he's married - he doesn't need a ring to help him. It's a personal decision, which is fine if you're doing it for the right reasons. But parents dragging their children to church meetings to get them chastised is not right. That should not be happeneing. People should decide for themselves - parents encouraging their children can't be what it's about. To all those people doing this... What happens if you meet someone? someone you really care about. When you're 19 or 18 or 20, and you're not ready for marrige? or he/she is opposed to getting married? would you break your vow? Isn't it better to say that you don't want to have sex untill you find someone you love? Or untill you're ready? Sex is fun. Saying you won't have any sex untill you're married kind of restricts everything. I'm not saying go get laid - but I am saying don't say you won't. Anyway isn't it 3 marriges out of 4 ends in divorce????

Posted by: from the uk | June 30, 2004 08:02 AM

Denny Pattyn is a LYING SCUMBAG who does not care about your health or well-being. All he wants is your soul: http://www.bloggerheads.com/silver_ring_thing.asp

Posted by: Tim | July 1, 2004 04:55 AM

Well haven't been back here in a bit. But let's have a quick run down shall we? Sex is evil, sex is a sin, sins are forgiven, so get stuck in. Ok now that I have placed that little childish piece out there we can move on. SRT has gone on record saying that condoms have a greater failure rate then factually proven. Hence when people who join up do have sex, which a large number do, they do it without condoms, thus opening the way to teen pregnancy, and spreading STI's, amusing considering that is what SRT claims to want to stop. SRT was supposed to be coming to Ireland and was told quite well to get lost. We are sick of church related nonsense in this country, and SRT are just another form of it. Abstinece does not work, education with the real facts does. Go read up a medical site, facts about condoms, then decide if you want to have sex. As for sex before marriage? Hell sex existed before religion did, sex existed before marriage did, it existed before Christianity did, and will exist long after marriage and Christianity dissappear.

Posted by: Rkiver | July 1, 2004 02:10 PM

My name is Jovan. I have never had sex with anybody, and intend to do so, I want a silver ring to help me achieve that even better. I live in Uganda. I believe that early sex will lead to std infections. Thank you. Mugga.

Posted by: Jovan | July 9, 2004 10:19 AM

I was really keen on learning about this sudden new "fad" and had read articles on it and also watched programmes, however i am 16years old and for me to make a commitment like that would be too difficult for my age, i think it is wrong to think that because of a christian background you are less likely to become sexual or have those feelings. I also believe that in the new age of pop videos and advertisment galor sex is seem as a taboo and disgusting thing and not what you do with someone you do truly love, which it should be. MANY PEOPLE AND TEENAGERS BECOME PREGNANT because they are afraid of what there parents may think so refuse to take action, e.g. no form of protection meaning the worse case, sexual diease. The sliver ring thing, is a great new way to embracing such a huge problem however i think for many teens who will have to stick by there choice may break it, true love does wait however hwen you meet that one person whos to say your the one who wont want to have sex with them as it is a 50:50 thing. I think the sliver ring thing promotes unwanted marriages and pushes people into marriage when there is no need now-a-days to rush and grow up .

Posted by: Chris | July 14, 2004 09:56 AM

where can i get one and how can i pledge? i live in pa and please write me back. thank you very much

Posted by: jessica schwab | July 17, 2004 06:49 PM

Hey, am from Ireland and i have little money, infact barely any, but i am longing to get a ring... Is there any place on the internet to get a free one or anyone willin to give me a ring? It is very important to me to remain a virgin, but having the ring i would have a sign that i plan to do so. Write back as soon as possible PLEASE! brenda_longwill@yahoo.co.uk

Posted by: Brenda | July 19, 2004 07:58 PM

Hi, my name is Tasha. I am from USA, and I saw a segment about this website on tv one morning and I've been wondering about it since then. What I want to know is if it's just any silver ring or does it have to be a special kind of ring? I was thinking about having sex before I get married but after I saw that segment, I made up my mind that I would not have sex before then. I just wanted to thank you for everything that you have done for me. Please respond about the question. Thank You, Tasha

Posted by: Tasha | July 25, 2004 02:00 AM

Alianne, It's not just any silver ring, I has the Bible verse that talks about 'no sex before wedlock' inscribed in it.

Posted by: Casey | August 8, 2004 03:53 PM

I hate to use this public page to resolve private issues, but unfortunately Casey (comment 64) didn't bother to leave his/her address. It seems s/he also didn't bother to read more than the first few messages on this forum before stating an opinion. If s/he had read a little further, s/he would have seen that I have already been informed about that issue. Six months ago, actually. See comment 22 - written by me in February. Thank you, Alianne

Posted by: Alianne | August 14, 2004 03:30 PM

Are you people kidding me?? At first I thought this was some sort of joke. Not having sex until your married? Are you nuts? Sex is great and it's alot of fun. It brings you closer that you could ever believe possible to the someone you love. It can open up a relationship into something beautiful and meaningful. And to have sex with someone you aren't in love with can be alot of fun too. Don't get me wrong. I don't advise sex for someone that isn't ready or not mature enough to handle it, but to make a commitment to never have sex until marriage is a bit irrational.

Posted by: Amanda in Oregon | August 18, 2004 02:32 PM

Hi everyone! My name is Nikki and I was one of the team that recently went over to the Uk with Silver Ring Thing. I stumbled across this page by accident but was very intrigued to find that it had to do with Silver Ring Thing. I have been wearing my ring for 4 years,have been working with Silver Ring Thing for 3 years, and am still a virgin. I have tried to read the majority of the postings, considering some of them are very long. I would really like to talk to anyone who supports and doesn't support this movement. Now one thing I want to get clear is that I am not here to shove any beliefs down anyone's throats or shove any rings on anyone's fingers. I would really just like to clear up any questions or misconceptions you might have about the program. I understand that the media has spun this in both good and bad lights. I was in some of those articles and I experienced first hand how the media will take anything you say and change it to fit their story. I have had many conversations with people about their beliefs and faith. I respect any decision you make in life, but I do believe that there is something greater than the world has to offer sometimes. I would love comments, concerns and so on and so forth. oh yes, and I did notice their was alot of questions on how to get involved or how to get a ring. You can only get a Silver Ring by going to the program itself. And if you are interested in getting involved please check out the website www.silverringthing.com for a link that will enable you to email us directly, so we can get that information to you. Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you soon. Nikki

Posted by: SRTrep | August 18, 2004 10:40 PM

Oh, I did forget one thing. I noticed that some people thought that the Silver Ring Thing was a bomb over in the UK. I would have to disagree with that. As being at every show and traveling with the team. I saw many peoples lives change. I have asked for your questions but I must leave you with one of my own. Since when did it change to quantity over quality. I would much rather help one person significantly than 100 people only barely. Thanks again, Nikki

Posted by: SRTrep | August 18, 2004 10:49 PM

I think the sliver ring this is great...i would love 2 get a ring n shirt. I'm 13 and all my friends are talking about sex and having it. like i said i would like 2 get a ring i would love if you could tell me where i could get one

Posted by: Tiffany | September 29, 2004 10:57 PM

I was watching a show about this on MTV and I thougt it would be good show that I believe the same. So, as I watched it I thought I would like to be a part of it too.

Posted by: meagan russel | October 2, 2004 07:54 PM

Well, I guess I'm a white raven out here. I’m an agnostic and unbeliever (though I 'm influenced by buddhism and taoism). I am 28 years old man, and I am also a virgin, though well-infomed trough serious literature about the details of sex. Why am I a virgin? Like Nietzsche said: "Chastity is not something that I looked for, but something that found me." I just haven't found any lady which I cared enough for and/or who cared enough for me so we could express our love in physical ways. But I'm sure I'll find said lady. :) One thing I really dislike though is the negative way in which virgins are seen in western culture. I dare not tell anyone outside my family about my virginity for fear of being looked at funny. What the heck is so special about having had sex? I just would like people to b a bt more tolerant. Some flowers bloom in January, and others in November. All bloom when their time has come. It is the same with people. What I dislike is people being forced. I don't want teenagers and even adults to be forced into sex before they feel ready. But I also don't want to people to feel forced not to do what they feel ready for. But I am not in favour of this "silver ring thing". It's just thinly disguised christian propaganda.

Posted by: Beoran | October 17, 2004 05:30 PM

The silver ring thing is hidden christian propaganda, nothing else. christianity has made sexuality unpure by the tale of the immaculate conception and now the "normal" biological way of sex is "unpure". how dumb can you be to believe such shit at the beginning of the 21st century??? they just recruit children for their sect, in the name of jesus they sell them silly rings and other merchandising stuff, bibels and more. Denny Pattyn (founder of tsrt): "I believe that the end of the world is approaching very quickly and I believe that Christ will come back. I think about that. I think that I might just be living in the Last Days." And, when asked if he thinks this is coming if his energy really should be put into an abstinence programme: "We're not really putting our energy into abstinence as much as we're putting it into faith. Abstinence is the tool that we're using to reach children." So, if you think you have to be a virgin till you get married, do so, but do it on your own and don't believe the lies of "the silver ring thing". So you can see that he doesn't care about health or the future of the kids, he just believes that they don't have one without christ!

Posted by: Duncan Idaho | October 30, 2004 04:42 PM

Hey guys my name is Elle im 15 and african american and i believe in saving yourself. I just discovered that i dont believe it becasue the bible tells i believe it because its the one true thing that you have power over and wouldnt want my first time to be with just he has to love more or as much as i love him. I was wondering where could i get one of your t-shirts or rings do i just by one arounf me or will you guys send me one Thanx P.s its really great wat u guys are doing Brooklyn ny 11215

Posted by: Elle R. Jones | November 3, 2004 07:24 PM

Bully to them if they want to save themselves for marriage. I say good on em , it'll prevent those 10 member families as the wife will be so sexually unsatisfied that sex will not even be an issue even in their marriage....I wonder why christian's have the highest rate of divorce?.....Could it be because they have no clue about human sexuality? Could be.... But hey as long as they keep their fingers off our law books (oh wait they dont) and realize that they can't just point at science and go NO NO NO your wrong! (evolution....homosexuality being natural....),it's called biology class people take it or pick up a book....They're filled with these wonderful things no religion has ever been able to provide.....facts.... Oh for the record religions ALL of them are declining per capita, the only ones increasing per capita are atheism and agnosticism (neither of which are religions so its an irony they're included in the lists....). But all of you children repress your sexual desire until your married , if your lucky (maybe a 0.0005% chance) you'll actually be married to a partner who satisfies you and is comfortable with your sexual nature (once you figure it out about 10 years or so after your marriage....you know like the rest of us find out BEFORE marriage.....) All in all , religion is pure idiocy. Faith has the same definition as ignoran ce....(just different wording but any english teacher can point out the exact details for you if your a little slow...) More damage is done by groups like the silver rings (which lie about std's sex in general and many other subjects...all of which can be easily cross referenced on google...I guess believers dont question though....) and groups like "D.A.R.E" when it comes to prohibition of arbitrary substances(not alcohol though even though its the most dangerous and addictive drug known to man....(yep its a fact deal with it....)but gay marriage and evolution and sex before marriage seem to be the real problems according to christians....... P.s. I dont care if anyone is "dyslexic" that doesnt prevent a spell checker....If you misuse a word AND spell it wrong your only hurting your point by exposing your ignorance.... Sorry Richard if this is too "hateful" or anything like that , it is rather hostile I realize ;). But thats how religion gets me, after all they should all know the Invisible Pink Unicorn is the true god....(any religious people who read that the reason you dont believe in the unicorn or Zeus is why I dont believe in your god). Although GREAT stories...full of blood and mayhem and lots of begatting...you looking for sex, violence and contradictions?! Pick up your bible! it's kind of ironic christian groups havent picketed and banned the old testament yet when you consider whats in it under gods command....... har har har ;).

Posted by: Bayou | November 18, 2005 04:42 PM

I do remember reading a survey that correlated geographically American fundamentalism with failed marriages. Pity I didn’t put it here. Fundamentalists are largely driven by fear: fear of their own sexuality, fear of people whose erotic natures are different than their own. (At least as they perceive theirs: the reality probably rarely matches the perception.) American Christian fundamentalism’s damage to human sexuality may be one of its few real heritages. Certainly one of the most pervasive in American life from individual families to collective politics. Sadly from my vantage I don’t see any signs of decrease in believers. I wish I did. Maybe you could tell me where you bought those nice rose-tinted glasses.

Posted by: Richard | November 18, 2005 04:56 PM

My rose coloured glasses come from the rising stats universally around the world but especially in North America and Europe that show agnosticism and atheism on a steady rise with all organized religions on the decline mostly being replaced by agnosticism but also losing their fair share to "philosphies" buddhism taoism etc. Also the generic logical observation that they (religious groups) generally fight and kill each other. The crusades is a good example, as is the current US administration VS the islamic Jihad, both are nutters in my estimation. As people educate themselves further the fear and self loathing which predominate religions loses much of its bite, after all who fears something of which they are shown consistently cannot exist through contradictions of its own making ;). To be honest the worse people get with religion the more it harms their "cause", and the more it shows how truly groundless their "logic" is. The silver ring society is a good example of a few nutjobs trying to control sexuality and saving their definition of marriage (based of course on ritual texts written by misogynistic men living in a society where women were objects). To me its sad actually , and the fact they actively go after children is really sad , and of course criminal unfortunately not literally criminal of course or else it wouldnt be a problem.... But of course I dont really see a problem in schizophreniac's (as those who claim to see or hear or believe in "invisble things" are wont to be attributed) not breeding at a young age personally (just a little joke couldnt be helped). Pretty much that and evolution, knowledge of science and listening to religious people try to even defend one aspect of their faith (a synonym for ignorance ironically....when you read their definitions) is what gives me my rose coloured glasses. Hope that helps :). Plus do we really want fundies to be happy? They'll never please their wives sexually anyway as sex is just for procreation and is dirty and sinful in their "god's" eyes(not to mention they'll be in the kitchen and doing everything hubby says)....so hopefully they'll get the real picture and never have sex in the first place....and with all due respect to "converts" , those people deserve every bad thing that occurs to them because of their irrational fears. It's called Natural Selection har har har. All jockularity aside , they truly do , just like a "dumb deer" will be weeded out eventually so will they. Purposeful ignorance has never been a very handy trait for any species to have. Just replace "god" with anything else and suddenly every religious person is a schizo, ahhh irony at its finest :). These are the same types that claim gay marriage will be the downfall of marriage (despite the fact that societies such as this Silver Ring thing, scientifically speaking are actually the base for such large stats as 50% divorce rates. For interesting reading I suggest looking up stats of "religious backgrounds" vs divorce rates. You'de think christians would be #1 for staying married considering divorce is a no no and no sex before marriage (after all they keep advocating it makes it so much better...). But instead they're the #1 divorcers..... and atheists are at the bottom as the least likely to divorce (probably because they explored their sexuality and found a compatible partner BEFORE getting married if at all....). But of course those types(fundies) generally make claims like "homosexuality" is unnatural without looking up two things, Zoology...and the word natural meaning "occuring in nature". But hey what can you expect from people who denounce condoms as ineffective and urge tribal societies towards abstinence....its hard to be abstinant if you have 20 wives who HAVE to do what you tell them.... Try arguing with them though and you'll just end up with countless strawmen arguements and of course repetitive insistence since not one of them has the ability to actually debate (they claim proof of the bible by saying it says so in the bible....what a joke). And , since there's as much proof for "jesus" as "thor" it's completely circular reasoning....Just makes you wonder if in 2000 years there will be people running around saying "harry potter says we shouldnt have sex before marriage...." (sorry if this is meandering at all its late and I'm tired , have a good one)

Posted by: Bayou | November 22, 2005 05:15 AM

Hi. I have never heard of the silver ring thing before..i am a christian and have been for the past 16 years...which is the whole of my life. i was just wondering where u could get more information on it? and how do u get one? Thanks God Bless xxxx

Posted by: Pinkpigs | January 3, 2006 03:14 PM

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