I grew up during the sexual revolution. It was a philosophical and physical rebellion against entrenched social mores about everything from enjoying sex to condemning sexual activities, including pre- and extramarital relations.

Spurred by new concepts of feminism and the availability of the pill, more permissive attitudes toward casual sex became prevalent. And while not the norm, extramarital affairs and having children out of wedlock were more readily accepted. Today, it’s as if all choices involving sex are exempt from moral judgment.

It’s simply not so. While values confining sexual activity to the marriage bed are deeply rooted in religion, sexual conduct also involves secular ethical considerations that go beyond religious views about chastity and fidelity. In fact, choices concerning sexual conduct are ethical minefields.

Although many decisions about sex are private, when they affect others, there’s an ethical dimension that can’t be ignored. If one betrays a trust or induces another to do so, it’s wrong. So is irresponsible, dishonest, or disrespectful behavior that exploits people, inflicts emotional pain, jeopardizes important relationships, or creates risks of disease or unwanted pregnancy.

Sex isn’t wrong, but given the stakes, it should be taken very seriously.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.