The Evangelical Christians taking chastity before marriage to a new extreme

World Class

For one in eight Evangelical Christians, chastity means that their first kiss will be at the altar.

Chronicling this extreme concept of purity, a revealing new documentary follows seven Evangelical children as they prepare for their fairytale vision of romance and marriage.

'We had our first kiss on our wedding day, I wouldn't have traded that for anything,' says one daughter in Virgin Tales, premiering on July 23.

Virgin Tales: Chronicling this extreme concept of purity, a new documentary, Virgin Tales, follows seven Evangelical children as they prepare for their fairytale vision of romance and marriage

The documentary follows the Colorado-based Wilson family, founders of the Purity Ball, to reveals the unshakable religious beliefs of the children as they seek out spouses.

 

'Just dreaming about the day that I get married and meet my incredible man gave me hope and encouraged me to continue on in this walk of purity,' explained one daughter.

Christian clan: The documentary follows the Colorado-based Wilson family, founders of the Purity Ball, to reveals the unshakable religious beliefs of the children as they seek out spouses

Already married: According to the film, 25per cent of Americans are Evangelical Christians and many of them vow to remain 'unsoiled' until marriage, holding out for a life as a stay-at-home wife and mother

Looking out: Randy Wilson (far right), who started the Purity Ball in 1998, explains in the film that it is his responsibility 'to love and protect, physically, my daughter and wife'

According to the film, 25per cent of Americans are Evangelical Christians and many of them
 

vow to remain 'unsoiled' until marriage, holding out for a life as a stay-at-home wife and mother.

'I've just always know that I wanted to be a wife and a mother, i would hate to go off and spend thousands of dollars on an education that I wouldn't use,' said another Wilson daughter.

Purity ball: The documentary also focuses on the Purity Ball, a formal dance attended by fathers and their daughters, who make a virginity pledge to remain sexually abstinent until marriage

Sacred daughters: Fathers who attend the ball promise to protect their young daughters' 'purity of mind, body, and soul'

The documentary also focuses on the Purity Ball, a formal dance attended by fathers and their daughters, who make a virginity pledge to remain sexually abstinent until marriage.

Fathers who attend promise to protect their young daughters' 'purity of mind, body, and soul.'

Importance of family: The documentary's director, Mirjam von Arx, who followed the Wilson family for two years, said he was astonished by how many people in America share their beliefs

Father figure: Fathers of the church promise to protect their young daughters' 'purity of mind, body, and soul'

Randy Wilson, who started the ball in 1998, explains in the film that it is his responsibility 'to love and protect, physically, my daughter and wife.'

'Whatever that looks like, I would certainly step in for her best interests,' he says.

On the podium, one of his daughters introduces the dance with a short, but poignant speech: 'We are simply to valuable to give ourselves away to young men who would not treat us with great respect, honor and worth,' she says to the crowd.

The documentary's director, Mirjam von Arx, who followed the Wilson family for two years, said he was astonished by how many people in America share their beliefs.

'And not only in America, but there is a movement gaining strength even aboard like in Europe. A lot of parents say their kids are a lot more conservative than when they were young,' Ms von Arx told Fox News.

'There’s a strong belief that father knows best. They really do feel like their father is trustworthy and they trust his opinion.'

And that trusted opinion extends to the sons, as well.

'They really held the men to the same standards,' said Ms von Arx.  'They are sincere about doing the right thing and honor the women and keep themselves pure. I was very surprised.'

Virgin Tales airs on Showtime July 23 at 7.30pm.