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.
The WinePress needs your support! If God has laid it on your heart to want to contribute, please prayerfully consider donating to this ministry. If you cannot gift a monetary donation, then please donate your fervent prayers to keep this ministry going! Thank you and may God bless you.


This design is incredible! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
obviously like your web site however you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very troublesome to tell the reality then again I will definitely come again again.
I gotta bookmark this internet site it seems handy very beneficial
Thanks for this howling post, I am glad I noticed this internet site on yahoo.
What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & assist other users like its aided me. Good job.
I like what you guys are up also. Such smart work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my web site :).
It’s perfect time to make a few plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I have read this submit and if I could I desire to recommend you few fascinating issues or advice. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read even more things about it!
After I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get four emails with the identical comment. Is there any approach you can take away me from that service? Thanks!
It’s really a cool and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.
Greetings! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading your posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same topics? Thanks!
You completed a few good points there. I did a search on the matter and found a good number of persons will consent with your blog.
Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your web site is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you’ve on this site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched everywhere and simply could not come across. What a great web-site.
I conceive you have remarked some very interesting points, thankyou for the post.
Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. However imagine if you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this website could certainly be one of the very best in its niche. Great blog!
I think other website proprietors should take this web site as an example , very clean and good user pleasant pattern.
Wohh exactly what I was looking for, thankyou for posting.
With havin so much content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my authorization. Do you know any solutions to help reduce content from being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
It?¦s actually a nice and helpful piece of information. I am happy that you simply shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.
Lovely just what I was looking for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.
Hi my friend! I want to say that this post is amazing, nice written and include almost all important infos. I’d like to see more posts like this.
With every little thing which appears to be building throughout this area, your points of view happen to be somewhat stimulating. On the other hand, I appologize, but I do not subscribe to your whole suggestion, all be it stimulating none the less. It would seem to everybody that your commentary are actually not entirely justified and in actuality you are generally your self not even completely certain of the argument. In any event I did appreciate reading it.
I like this blog very much, Its a rattling nice office to read and obtain info . “No one wants advice — only corroboration.” by John Steinbeck.
Enjoyed reading this, very good stuff, regards.
Whats up very cool blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also?KI am satisfied to find so many helpful information right here in the post, we need develop more strategies on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
Magnificent site. Lots of helpful information here. I’m sending it to a few pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you on your sweat!
Great V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, website theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..
Howdy! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
I like what you guys are up also. Such intelligent work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I?¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site 🙂
you have a great blog here! would you like to make some invite posts on my blog?
Sweet internet site, super layout, really clean and employ pleasant.
I am glad to be one of the visitors on this outstanding site (:, thanks for putting up.
Really excellent visual appeal on this site, I’d rate it 10 10.
Howdy! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I truly enjoy reading through your blog posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same topics? Thank you so much!
I got what you intend, regards for putting up.Woh I am happy to find this website through google.
I genuinely enjoy examining on this site, it has fantastic articles.
It is really a nice and useful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been surfing on-line greater than three hours nowadays, yet I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made excellent content material as you did, the internet shall be a lot more helpful than ever before.
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is magnificent, let alone the content!
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Some genuinely terrific work on behalf of the owner of this website , dead great subject material.
I really like your writing style, great information, thanks for putting up : D.
I genuinely appreciate your work, Great post.
This really answered my problem, thank you!
Absolutely pent articles, appreciate it for information .
hello!,I like your writing so much! share we communicate more about your post on AOL? I require an expert on this area to solve my problem. May be that’s you! Looking forward to see you.
I get pleasure from, result in I found just what I used to be taking a look for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
I like this blog so much, bookmarked.
Only wanna input that you have a very nice site, I enjoy the design and style it actually stands out.