The issue of morality in this our twentieth century has become a question of ‘what one considers right’. People and
places base their judgment on individual views and best decided on who wins the argument. Peers have also created their own moral values within their bracket which may not be accepted by other classes in the society.
In late 18th and early 19th centuries, it is observed that the issue have not been so bad like is witnessed in this our time. It is easier to find youth in their late 20s and yet virgins. It is a reality then that the word ‘virginity’ saw its last use in that era. In Nigeria particularly, young women are tested as to their virginity before handed over to their husbands. It is this among many that helped to checkmate the true moral value.
What has gone wrong? This is the question that those in their 70s now ask when their see the decline in moral values of the young ones in the society. The problem is no longer to abstain from sex but to reduce the regularity.
Today, it is hard to see teenagers without mates. One without boy or girl friend is seen in the society as gay. Virgins are viewed as skeptics to what give absolute happiness in youth. They are often jeered, ridiculed or even avoided because they are expected to scold the opposite. Hence to mix well, they are forced to join the chorus.
The decline can be attributed to what we call civilization; young ones as early as 10 have known if not practiced the wrong idea of sex. The media can not claim innocence of their effect on the populace. Adverts often depict romance and attachment to opposite sex. Movies which are meant to educate, leaves its back side more effective than the positive. Instead of preaching abstinence, condoms have been promoted.
Parents on their own have been too tolerant and flexible in establishing and enforcing codes of conduct for their children. This I believe is the foundation of moral decline. This idea is supported even biblically. The wise man Solomon once wrote: “Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.” – Proverbs 22:6. (New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures).
Religion on its own has not been totally free from blame. It has been more tolerance. It teaches that God forgives any kind of sin no matter how often. Instead of being resolute on inculcating moral values, it accepts and preaches freedom of expression once you are a believer and attain churches. It condones sins like sex between mates who are not yet married so far they love each other, which is contrary to bible clear warning on fornication. – Ephesians 5:19-24.
All considered above having failed, the one and only yardstick for
morality is the word of the one who created the “kind” called man – God. The bible written and completed over thousands of years is still practical to help check morality and Sex. While not condemning sex totally, it clearly shows that Sex should only be between married people.