https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/7469330/inside-americas-evangelical-purity-movement-girls-pledge-virginity-to-fathers/

What are we to think of this?

I’ve always found these things disturbing. When I first heard of a purity ball, and I read what happened it came across very Protestant like to me. I mean I could be very mistake in my feelings, but gut reaction made my stomach turn. Fathers should be protecting daughters this just seemed to make it creepy....

I think the young men should also make a commitment to purity.

What do you think the white baptismal garment signifies?
Are we not to keep it pure all the days of our lives?
What does Christ say about the man who was not wearing a white garment at the Feast?
Hint: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

I’ve always found these things disturbing. When I first heard of a purity ball, and I read what happened it came across very Protestant like to me. I mean I could be very mistake in my feelings, but gut reaction made my stomach turn. Fathers should be protecting daughters this just seemed to make it creepy....

I agree.  It feels a bit creepy to me too.  Especially when you throw in the fathers dancing with their daughters.  It almost has incestuous implications.  Is the daughter saving herself for her father?  No, she's saving herself for God (because of God) ... and potentially for a future husband.  So that's why Catholics take vows of chastity before priests or other duly-appointed religious.  Promising this to their fathers seems a bit odd.

Promising this to their fathers seems a bit odd.

Yes, it does seem odd from a catholic perspective.  However, all protestants have is the natural law - no Church, no true persons of authority (except in the family).  So, the only way for protestants to "legitimize" this "vow" is through the family, hence the father is involved.  If catholics did this sort of thing, we'd have a similar ceremony but we'd promise to the priest, in front of the altar (i.e. to God).

From a spiritual perspective, the protestants are just trying to kick back against the ruthlessly impure culture.  You don't see novus ordo catholics doing anything REMOTELY like this.  I think this takes a spiritual promise to God (which Protestants realize exists) and ADDS a human element, which makes the promise more real (in a human sense).  I think it's a great idea, even if it's not catholic.  Surely this is a good way to promote purity, even if it's not the catholic way.

I feel VERY VERY strongly about purity and the need to give girls the strength and self confidence to avoid sin and save themselves for marriage. 

However I do feel that there is an element of vanity and self indulgence about these ceremonies and it is wrong that God is not at it’s centre. 

I also agree about the dresses !