A recent study released in the August issue of Pediatrics has captured the eye of parents and media around the world. The study has created a firestorm of attention on the topic of how sexual lyrics that are found in the majority of today's popular music, is influencing the sexual activities of teens. The conclusion of the story, after years of research and debate, concludes that teens whose iPods are full of music with raunchy, sexual lyrics start having sex sooner than those who prefer other songs. In fact, research found that teens who said they listened to lots of music with degrading sexual messages were almost twice as likely to start having intercourse or other sexual activities within the following two years as were teens who listened to little or no sexually degrading music.

For me, the debate on whether or not suggestive lyrics are causing kids to jump into bed with each other is irrelevant. Anyone with half a brain can connect those dots. I'm actually ecstatic about this article coming out because it's creating some much needed discussion about the quality of content being consumed today. This is the first time I've read a report that actually questions what has become the standard. For years I have been completely baffled at most of the Top 40 music. From Rock, Pop and Rap, the envelope has been shattered over and over again.

Take a peak at today's Top 20 singles according to Billboard. If you do your research, it's pretty appalling. The number one song in the country right now is Fergie's "London Bridge," whose profanity soaked lyrics should make anyone blush. In the course of three and a half minutes, she drops seven curse words and covers family friendly topics like drug use, dirty dancing, intoxication, and let's just say that the title of the song is not referring to a famous landmark. I could easily pick apart 75% of the Top 20 list in the same fashion, but it would get as redundant as the mindless garbage I'd be examining.

But the shocking part of this is that it's not a new problem. For years, pop culture has been increasingly bombarded with all things sex. It has become noticeably worse in the past five years, and as the music becomes more single driven, consumers become more immune to what they are listening to as the beat covers the message.

Natasha Ramsey, a 17-year-old from New Brunswick, N.J., said she and other teens sometimes listen to sexually explicit songs because they like the beat. "I won't really realize that the person is talking about having sex or raping a girl," she said. To all who have their head on straight, this may seem absolutely ridiculous, but it's the reality of the world we are living in, and it's penetrating the church just as much. I can't' tell you how many times I've had conversations with Christian teens and young adults over the years about this type of music.

So what does the Recording Industry Association of America, which represents the U.S. recording industry, say about this report? They declined to comment on the findings. I guarantee you that as long as artists keep bringing in the money, they will be allowed to say whatever they want behind a well produced beat.

Finally, I hope that those who did this study did not waste too much time on it. The findings that suggest what goes into the body, will also come out has been well documented in another certain publication for thousands of years. I won't spoil the surprise and ruin all the blood, sweat and tears of countless researchers in this country.