Idols at the Altar: A Theo-Ethical Critique of the Purity Movement

The purity movement, a phenomenon of the late twentieth century which heightened Christian norms restricting most forms of sexual desire, has influenced family structures within and beyond the Evangelical culture from which it sprang. Narrative accounts from people raised in the purity movement have publicly critiqued its claims, pointing to negative psychological, social, and biological health outcomes. These accounts make the case against purity on utilitarian grounds; separation of unwed mothers from their children, unsatisfactory sexual relationships within marriage, and physical pain are evidence against the validity of the purity framework. While these impacts are important and worthy of moral consideration, this paper argues that a utilitarian approach is insufficient to counter a theo-ethical framework that prioritizes conformity with God’s design over this-worldly flourishing. Persuasive critique of the purity movement will need to employ theological language, such as idolatry.