Sharma, Sonya. “Exploring Acts of Agency within Christian Women’s Sexuality.” Fieldwork in Religion, vol. 7, no. 2, Nov. 2012, pp. 134–147. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1558/fiel.v7i2.134.
This text discusses some of the different aspect of a Christian women’s sexuality. Heteronormativity is very common amongst this group because the bible itself states what a union should like. Nevertheless, a few of the women identified as lesbians. The text further gives various perspectives on sex from different people. The findings concluded that “a women’s religiosity and sexual desires are complicated by conflicting discourses of femininity and sexuality espoused in their churches and mainstream cultures” (Sharma).
This source related to the research topic because Pinky Promise places an emphasis on remaining abstinent until marriage. However, the text brushes up on the dichotomy that is present between a women’s sexuality and following their religion. There is a sense of feminism that comes along with someone’s sexuality but maintaining a certain conduct as a Christian further only complicates that.
It relates to the other sources because it focuses on Christian women. It strengthened what I already knew: having Christian views while trying to fit into mainstream society is very difficult. The fact that the paper lacked the male perspective was a weakness of the paper. It was interesting to me how they included different perspectives of the women because although you are in the same faith, your views can be so different.
Gish, Elizabeth. “'ARE YOU A TRASHABLE’ STYROFOAM CUP?’: Harm and Damage Rhetoric in the Contemporary American Sexual Purity Movement.” Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion, vol. 34, no. 2, Fall 2018, pp. 5–22. EBSCOhost, doi:10.2979/jfemistudreli.34.2.03.
This article focuses on the harm damage that the idea of sexual purity amongst conservative Christians. It then goes into explain the rhetorically constructed meaning of purity behind both genders. It also explains why this type of sexual education is not helpful to young girls (Gish).
This source related to the research topic because Pinky Promise helps educate their members on topics pertaining to sex. It also relates to the other sources because it is about the relationship between Christians and sex. Offering background and history on the matter strengthened the central argument. I found the explanation behind the rhetoric to be interesting and a different take on the topic.
Ryan, Tarayn Machelle. “The Masculinization of Christian Holy Women.” Journal of Theta Alpha Kappa, vol. 37, no. 2, Fall 2013, pp. 13–27. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLA0001969050&site=eds-live&scope=site.
This text describes how “the bodies of women were viewed as inherently sexual (and thus, inherently sinful), men had difficulty imagining a woman who was simultaneously fully feminine and fully holy” (Ryan). Since these women were often sexualized no matter what, they had inferior positions within the church. It is not until recently that women started to play a bigger role within the church.
Woman empowerment and feminism while maintaining strong Christian values is essentially what Pinky Promise aims to do. This source related to the other sources because it again describes the paradox of being a Christian woman in today’s modern society. It offers a different take on why women are seen the way that they are. I love how they article goes into the history of this idea of women being “too sexual” to be in these positions originate from.
Louis, Wadeline. Personal Interview. 24 July 2019.
I had an in-depth interview on what Pinky Promise is and what it stands for. A person can only do so much research, but a first-hand account of something provides the raw, detailed account. I learned about the goals that they aim to achieve.
This again relates to the other texts because it talks about some of the topics mentioned in this paper. However, this is different because it is directly from a member--- one of the leaders itself. The best information often comes from person to person. Only so much information can be found online. She helped fill in some of the gaps that were present. For example, the thing about GroupMe. I could not find anything online about that. If I did not interview her, this important fact would have been nonexistent. Some weaknesses in this text could be due to the fact that she’s human. Although she may or may not be aware, we all are inherently biased. Her account and views on this organization is extremely one-sided because it about her experiences and what she has seen during her time there. It was interesting to do an interview because I haven’t done many in my lifetime.
Lindsey, Heather. “About.” Pinky Promise Movement, www.pinkypromisemovement.com/gifts/.
Essentially, this source is all about giving a brief synopsis of the goals and the purpose of the Pinky Promise Movement nationwide through the founder, Heather Lindsey. The fundamental principle is spiritual growth while remaining pure and abstaining from sex. Although this is a key aspect to be a “virgin”, it is not required. Many members have had sex before but now they are looking to abstain and remain celibate.
This relates to the research topic because through trying to meet these goals, a sisterhood is formed in the process. It most closely relates to the interview because it is directly from someone who is involved and informed with all things Pinky Promise. Being the founder adds to her credibility and strengthens the points that she makes. I have read a book on her prior to me realizing that she was the founder and it’s interesting to me to so her transformation. The once insecure, sexually active woman into a Christian leader leading a movement that is saving souls.
Tombs, D. “Silent No More: Sexual Violence in Conflict as a Challenge to the Worldwide Church.” Acta Theologica, vol. 34, no. 2, July 2014, pp. 147–165. EBSCOhost, doi:10.4314/actat.v34i2.9.
This journal called out churches worldwide to do something, say something about sexual violence. Assault happens to both men and women, but way too often it is swept under the rug. The church should be a backbone, a place where you should receive some support from the leaders. However, for some reason, they choose not to talk about it.
This relates to my paper because this was the topic at the bible study I went to. In regard to my other sources, this couldn’t be more different. This one is darker and more serious, and honestly it is hard for people to speak on it. Although this paper was geared towards the church, the fact that it lacked alternatives modes of advocation made their argument weaker. With that being said, I found the paper to be interesting overall. It did spark my interest because this thought has crossed my mind. Why doesn’t the church say something? This question was essentially what the journal was trying to answer.
Chitando, Anna, and Ezra Chitando. “Weaving Sisterhood: Women African Theologians And Creative Writers.” Exchange, vol. 34, no. 1, Jan. 2005, pp. 22–38. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1163/1572543053506310.
This journal describes how various marginalizing factors of African woman allow them to come together to form a sisterhood but not necessarily through faith. “Although the church played a significant role in African education during the colonial period, it tended to promote notions of domesticity among African women” (Chitando). The things that hardships they had to endure brought them together, not the God(s) that they believe in.
This relates to my research topic because a sisterhood is formed because everyone in Pinky Promise is like-minded and has similar goals and aspirations. This is different from my other sources because it shows that negative things can allow people to bond, not only God. I think recognizing multiple aspects of life can make people come together and listing them made their argument stronger. I found this journal interesting because I have never thought about negative things being able to have me bond with other people.
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