The General Social Survey (GSS) offers a window into societal values, particularly through the lens of marital intimacy. The latest findings pose an intriguing question: how does the frequency of sexual activity among married Christians compare to that of their non-married peers?
What is the GSS?
The GSS stands as a bastion of social research, renowned for its diligent methodology and expansive scope. Since its inception in 1972, it has served as a mirror to the shifting attitudes, behaviors, and cultural norms that weave the fabric of American life. Its credibility stems from its commitment to providing a reliable snapshot of our societal landscape.
A Closer Look at Marital Intimacy and Faith
Intriguingly, the GSS reveals that married couples with a religious inclination report a marginally higher frequency of sexual activity compared to their non-religious married counterparts. This subtle distinction begs the question on if and what the influence of spiritual and ethical values has on the dynamics of marital intimacy.
We’ve come up with two reflections on why this may be and we hope you’ll share your thoughts in the comment section too!
First, assuming the frequency of sexual activity is a good measure of an intimate marriage, The challenges that couples face in trying to build an intimate marriage are universal across cultures.
Second, the Christian ethic supports the very things couples need in order to build an intimate marriage:
- Learning how to love another person
- Being generous
- Developing skills to connect emotionally and deeply
- Cultivating intimacy-friendly virtues such as selflessness, benevolence, creativity, honesty, and integrity are needed by all people.
So What?
The insights gleaned from the GSS are not mere statistics; they are invitations to a broader conversation about the essence of marriage, the role of faith, and the pathways to intimacy.
How do these findings echo in the corridors of your life and relationships?
In what ways have your beliefs and values shaped the intimacy within your marriage?
Let know know in the comments you’re thoughts on this!
