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Sorry I didn't answer this yesterday. I have to say your assumption is incorrect, as I don't consider virginity precious at any age. If a child has not reached puberty, I really don't associate virginity, or this thread even, with the child, it is automatically a no-no. Virginity is basically an intact hymen for females, and I'm not sure how you would define it in a male. My dog is a virgin, but I don't consider it's virginity precious, it's a biological thing. If we're talking about promiscuity, well, one can be promiscuous and still be a virgin. If you go back in history, you will find that, after puberty, the age that sexual relations were acceptable, has varied greatly. What I'm saying, is that the virginity part is not as important, as what the current societal mores dictate. Also, how do you know that sexual purity is precious to God? I would like to think that the reason God put the 'funny feeling' into sex, is because He wants us to enjoy our bodies, and the little time we have here on earth. I believe the guilt associated with, and the constraints we have put on sexual behavior, is a very big part of the problems we, as human beings, have experienced throughout history, which, I might add, have come almost exclusively from organised religions. More power to you though, for your beliefs.

I have to say your assumption is incorrect, as I don't consider virginity precious at any age. If a child has not reached puberty, I really don't associate virginity, or this thread even, with the child, it is automatically a no-no.

Ah, so in your mind, virginity seems not to exist prior to puberty? I respectfully disagree. The innocence, including sexual innocence, of children is an extremely precious thing.

If virginity is not precious, why do we not encourage every young girl to immediately lose it upon menses? And if the answer is "societal norms," why does society establish such norms?

I think it all gets back to the "automatic no-no" concept.

If we're talking about promiscuity, well, one can be promiscuous and still be a virgin.

Well, I've always associated promiscuity with fickle sexual intercourse, so we disagree here as well.

Also, how do you know that sexual purity is precious to God?

The Bible is full of such info. But this requires much more than I can post right now. More later. :)

To continue... :-)

Also, how do you know that sexual purity is precious to God?

The following are just a few references to what God's Word says about sexual purity:

"I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged."
2 Corinthians 12: 21

"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions."
Galatians 5: 19-20

"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."
Ephesians 5: 3-4

"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."
Colossians 3: 5

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,
and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church--
for we are members of his body."
Ephesians 5: 25-30

I would like to think that the reason God put the 'funny feeling' into sex, is because He wants us to enjoy our bodies, and the little time we have here on earth. I believe the guilt associated with, and the constraints we have put on sexual behavior, is a very big part of the problems we, as human beings, have experienced throughout history, which, I might add, have come almost exclusively from organised religions. More power to you though, for your beliefs.

I think making love is such a beautiful thing that it is best reserved for a husband & wife within the sacred bond of marriage. A married couple's mutual commitment to one another allows them to best deal with both the good and perhaps not-so-good "consequences" of a sexual relationship.

And yes, Spirituality certainly shapes my outlook on "guilty pleasures." But I believe that what God desires from me in terms of obedience is all only for my own Good.

P.S. I very much appreciate your respecting my beliefs, despite our apparent disagreement, and may I respectfully return the kind favor. :)