World Religions

“Father-Daughter Purity Ball” by Randy Wilson and “The Pursuit of Teen Girl Purity” by Nancy Gibbs, depict personal accounts of the ceremony and how it is carried out. Both articles start out almostethereal in tone, as the authors try to portray the almost ethereal experience of excitement and wonder that is the Father-Daughter Purity Ball. The articles focus mainly on the path to teenage girlpurity, the relationship between father and daughter, and the vow that fathers make in order to protect their daughters’ purity. A divine covenant that consists of signed contract, a lavish evening,and the chance for fathers to dance with their “little princesses,” while enjoying beautiful music from six p.m. until midnight. It is a night in which girls of all ages can feel like royalty. Theaspect of the Father-Daughter Purity Ball tradition spans to all types of backgrounds, albeit dark ones, or of people living rather sheltered lives. The author of “The Pursuit of Teen Girl Purity” alsopresents an opposing view contrasting the practice of the Purity Ball, where critics argue that girls should be responsible enough to make their own decisions in life.
Randy Wilson’s “Father-DaughterPurity Ball” focuses on firsthand accounts and commentary from people who experienced the ceremony. From the perspective of the father to the daughter, the author manages to portray the essence of theFather-Daughter Ball. The Purity Ball, in and of itself, is a holy ceremony where daughters make vows to their fathers for purity, while fathers vow to protect their daughters until a husband can takehis place. Therefore they treasure their “regal princesses” because according to 1 Peter 3:4 (NASB), they are “precious in the sight of God” –and they should be treated as royalty (Wilson, p.84). Theonly way to treat them like royalty is to reward them with “a banquet and a five-star hotel” (Wilson, p.84). The ball is complete with banners depicting feminine qualities like graciousness and...