What makes pre-marital sex legitimate? (moral, abstinence, evolve, church)

[Sunstone]

According to one study, 90% of couples have sex before marriage. Of course, this high figure does not correspond to how many people recommend abstinence before marriage. That is to say, people are saying one thing (abstain) but are themselves doing another (having pre-marital sex). So, what set of circumstances makes it OK to have pre-marital sex?

[Linus]

In my opnion, it is never ok. But i realize that since many members on this forum are not christians, they will disagree. But I still remain firm in my stance on pre-marital sex and say that it is wrong.

[Sunstone]

But why do you say it's wrong, Linus. I'm not interested in debating with you why you think it's wrong, so much as I'm interested in knowing your reasons for thinking it's wrong.

[Linus]

I am only firm in saying that it is wrong because the Bible says that it is wrong. But if it weren't for the Bible... I would probably let society decide for me, as so many often do.

[Jaymes]

It's not pre-marital sex that's bad, it's irresponsibility, which usually goes hand-in-hand with pre-marital sex.

[Sunstone]

If you knew for sure that you were going to marry someone, would you feel that pre-marital sex with that person was OK?

[Michelle]

Mankind was having babies long before we invented marriages and weddings. And I can make a good debate that marriages were invented by men for the purpose of controlling there wife. WE become a piece of property just like cattle. Men bought the right to marry us from our father for a few camels and a goat. Then we slept in a tent and we were married. I am elated we have evolved into beautiful church weddings that allow US to marry who we wish. And I think we should protect our loved ones when we pass by having legal rights through a marriage. But I do not see any reason to think that the early weddings were holy and besides, how can making love be evil? That's almost an oxymoron. I do agree that sex can be dirty and is many times. I guess what I am saying , is it is all about motive and what you feel way down inside.

[linwood]

So, what set of circumstances makes it OK to have pre-marital sex?

I can`t think of too many circumstances that would show it to be morally wrong.

There is no support for responsible pre-marital sex being illegitimate other than religion.

Thats not really support.

Mankind was having babies long before we invented marriages and weddings. And I can make a good debate that marriages were invented by men for the purpose of controlling there wife. WE become a piece of property just like cattle. Men bought the right to marry us from our father for a few camels and a goat.

The few matriarchal societies I know of hold no concept of marriage.
That would lead me to believe your statement.

[Druidus]

I believe that it is fine, although you need to be responsible and careful.

[Sunstone]

Would you consider having sex with someone you did not love to be wrong?