Parenting is so challenging. I am not indicting “purity culture”. I’ve seen people emerge from it whole, healthy, and joy-filled. But because it involves people, there’s room for improvement.
Courtney Stodden grew up in a Christian household. Her virginity was emphasized. Her parents believed that marriage would keep her safe, even though she was only 16 years old and her husband was 51. To them, this was what it meant to be “Christian.” After all, she was married.
But Courtney’s story—and her Lifetime movie—show us the deep dangers of misapplied faith.
1. Marriage Does Not Erase Childhood
Scripture teaches us: “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child” (1 Corinthians 13:11). A child bride is still a child. A girl. No ceremony can fast-forward maturity. To confuse marriage with readiness is to endanger the very ones God calls us to protect.
2. Purity Is Not a License for Exploitation
Courtney’s virginity was treated like a safeguard, but it became a doorway for exploitation. True biblical purity is not about preserving an image—it is about protecting hearts, bodies, and souls. Purity cannot be achieved by handing a child over to an adult under the banner of marriage.
3. Appearance Does Not Define Faith
Courtney was mocked for how she dressed, but clothing does not tell the whole story of a soul. God does not measure skirts or makeup—He measures the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). To judge or dismiss a child based on appearance is to miss our calling as protectors. When you watch the movie it becomes clear that for a long time, Courtney did not know who she was. She wasn’t given space and time to find out. Society, especially the rich, famous, and powerful; had no business mocking such a young lady on a journey of self-discovery. A clumsy one, sure. But her journey.
4. Parents Are Called to Guard, Not Sacrifice
Christian parents are entrusted with the care of their children. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus warns: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Faith does not excuse putting children in harm’s way. It calls us to defend them.
5. God’s Standard Is Compassion, Not Legal Loopholes
The world excused Courtney’s marriage because it was technically “legal.” But God’s justice is higher than man’s legality. The Lord calls us to protect the vulnerable, not to exploit loopholes that enable harm. In girl child marriage, the scales are definitely tipped in the older males’ favor. He has had time to grow up and become who he chooses to be. She hasn’t had that opportunity. “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause” (Isaiah 1:17).
✨ Final Reflection
Courtney’s story is heartbreaking because faith was present, but discernment was not. As Christians, we must remember: marriage, purity, and appearances are not shields if they are used outside of God’s true intent. Children need guardians who see beyond culture, beyond loopholes, and beyond image—guardians who will embody Christ’s love by protecting them with wisdom and compassion.
Before this movie, I wasn’t deeply familiar with her. But now, I really hope she wins. I am rooting for this young lady. She seems to be on a powerful healing path. Praying for you, Courtney! You got this!
