A survey of sexual behavior of 500 young men and women 16 to 24 showed that three in four of those not married were having regular sex (defined as at least five times a month) compared with only one in four in 1991. Of these, far fewer were actively concerned about the risk of contracting AIDS or other diseases. In addition, more than four in 10 reported having four or more sexual partners by age 24.

Predictably, the rate of gonorrhea infection among British teenagers has grown by almost 30 percent just since 1995.

A similar survey showed that 12 percent of British young people mistakenly believe that a cure for AIDS is available-thus this misinformation might be contributing to the lack of awareness of the dangers of promiscuity.

Dr. Nick Ford, University of Exeter researcher who carried out the first study, observed that many young people "are having a series of sexual partners." Changing attitudes and lifestyles "have implications not only for the transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases but also marriage, family formation and childbearing."

He attributed much of the change in behavior to a major shift in the thinking of young women. "The 'romantic' attitude of women towards relationships has been eroded. They are now much more at ease with casual relationships."

These findings bring to mind the apostle Paul's prediction: "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men [and women] will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, . . . without self-control,... headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (Sources: The Sunday Times [London], 2 Timothy 3:1-4.)