#7. Religion, Sex, and Marriage

This Conversation Will Help You…

1. Name their religion’s views on sex and marriage
2. Say what they think about those views and why
3. Understand & respect that not everyone shares those views

Think About This First

• If religion is part of your life, you may find this conversation helpful. Two P.O.P! members expressed their views during an interfaith symposium in King County, and said that while they respected the values of their religions, they wished that the adults in their life would have been more willing to have conversations about the "why" of their religious values.

Having the Conversation

Start Here:

What do you think our religion says about sex and marriage? 

What are some of the things that you have heard that you agree with?  Don’t agree with?

Do you think that there is a difference across religions on the issue of sex and marriage? 

What goals do you want to achieve in life before you think about getting married?

Continue:

I am wondering if you would like to hear about my thoughts/my beliefs about sex and marriage. 

Why does your religion say it’s important to get married?

What are other reasons people think marriage is important? What do you think?

Do you think that there are some things you need to be married to do?

Where do you think that most youth in our church really learn about sex and marriage? 

What do your friends say or think?

Keep Talking:

Do you think a religion should have a say in what happens between two people, or do you think that is private, only between the two people who are in the relationship? 

What do you think about our religion’s opinions/stance on people who are not heterosexual? Would our religion be accepting? Is that important to you?