Bettler, Joel  <br/><br/>
Premarital Sexuality In The Free Churches Of The Bewegungplus In Thun And Spiez: Strategies To Help Teenagers From 13-19 To Avoid Sexual Intercourse Before Marriage 

 - Johannesburg, South Africa  South African Theological Seminary  2019 
 - 103 pages  PDF  A4  Abstract, TOC 
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<br/><br/> This study examines the topic of premarital sexuality in the churches of the Bewagging-Plus in Thun and Spies, Switzerland, by conducting an empirical survey and a literature review with the goal of developing strategies that support the churches in helping their teenagers to abstain from premarital sexuality. First, this study shows that of the 60 interviewed teenagers, 20% have already engaged in premarital sexuality and 80% of the teenagers are partially or fully convinced that the Bible encourages them to abstain from premarital sexuality. Six key factors that influence the teenager's premarital sex-quality  are  determined:  The  importance  of  role  models,  teaching  about  the  Biblical standpoint, encouragement for abstinence, sources of influence, identity and self-es-teem and personal faith. The Biblical section of the study clearly indicates that the Bible supports the idea that sexuality belongs in marriage and that premarital sexual intercourse is a sin. Based on the above statement and the results of the teenagers perceptions  conduct  concerning  premarital  sexuality,  strategies  are  developed  on how churches can help their teenagers to retain their virginity. Particularly worthy of emphasis is a planned weekend course for teenagers on premarital sexuality and a meeting with their parents. This study is of interest to youth pastors and church leaders in German-speaking Switzerland.