Teen girls' Bible talks of oral sex, lesbianism
Critic says publication smears 'filthy graffiti across the Word of God'
By Ron Strom
WorldNetDaily | March 18, 2005
A Bible created especially for girls age 13-16 that includes profiles of fictional teenagers discussing oral sex, lesbianism and "dream" guys is drawing sharp criticism from some Christian parents who say such material should not appear alongside Scripture.
The "True Images" Bible, published by Zondervan, promises on its dustcover to "strengthen your relationship with God, family, friends and guys."
While the book includes the entire text of the New International Version of the Bible, it's the "over 1,000 relevant and compelling notes and articles" that have critics upset.
The "In Focus" profiles are peppered throughout the text of the Bible and deal with subjects like sex, pregnancy, alcoholism, dating, homosexuality, depression, pornography and flirting.
An introduction in the Bible explains its goal: to present to young girls "true images": "God's message about who you are in his eyes."
The "In Focus" article on sex appears amidst scriptural regulations on offerings in the book of Leviticus. It profiles the fictional girl "Ashley" and is entitled "Casual or Not?"
While the message of the profile is to save sex for marriage, critics aren't convinced the frank-talk approach is appropriate for young teens.
Discussing her friend "Emma," Ashley says, "The story is that she had oral sex with a guy friend of ours last week. Just for fun. They're not dating, although they've always flirted with each other a lot. Emma took one look at my face this morning, and she knew I knew."
Emma goes on to claim that oral sex "is not even sex," but Ashley disagrees, saying, "God's definition of sexual purity covers much more than intercourse."
Following Ashley's narrative is a warning that "the physical and emotional effects of oral sex are similar to intercourse," along with tips for dealing with friends who are engaging in the practice.
'Am I Gay?'
Another "In Focus" story highlights the experience of "Trish" in "Am I Gay?"
Says Trish: "All my friends are wondering if this guy or that guy likes them. I don't like any guys right now. Instead, I wonder if I have a crush on Sierra. She's one of my best friends."
Trish goes on to explain that her uncle tried to rape her when she was 12 and that ever since, "I haven't wanted any guy to touch me – not even my dad."
The follow-up warning to Trish's story directs the reader to read Romans 1:24-32, in which Paul condemns homosexual behavior.
Wedged into the pages of the book of Jeremiah is a profile by "Lorraine," in which she discusses finding Playboy and Penthouse magazines belonging to her father in the basement.
"I couldn't believe it when I found the box. Those horrible magazines!" Lorraine says.
"I couldn't even look at my dad after I found it. … My dad's a Christian! Yet he's got this porn stash. It's like he's got this secret life."
The feature then advises girls in Lorraine's situation to "talk with a trusted Christian adult about the issue. Pray together, and come up with a plan for what to do next."
'Cuddling opps'
Though there is a rising movement within Christianity to promote courtship over traditional dating, the "True Images" Bible, like a secular teen magazine, appears to assume its readers are dating – or wish they were.
