I dont think the point is to ask the clergy to wear them Capt'.

doesn't anyone have any honor or respect for kids who actually exercise self-respect and self-control?

Sure. Less so, though, for people who feel the need to put it on display.

As someone who himself waited a long time, of course I do. What I don't have respect for is inane "systems" and "programs" that preach ignorance or rely on some sort of weird external symbolism rather than actually teaching kids to make intelligent decisions for themselves.

Like I said, at least one study has shown that these stupid rings and the message that goes with them make things worse. Just as many studies have shown that "abstinence-only programs" have had a similar non effect or negative effect (even when the text books distort the facts to make sex seem more dangerous than it even is in reality).

Honesty and knowledge are parents' and society's best weapons. I wish they would be used more.

I would think there'd be nothing hotter than to think that the stranger watching you through the slanted blinds was God.

Is a wedding ring for display? Or a symbol of a promise?

Those rings are not meant to say to the world "lookit me, I'm saving myself"- they are for the person to look at and remember a promise they made to themselves.

Funny how that works- it's ok to save yourself, it's ok to believe in something- but keep it to yourself.

I'm conservative- I encourage my kids to wait. But I don't make them live in the dark about the reality of the topic. If one of them chose to wear one of those rings I would be pleased to support them in their choice.

I have one, but it's really tarnished and won't polish up for some reason. ;)

(On a side note: I have a friend in her late 20's who has made that decision for herself, but it's not faith-based at all. I've always supported her. :) )

Not all choices like that have anything to do with faith- they have everything to do with self-respect, self-love and a choice to wait until something it exactly as you want and need it to be.

-and self-control but I know that's not "cool" these days.

Mostly the former, in my opinion. Symbols of promises are silly.

ah-

I don't believe so. Not that one needs a ring to remember the promise- but the symbolism clearly means something to most people- or else the wedding ring tradition would be dying off.