Rethinking Responsibility:

Will's aricle on the new sexual revolution has some important arguments about the cultural struggle over reproductive ethics. But his solution - a culture of contraception - just doesn't match the data. Here's a dated, but still cogent analysis that offers a counter-narrative: http://www.janetsmith.excerptsofinri.com/

The Sequence of Personal Responsibility is to me is such a moving and potentially inspiring article that I pray it could become required reading (and re-reading) in our school systems, and other educational venues. The article contains much of what used to be considered common sense (not all that common today) and generally accepted principles, which today has often been replaced by delay, denial, and self-indulgence.

may god best you and your church family

Rethinking Responsiblity was hot off the presses when I visited your office last month. I savored it, reading each essay carefully. The fact that's it's on your website and downloadable is such a good idea. I can see so many uses for this publication. Having something concrete that represents so many points of view is what we need to help people start the conversation or continue it. The II partners are having a retreat next month and we're going to use the book as a point of departure for conversation.

I was especially interested in Rev. Debrar Haffner's "A New Sexual Ethic." If I had to choose one essay that could spark a productive converstaion, it might be this one. I also really like Will Marshall's, probably because it's really practical and about policy. I like the idea that he could take conversation and ideas another step closer to action. I just wanted to thank you for creating this tool. You are so good at finding middle ground and being inclusive. This attitude has to prevail if we're going to transcend partisanship and polarizing positions.

You wrote: In summary, a fundamental understanding for all of us, parents,educators, and policy makers is that we do not prevent unplanned pregnancies, risky, or irresponsible sexual behavior -- young people do.

Wow! I'm so glad that you were among the 29 individuals to participate in this book that could point that out. An atmosphere that causes a person to believe that a joyful, gratifying life is ahead of them, and they possess the capacity to achieve fulfillment sounds a lot like a "church" to me. This is exactly what attending church has done for me. It is by far the best environment that I can have my children in providing them with the opportunity to see for themselves that there is a better way to live.

Demanding personal responsibility without the provision of social supports IS not realistic. So what's wrong with bringing Biblical values back and allowing Christ to become the one to dictate their thoughts and feelings? It matters not whether one is a Believer or Non-Believer this will bring about the desired results that every Teen Pregnancy Preventative Program is trying to achieve. They will not only become committed to and ready for the demanding task of raising the next generation, but there will also be less poverty, fewer abortions, and ultimately a stronger nation.

Maybe I didn't just graduate from Princeton, but as someone who did contraceptive counseling while in college, I can say that marriage and family were NOT on the mind of my peers. Having fun was. Equating responsibility, regardless of whether that means using contraception/STI prevention methods or abstaining entirely, with pleasure, that is where I'm at.