Come, explore with us the sexual revolution’s broken promises, and how the Bible was right all along…

In the 1960s, a cultural upheaval known as the sexual revolution took place, upending long-held Judeo-Christian sexual ethics. It sought to dismantle traditional values surrounding sex and relationships and to promote a new era of sexual freedom. The promise was greater sexual fulfillment and personal happiness. However, more than 50 years later, the evidence indicates the revolution has failed to deliver on its promises.

More than freedom, we find a culture enslaved to rampant pornography use, higher rates of divorce, and tragically high numbers of abortion on demand. And more than sexual satisfaction, we find greater sexual brokenness. Personal fulfillment is at an all-time low, and more people are beginning to acknowledge the Bible’s ancient wisdom about the sanctity of sex within the bonds of marriage, and teachings on sex and relationships were right all along.

The Sexual Revolution’s Broken Promises: The Hard Numbers Tell the Story

• Pornography consumption has metastasized, with Porn Hub alone receiving 3.5 billion visits a month (NBC News). This multi-billion dollar industry is profiting off of sexual exploitation and distorted desires.
• Sexual promiscuity and cohabitation before marriage correlate strongly with higher divorce rates later. According to the US National Survey of Family Growth, divorce rates are 50% lower for those without pre-marital cohabitation.
• There are around 630,000 abortions in the US each year as per data obtained from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many were enabled by the sexual revolution’s ethos of casual sex without life-long commitment.
• The US teen birth rate is still around 17.4 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19 (as per US Department of Health and Human Services data). Teen parenthood entails significant struggles.
• Depression rates have risen dramatically in recent decades, now afflicting over 17 million American adults (as per National Institute of Mental Health statistics). Sexual impurity and family brokenness inflict heavy psychological costs.

The Reality of Unfulfilled Promises

The Sexual Revolution promised greater happiness and satisfaction through sexual liberation, but statistics paint a different picture. According to a study by the US National Center for Health Statistics, the marriage rate in the US has reached a record low, while the divorce rate remains high. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found cohabiting couples, who are often seen as embracing the ideals of the Sexual Revolution, report lower levels of relationship satisfaction and higher rates of depression compared to married couples .

Moreover, personal fulfillment and happiness are declining. The General Social Survey indicates Americans’ overall happiness has been on a steady decline since the 1970s, with the percentage of people reporting being “very happy” falling from about 34% in 1970 to 24% in recent years. This trend suggests the increased focus on sexual freedom has not translated into greater overall well-being.

Scriptural Insights: Wisdom from the Bible

The Bible offers timeless wisdom on sex and relationships that contrasts sharply with the values promoted by the Sexual Revolution. The Scriptures advocate for sexual purity, monogamy, and the sanctity of marriage. Consider these key biblical passages:

1. Hebrews 13:4
2. 1Corinthians 6:18-20
3. Ephesians 5:31-33

These verses emphasize the importance of sexual integrity, fidelity, and the deep spiritual significance of the marital bond.

The Cultural Shift: Returning to Biblical Truths

As personal fulfillment declines, there is a growing recognition of the Bible’s enduring wisdom. Many are beginning to see the pursuit of sexual freedom has led to broken relationships, emotional pain, and a deep sense of dissatisfaction. The rise in movements advocating for chastity, stronger marriages, and family values signals a cultural shift towards acknowledging the biblical truths about sex and relationships.

Christian leaders and communities are increasingly vocal about the need to return to these principles. They argue true freedom is found not in the abandonment of moral constraints but in living according to God’s design. This return to scriptural values is not just a religious movement but a practical response to the observed failures of the Sexual Revolution.

A Better Way: What The Sexual Revolution’s Broken Promises Show

God’s Design for Human Flourishing

The Sexual Revolution promised much but has ultimately failed to deliver lasting personal fulfillment and happiness. Statistics reveal a decline in relationship satisfaction and overall happiness, reflecting a broader cultural malaise. In contrast, the Bible offers a path to true fulfillment through its teachings on sex and relationships.

As we evaluate the legacy of the Sexual Revolution, it is clear a return to biblical principles offers a hopeful and fulfilling alternative. By embracing the wisdom of Scripture, we can foster healthier relationships, stronger marriages, and deeper personal satisfaction. The evidence is clear: the Bible was right all along.

The Scripture is clear sex is a profound bond meant to be expressed within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). When we violate God’s design through promiscuity, pornography, divorce, etc., fractures and hurt occur that corrode human thriving. In contrast, decades of social science affirm that societies that promote stable marriage culture engender the best outcomes for adults, children, and communities.

With divorce rates peaking and as society recoils at the fallout of the sexual revolution, it is time to rebuild a culture of purity before marriage and fidelity within it. The unfailing truth from Proverbs still stands, “Rejoice in the wife of your youth…may you ever be intoxicated with her love” (Proverbs 5:18-19). True sexual flourishing comes not from promiscuity, but from honouring God’s intent for the marital bed.

Related Reads:

• Pre-Marital Sex: How Far is Too Far?
• Pornography: Why is it Hell’s Most Compelling Advertisement?
• Lustful Thoughts: How Does a Godly Christian Handle Them?
• Masturbation: Can the Bible’s Silence be Interpreted as Approval?