According to recent study provided by the Institute for Family Studies (IFS), it is becoming the ‘new normal’ for professing Christians to forgo marriage and instead simply dwell together.
The report starts off by noting some professing Christian celebrities’ who are doing this, such as Chris Pratt, an A-list Hollywood actor, and Super Bowl winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. However, these two celebrities are not anomalies, as it is becoming more commonplace and acceptable among professing Christians to cohabitate instead of getting married, particularly among declared Evangelicals.
Cohabitation is an arrangement where two people are not married but live together. They are often involved in a romantic or sexually intimate relationship on a long-term or permanent basis. Such arrangements have become increasingly common in Western countries since the late 20th century, being led by changing social views, especially regarding marriage, gender roles and religion.
Wikipedia definition
According to the report, those under 45 either have participated in cohabitation, plan to, or are open to the possibility of that. David J. Ayers, author of the report, notes a report from Christianity Today noting an identical trend.
It is stunning that this has quietly come to pass among adherents to a form of Christianity that emphasizes radical obedience to an inerrant Bible, forbids all sex outside marriage, and emphasizes being distinct from “the world.”
David J. Ayers, author of the report
In 2019 a Pew Research Center study found that 58% of White Evangelicals say they are fine with cohabitation as long as the couples plan to marry. The study revealed that the younger they were, the more likely they were to accept “Christian cohabitation.”
This percentage was down in 2012, according to a study by the General Social Survey (GSS), documenting that 41% of 18-29 year-old Evangelicals were against cohabitation even if the couple intended on marriage.
IFS also cites data collected from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), that notes data from Evangelicals, other denominations, and those that are atheist, agnostic, or simply nothing – combining both gender’s responses. The NSFG polled only those that were not currently cohabitating or married. Ayers focused attention to the ages 15-22 who have never cohabitated or married.
The study found Evangelical Protestants the least likely to cohabitate, though almost half of the respondents (47%) are not opposed to the idea. Mainline Protestantism was higher at 58%. Black Protestants were slightly less likely to cohabitate at 53%. Catholics were at 61%, and those that were ‘none’ (atheist, agnostic, or nothing in particular) were the highest at 71%. The data found that across the board, however, few of each group gave a definitive ‘no’ to the possibility of cohabiting.
IFS then turned its attention to those aged 23-44, and those who have cohabited and if they have done so more than once.
Catholics and Mainline Protestants ranked the highest at 43% for once, following 41% of the ‘none.’ However, Catholics had the lowest percentage for cohabitation more than once (19%), and 31% of the ‘none’ group being the highest to cohabitate twice or more, with the other groups not too far behind.
Thirdly, the data collected shows that 84% of those that are married and cohabitated with their spouse are among the ‘none’ category. Evangelical Protestants were the lowest at 54%, and Mainline Protestants coming in at the third highest. These were all, again, from the ages of 23-44 and are currently on their first marriage.
‘In Evangelical circles, the argument sometimes is that evangelical cohabitation is different from “worldly” cohabitation because it is overwhelmingly tied to impending marriage. But the facts suggest otherwise,’ says Ayers of IFS.
Among the professing Evangelicals who have at least cohabitated once, 49% of first cohabitation resulted in eventual marriage by the time they were surveyed. Catholics were at 45% and Mainline Protestants at 53%. According to the study, ‘Among female Evangelicals who have ever cohabited, only 18% were formally engaged when they moved in with their first cohabiting partner, and another 18% had definite plans to marry; thus, only 36% combined had serious marital intent. Formal engagement upon the commencement of first cohabitation was higher for female evangelicals (the closest being Catholic at 15%). However, if we combine percentages for formal engagement and definite plans, Evangelicals are essentially the same as Black Protestants (37%) and Catholics (34%).’
Of those currently cohabiting, 55% of Evangelicals were certain they would marry their partner. Mainline Protestants were at 59%. 13% of those Evangelicals had zero intentions on marrying their current partner, as with Catholics at 12%.
There is solid research that suggests that those who do not move in together until they already have firm plans for marriage, and especially are formally engaged, may not have higher risk of divorce compared to those who choose not to live together until after they are married. They certainly have much lower risk of divorce than those who marry following cohabitations that were not preceded by wedding plans. However, this does not describe most Evangelical cohabitation.
David J. Ayers
Ayers lastly examined and compiled data related to church attendance and cohabitation. The data collected links a correlation between the two. Younger Evangelicals (15-22) who value church attendance and importance of faith were more likely to cohabitate or already have, and including older ages (23-44), though the numbers are a little less in that group.
According to the IFS findings, Evangelicals committed to their beliefs have cohabitation plans and practices are more likely to be in line with accepted Evangelical positions. Younger Evangelicals are not steadfast to refrain living together until marriage, and most of the older ages of 23-44 have already cohabitated. Roughly 25% of those that are regular church attendees have cohabitated at least twice or more, and most have at least once.
Ayers concludes the report by stating,
The rise in cohabitation over the past few decades has been sharp across the developed world, including the United States. Despite the teaching of their faith, Evangelicals have not proven to be much of an exception. If Evangelical leaders wish to turn this ship around, they will need to explore fresh approaches to addressing this issue.
Inordinate Affection
Not necessarily related to professing Christians, but a new study conducted by OnePoll and posted on Study Finds show that a growing number of people are forgoing intercourse with others, but rather are now turning to masturbation and self pleasure, titled “2 in 3 say the best bedroom partner they’ve ever had — is themselves!”
The poll surveyed 2,000 Americans that are said to be sexually active – found that 2 in 3 people would rather pleasure themselves than have an actual partner.
According to the survey, seven in ten respondents (70%) are “helping themselves” reach “fulfillment” after intercourse due to a lusterless experience.
The study additionally found that the average American begins to trial and experiment with masturbation at the age of 15.
Three in four (75%) think that masturbation is not healthy, though, the study finds an odium still lingering with female pleasure.
It is alarming that, at a time when disrupting the status quo is becoming the status quo, 63% of participants still feel that there is stigma around female masturbation and pleasure.
Sex positivity really comes down to believing that sexuality is a normal and healthy part of the human experience. While the data shows a trend toward more tolerant attitudes toward sex and masturbation, we still have a long way to go before these attitudes extend equally to all sexual identities and gender expressions.
Sara Kranjčec Jukić. Global Brand Manager at LELO
Read more about it here:
AUTHOR COMMENTARY
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Hebrews 13:4
[1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; [3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.1 Timothy 4:1-3
The KING JAMES Bible got it right again. And I specify the KJB because the new versions, all of them, have reworded verses 1-3 to make it sound like false teachers are the ones causing this obstruction to marriage. Pay close attention as to how the ESV, the “darling” version of the Evangelicals, words this:
[1] Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, [2] through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, [3] who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.(ESV)
Did you catch the switcharoo the devil-possessed liars of the ESV translation committee did? The KJB specifies that those who have departed from the faith have taken heed to devils and seducing spirits, SEMICOLON (which connects the proceeding clause to the first, further DESCRBING the first verse), that these “departees” are the ones speaking in lies in hypocrisy and have a seared conscience, SEMICOLON (connecting this verse to the next adding further detail and description), which believe in the forbidding of marriage and command to stay away from meats (which The WinePress has been hot on the case detailing that prophecy). The ESV, and so many others, are tweaking the verse to make it sound like strictly false teachers (or something like that) are promoting this – with some of the even more modern translations such as the NAR-endorsed Passion Translation (TPT) saying “They will require celibacy” – so, in the minds of the Evangelical hypocrites, since they are not being TOLD to not marry, then that somehow affirms, in their minds, this isn’t speaking of their whoremongering selves! These are how liars think, and it was the KJV that accurately describes it as “Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.”
The WinePress has noted in a few other reports of the exponential rise in divorce rates, and how the mainstream media show “The Doctors” are advocating that the masses should forgo marriage and marriage ceremonies – advocating for mandatory vaccination to attend a ceremony.
[13] Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. [14] And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. [15] Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. [16] What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. [17] But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. [18] Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. [19] What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? [20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.1 Corinthians 6:13-20
So let’s answer and explain why is cohabitating, the politically correct word for being a whoremonger and adulterer, rampant among professing Christians? The Bible makes it clear to expect this behavior among the lost world, so it is not surprising that open atheists, agnostics, and “nothing” were the highest, but why professing Christians?
Two points:
Firstly, figure 4 of the study was rather telling. These church buildings are magnets and harbingers for immorality and lasciviousness. Bryan Denlinger of King James Video Ministries has been saying this for years; which has netted him plenty of ridicule and scrutiny, but in light of this new information, Denlinger’s “kooky and radical” claims have been validated.
These places create sex perversion all the time. Without getting into a giant dissertation on this subject, the origins of these buildings are derived from the Roman Catholics, which derived their temples from the pagans when their new religion was forming and adopting others in order to synchronize. The very essence of these places are built around sexual worship and service: this is what the pagan religions do, hence why Catholicism, being the greatest example of this, is full to the brim with perverts and pedophiles.
And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
Romans 3:8
Then these same church organizations then create these worldly services that take the things of Satan and of the world (the music, the entertainment, the apparel, the jokes, the emulations, and so on) and slap a “Christian” veneer on it. Have you seen these youth summer camps and summer Bible schools? These places are juiced to the gills with perversion; amplified with teenagers that are hormonally driven and with a naturally rebellious nature (2 Timothy 2:22): and then people wonder why fornication is a pandemic among these church groups.
Then you factor in pastors that do not believe a page out the book they pretend to preach – that was already perverted and corrupted (the new versions), taking radically lighter attitudes towards SIN, judgment, temperance, sobriety, charity, fear of God, and salvation; equally a giant MESS.
Christianity In 2021: “Christian” OnlyFans Model Says God Is Okay With Selling Her Body
This large point leads to the second, which, the reality of the situation is that the strong majority of these people are not saved and are false converts.
[3] For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: [4] That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; [5] Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: [6] That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. [7] For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. [8] He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
[5] Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: [6] For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: [7] In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. Colossians 3:5-7
[3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; [4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. [5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [6] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. [7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them. [8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: [9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)Ephesians 5:3-9
These people are living in perpetual sin, and have no conviction of this because they are not saved. That is not me saying that: it is the word of God that plainly says it. Yes, it is very possible for a Christian to commit fornication and a whole host of sins (and would still be saved as they would be eternally secure) but that is NOT the standard. These false converts are living this way because they were never saved; therefore, there is no gift of the Holy Spirit to help the Christian fight the flesh (Romans 8), no chastening of the Lord (Hebrews 12:4-13), and no fear of God (Romans 3:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1) – among other things.
And then people wonder why there is so much perversion and wickedness amongst these “churches,” and why there is an exodus from them.
As for the “self-pleasure,” it is indicative of where this world is at. I mentioned this study because, even though it is gross, it demonstrates how screwed up this world is. Only a lost pagan would believe pleasuring one’s self is healthy. I won’t post the studies here, but habitually doing it is very unhealthy.
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I know that many churches are falling away. The pastors are slowly accepting sin in their churches and many people prefer to hear sugar coated messages than the truth. Hopefully, people will come to the knowledge of the truth.
[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, unthankful, unholy, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. [13] But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13).
Because that, When they knew God, They glorified him not as God, Neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, And their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1 21-29)
Jacob,
If you can stomach it, you need to make a rant on Crossroads babel building. They have annual Super Bowl of Preaching. Vexing worldly mimicking cringe inducing garbage, complete with lame pathetic super bowl commercials.
Church buildings are unscriptural
Yes they are and I look more and more forward to them faling apart and being further badgered by the banks and harrassed by the government with their 501C3 buildings.
Church building goers are some of the most wicked fork tongued hypocrites you will ever come across!
1) all the lust and fornicating among and affecting the youth, those trying to get off of porn and sex addiction, and married couples.
2) The praises of and to man as well as A man (pastor so and so or some prominent community serpent) and vain worship of God.
3) Sermons that are empty and void of the Holy Spirit because it’s dead empty religion.
4) All the greed of 10 percent tithes and so on. If it’s a mega-church, it’s especially all about money as well as popularity.
5) self righteousness and pride.
6) entertainment with their Super Bowls and superheroes, Hollywood and so on.
7) All the scandals and incidents.
Hey Jacob,
I noticed that some of this info came from that magazine christianity today. Brother, that magazine is wicked and emergent, I wouldn’t use christianity today to line my cats’ litter boxes with, that’s how worthless it is. It has all the edifying Gospel knowledge of People magazine.
They promote Harry Potter, Evan Almighty (the blasphemous sequel to Bruce Almighty) Pan’s Labyrinth and CS Lewis, Lord of the Rings, all bible perversions, those liberal false christian colleges such as olivet nazarene university, and so on. You should make a rant on that ichabod today magazine.
What mainstream “Christian” outlet isn’t a joke lol? The IFS quoted from that Christianity Today report, so I just included that info.