Michael and Millie Shipe grew up in the era of “purity culture.” It was a big thing for about 20 years starting in the 1990s, and it focused on saving sex for marriage. There were conferences and purity rings and slogans, like “True Love Waits.”

But a lot of people say they’ve been deeply damaged by their experience in purity culture. There’s a growing genre of books by the “survivors” of purity culture. These are often bitter tales written by ex-evangelicals who use the term “deconstruction” to describe leaving orthodox Christianity.

Today on Doubletake, the rise and fall of purity culture, through the eyes of a couple who lived through some of its best features–and some of its worst. And, just a note: this episode involves relationships and sexuality. It’s not for kids.

Music/audio from:

CNN

South Park/Comedy Central

“Kiss the Girl” by Samuel E. Wright/Disney

“Someday My Prince Will Come” by Adrianna Caselotti/Disney

“I Survived I Kissed Dating Goodbye” by Joshua Harris

“Everyday Robots” by Damon Albarn



Support WORLD News Group at wng.org/donate