True Purity: More Than Just Saying "No" to You-Know-What
not part of a series
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What’s inside...
True Purity: More Than Just Saying 'No' to You-Know-What by Hayley DiMarco is a Christian book that explores the concept of purity beyond the traditional focus on abstinence from sexual activity before marriage. DiMarco argues that purity is not just about sexual behavior but encompasses the entirety of one's life, including thoughts, intentions, and actions. The book encourages readers to pursue a pure life through their relationship with God and to understand that purity is about the heart's condition rather than just external behavior. DiMarco uses biblical references and personal anecdotes to guide young adults in developing a holistic approach to purity that affects all aspects of their lives, aiming to inspire a deeper commitment to living a life that honors God in all things.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What does the idea of purity mean to you after reading this book?
How do you think maintaining purity can influence your relationships?
What are some challenges you think teens might face when trying to stay pure?
Can you think of ways to support your friends in their choices about purity?
In what ways do you think the concept of purity impacts personal growth and decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own understanding of purity and its importance, which helps set a comfortable tone for open dialogue.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts without judgment, reaffirming that it’s a safe space to share.
Discuss the different perspectives shown in the book, asking your child which ones they agree or disagree with, and why.
Connect the themes of the book with real-life situations or decisions to make the discussion more relatable and practical.
Highlight the importance of respect and kindness in all relationships, tying it back to the book’s message on purity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Purity
Explanation: The book emphasizes purity not just in the physical sense but also mentally and spiritually. It discusses the importance of keeping thoughts and actions clean.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to make decisions that align with maintaining integrity and cleanliness in their thoughts and actions daily.
Example Lesson: Understanding True Love
Explanation: Through various examples and discussions, the book outlines the distinction between superficial attraction and deep, genuine love.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop healthy relationships based on mutual respect and understanding rather than mere superficiality.
Example Lesson: Self-Respect and Dignity
Explanation: The narrative fosters a sense of self-worth and teaches children to respect themselves and their bodies.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by setting personal boundaries and understanding their value, which can prevent them from engaging in activities that could be detrimental.
Example Lesson: Importance of Making Thoughtful Choices
Explanation: The book provides scenarios where characters are faced with tough choices and shows the consequences of those choices.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to ponder the outcomes before making decisions and encourages them to choose paths that positively affect their lives and those around them.
Example Lesson: Building Strong Moral Foundations
Explanation: The book guides children on how to establish and adhere to a moral code based on Christian values.
Real-World Application: Applying this lesson can provide children with a steady moral compass, helping them navigate through various life challenges while staying true to their principles.