Rings the signifiy a promise

Most wear wedding rings on their left ring finger, but not freshmen Carrie Adams.

For Adams, she wears a different type of ring, a ring that, according to her, is a symbol of a strong belief.

Her ring is an outward symbol that lets others know she is waiting to have sex until she is married: a purity ring.

Purity rings became popular in the 90s after Christian affiliated organizations started programs educating and teaching sexual abstinence.

Purity rings are commonly given to adolescents and are meant to be worn until marriage.

When one decides to wear a purity ring, the person takes a personal vow, like Adams, to wait until marriage to become sexually active.

"Not only is it a promise to myself, but a promise to the person I will marry," Adams said.

There are several groups like True Love Waits and Silver Ring Thing that are based on Christian beliefs that promote sexual abstinence outside of marriage.

"I feel like these programs are good because it teaches you what your religion wants you to know," Adams said.

Adams received a purity ring after participating in a program like True Love Waits though her church when she was in middle school.

But, why are abstinence programs and purity rings such a hot topic these days?

Some feel sexual behavior has become more prevalent in the media and according to Adams, "It's hard to stay pure especially in today's society."

However, Adams is still wearing her ring that she received in eighth grade.

Although purity rings seem to encourage moral behavior in adolescents, people still criticize them.

Recently at the 2008 VMAs, the hugely famous Jonas Brothers were mocked because of their decision to wear purity rings by host Russell Brand.

"Whether people choose to wait until marriage or not, it's a personal decision," Adams said.

Singer Jordan Sparks also outwardly wears a ring which she showed off at this year's VMAs.

"It's not bad to wear a promise ring, because not everybody, guy or girl, wants to be a slut," she said commenting on Brand's remark aimed at the Jonas Brothers.

There are many opinions on what purity rings stand for and why they're worn.

Freshmen Samantha Wenger chooses not to wear a ring because she feels it is only a symbol and people can break what that symbol stands for at anytime while continuing to wear the ring.

"I don't think the ring is exactly going to make you pure," Wenger said. "It's something you have to work at and do yourself."

"It's a personal choice that shows that I have decided to stay pure and it's a promise," Adams said.

This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.