These are words of John Demos,
Professor of History, Yale University:
     "A To be sure, even biology is not entirely impervious to altered historical circumstances. Thus there is reason to think that attainment of full physical stature comes at a considerable earlier age now than in pre-modern times. According to one testament young man in early 19th century America did not reach their final height until they were almost 25 years old whereas most of their contemporaries today do so or before age 20. There is a similar point to be made on the timing of menarche in girls. Medical evidence since the end of the last century suggests that menstruation has been starting nearly one year earlier with each succeeding generation falling, that is, from an average of about 15 in 1850 to almost 12 nowadays."
From: John Demos. Past, Present and Personal. The Family and Life Course in American History. Oxford University Press, 1986. Page 95-96.

Consider: In 1850 a female began menstruation at age 15 and by the age of 18 (or so) was married.

Today, a female begins menstruation at age 12 and is advised not to get married until after college (age 24 or so). Males experience a similar puberty crisis as well.

We have invented the whole teenage crisis of "all dressed up and nowhere to go." As a matter of fact, the word "Teenager" was not in the English language until 1942, the same year as WW2!

Compare present realities with those of Jane Austin's 1800s book of coming-of-age "Sense and Sensibility." What a difference. (Watch the movie version, if you don't have the book).

In ALL previous cultures puberty meant readiness for marriage. But, not in ours. And, this adds to all other kinds of other dilemmas: higher unmarried birth rates, more abortions, more sexually active single life styles, higher high school drop out rates. Is this what God intended? I think not. But, it is the situation that we have created. It is the reality that we live in.

In our culture, the bodies of our youth say "Do it!" And our best advice says, "Wait! Caution!" And, indeed, our young people need to wait and be cautious. We live in a world of HIV, etc., etc.. And early parenthood can cause adverse future economic hardships due to the lack of schooling. I could go on.

It is only by the grace of God that our culture survives. And it is only the grace of God that can help our youth in this dilemma that we have created and have passed down to them.

Be kind when considering our youth, always remembering the realities in which they must live. And keep in mind all the unique spiritual challenges they face. Help 'em. It ain't easy!

If you are a teen, may I suggest that you check out a local church youth group in your area. You get a ton of great safe fun, plus a (non-parental) youth leader that has a great listening ear.

Bulletin Board:

AMERICAN PIE ALMOST GETS LUCKY
Subject: American Pie
Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2002
From: "David"

American Pie almost managed to "score" by communicating a powerful message in a relevant way to an anxious generation.

They took the clever strategy adapted by several contemporary prophetic movies and began by hooking the audience with jokes regarding the subject matter intended to be discussed (and, hopefully, reconsidered). Beginning by letting the audience laugh at an adolescent masturbating into a tube sock, their attention is grabbed by a series of jokes poking fun at the fact of teenage sexuality and activity. To an audience living in a pubescently sexual world, these jokes hit home more than any other subject matter, perhaps. And as such, they have the powerful potential to be turned on their heads later on in the movie--which is what American Pie almost manages to do. One of the characters gives a poignant speech to his companions at Prom (I've forgotten his name) which embodies an alternative view to all the rushed and animal sexuality portrayed in the movie. He suggests that there seems to be little logicality in killing oneself in striving towards something that may eventually end up being, existentially, rather hollow.

Were the film left at that, the impact would have been deep and lasting. By catching your audience's attention with jokes about the very evil or ignorance you are going to question, they eventually can come to see themselves in the characters as they descend into culturally sanctioned but meaningless behaviour. This technique was used to some extent in "Breakfast Club", a film which began by playing to the audience's sense of humor regarding unacceptable people and cliques within the high school social strata, and then turned this on its head as the audience joined the characters in a transformation of their relationships, eventually destroying the barriers and divisions that had separated them.

American Pie majorly wusses out, however, after the moral climax of the film. Rather than leave the message inscribed on the audience's hearts (namely, the question "is there maybe a better context for sexuality than the hormone-raging promiscuity of the high school world?"), the film wimps out and chooses to continue playing to its audiences pre-film tastes and mindsets. After doing its "moral duty" for the philosophers in the crowd, it returns to satisfy the audience with a sexual adventure for each character now that they are, supposedly, no longer obligated to rush into sex. In doing so, the movie becomes like the snivelling kid on the playground who just can't bring himself to say "no" to the bullies, sheepishly returning to hand over his lunch money each day.

The audience leaves, their underdeveloped conscience satisfied that they have been told not to get pressured into sex. And all their sexual mores and obligations remain intact; they continue to numbly accept sexual promiscuity as a sometimes humorous, sometimes beautiful, but always necessary aspect of high school life. Way to stand your ground, American Pie. (You have to love the pep-talks given by the Dad-character, though.)
-David
spooookyghost@hotmail.com

DEALS WITH PRESSURES OF TEEN SEXUALITY
Subject: Something about a Log
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2001
From: Mike

When I first saw this movie I was extremely critical about how the film portrayed sexuality in American Youth. I found myself thinking of all the do's and don'ts that have come with some aging in my life. I even thought about the fact that I couldn't write anything positive about this film. I then began to reflect on my own youth experiences and sexuality. I really appreciated the comments from David in the Think About It segment. It should cause us all to think about how our society has changed in the areas of sexual pressures. While American Pie is not a movie that I can recommend others to see, it certainly does deal with the pressures of teen sexuality in a real and unfortunately honest way.

While many within our Churches will not want to accept the honesty of the film the reality of it is that it does exist. One explanation of why there are so many pregnancies among teenagers and, yes, abortions, within our church walls and membership is that we as a Church have still not dealt appropriately with the issue of sexuality. We tend to use the, just say no approach, and then not discuss the real issues that are going on within the lives of our teenagers. American Pie in some ways addresses those issues in a far more honest way than the Church has addressed them in the past. To use a technique from the Apostle Paul, Does this mean their approach is right? Of course not. We for example know that sexuality in its right place is a wonderful and beautiful thing. It is a gift of God between two people who love each other enough to make the commitment to share each others life together in marriage. Knowing this does not take away from the God given urges to be involved in sexual activity, especially during the years of puberty.

Unfortunately, this movie does not show the extent of the problems that come about from inappropriate sexual activity. Neither does it really show the lessons one can learn from just following their desires. Both are areas that can lead ultimately, not just in a figurative since but in a literal since, to death, especially in today's world. The consequences of these actions are also reasons that the Church must do a better job at addressing real needs and real issues among our youth, including their urges and leanings towards sexuality. All we have to do is turn on the television or radio to hear of all of the negative aspects that are being portrayed to our youth. Open a magazine,, the reality of it is, that sex sales. But what sex is selling is ultimately a broken hearted world, especially in the way it is being sold.

American Pie is a well made movie with a great cast who do a wonderful job at portraying their roles. There are some comedic points in the film but the script and story just don't mesh with the totality of honesty that I would have liked to have seen. For example the reality of it was that if these characters continued their behavior then it would not have been long before one of them had to deal with a unplanned pregnancy. What about the expenses and experiences that come with that? While it did deal some with the concept that some are used for sexual purposes, and that others get hurt, it was not nearly a strong enough message. I would like to have also seen at least one positive character who had made the commitment to save themselves for marriage and then that character portrayed in a positive light, struggling yes, but holding true to their commitment. However, I unfortunately did not see any character in this film come close to this approach.

On a scale of 1-10 I will go with a disappointing 4

Mike Furches mike@furches.org

SHOCKING
July 29, 1999. Hi, I'm new to this site. I like it a lot.
     I am a movie lover and I've seen a lot of questionable movie previews but I can't remember being more shocked and saddened than I was when I saw the preview of American Pie. I'm now wondering why I was so affected, considering, in my unsaved youth "Fast Times at Ridgemount High" was one of my favorites.
     I'm impressed that you have given thought to your write up regarding this movie. The easy response for a Christian is a simple, knee jerk, tsk tsk. This culture is a tough place to live pure lives, and we should look at the facts and challenges before passing , what may still be, an accurate judgment.
     We must live pure lives by the grace of God, hate sin and never forget to love the sinner.
God bless you and your efforts for His Kingdom,
James MacNeil
Executive Director - External Affairs
Online Christian Network
1-800-663-7326 ext. 401
Visit http://www.onlinechristian.net today

RESPONDING TO MY COMMENT IN AMERICAN PIE
July 14, 1999. I just today got your web site off of WAY FM here in Clarksville, Tennessee. I like your site, it will be very helpful because I have two young teenage sons. I think today we are in the midst of the "ME" generation and young people are thinking more of themselves. They want so called grown up things, but not the real grown things: bills, real jobs, family, ect. They are still depending on good ole Mom & Dad for financial support way into their late 20's. I will say this I married young at 17 & had a son, then at 19 had another son. I waited my whole life to be a wife and a mother. Getting married and having children was exactly what the Lord had intended for me. If I hadn't started my family then I would have never been able to have children. I would have like to had more children but that wasn't meant to be. My point is listen to the Lord and his plans for your life. He will led you down the road he has designed for you if you will just follow. Thanks & God's Blessings To You All, -Brie.