This study examined the relationship between religion and adolescent sexual and contraceptive behaviors in the US. Data were obtained from the 1982 and 1988 Cycles of the National Survey of Family Growth among a sample of women 15-44 years of age. Models examined the determinants of risk of intercourse and contraceptive use only for women who were virgins at the start of the 4-year period preceding each survey. Findings indicate few religious differences in the likelihood of virginity retention among Whites in 1982. By 1988 there were large religious differences in risk of intercourse. White fundamentalists were able to reverse trends and increase the likelihood of retaining virginity. Among fundamentalist Blacks 50% were more likely to remain virgins regardless of time period. Denomination influenced contraceptive choice at first intercourse and the effects differed by race. White Catholics and fundamentalists were less likely to use any method at first intercourse than other religions. Most women who used a method relied on condoms at first intercourse. Fundamentalists were the most likely to use the pill. Black Catholics were more likely to use the pill and Blacks of other religions tended to use the condom. 62% of Whites and 60% of Blacks aged 15-19 years used contraception especially the pill at the most recent intercourse. 60% of White adolescents and only 46% of Blacks used contraception at first intercourse. Denomination or attendance had little effect on current contraceptive behavior among White teens. Findings suggest that the effects of denomination on the risk of intercourse and contraceptive use initially were not maintained after first intercourse.