stemelbow wrote:Runtu wrote:Given that McKay's quote appears in a chapter of MoF about sexual morality, it's at least clear what Kimball meant when he cited it.
Of course. But even in that context it doesn't say what beefcalf said. I'm not defending these random few LDS quotes per se. I'm just here explaining that what beefcalf said, and which I felt was silly at first, is not what the quotes suggest. McKay's quote suggests that virtue is very important to preserve and people should fight to preserve it, even fight to death. But that does not say its better to die then to lose one's viriginity before marriage. I can see how it can be twisted to suggest as much. I can see how people who are critical of the church would like to summarize it as beefcalf did. Still, it doesn't matter. Its still not the same thing. Its still just a caricature drawn to satisfy the critical side.
Stem....How old are you? 22? 23?
The reason I ask is that I think the reason we are at an impasse is because you are addressing some of us "older folks" who have grown up in a different era of the Church.
The Church has evolved, and I completely agree with you that today's message is different than the message the Church sent 30-35 years ago.
I think, however, that you need to give credence to the fact that you did not attend the Standards Nights, the special youth firesides, etc. which were completely dedicated to subjects such as masturbation, abortion, chastity, sexual sins, etc.
President Kimball was the prophet through my elementary and most of my High School days. I remember his talks well.
Now, please understand that I have a great love and respect for President Kimball. I read his book, "One Long and Silent, Sleepless Night". I still own it. He had a true testimony of Christ.
That being said, having lived through that era, and having gone through puberty and High School during his presidency, I can tell you that as a girl/woman, I had a dire fear of being raped. In YW, we were explicitly taught to "fight to the death" if we were attacked.
Frankly, I had always thought that fighting would be a normal thing to do....until I was sexually assaulted when I was 17....and discovered what it was like to go into shock. Have you ever been in shock, Stem? When you go into shock, you physically can't move....can't speak...even though you want to.
For years, I never told anyone what happened because I didn't want to be thought of as "damaged goods".
I understand what you are saying about the Church not currently preaching a lot of these things...but please do not disrespect those of us who have lived through some of these times.
I think that we can learn from each other.