LDS Church vs. Porn...what happens if we lose?

[_Mister Scratch]

I think that one of the best ways of dealing with this would be for the Brethren to share their own, personal experiences in struggling and overcoming their issues with porn and masturbation. If, say, Elder Bednar were to tell all the Saints about how he struggled mightily with onanism in his youth, and that he was able to achieve self-control through the priesthood and the advice of his ecclesiastical leader, I think that would go a long ways towards addressing the issue in the Church.

[_cinepro]

I'd guess 50-75%.

I wonder what would happen if God gave every porn-addicted LDS green ears one Sunday morning.

[_cinepro]

I think that one of the best ways of dealing with this would be for the Brethren to share their own, personal experiences in struggling and overcoming their issues with porn and masturbation.

I think, generally, LDS are discouraged from sharing any past experiences with sin and repentance. And I'm sure such an anecdote would quickly make the young men put 2+2 and realize they can sin now and become an apostle later.

[_Runtu]

I think that one of the best ways of dealing with this would be for the Brethren to share their own, personal experiences in struggling and overcoming their issues with porn and masturbation. If, say, Elder Bednar were to tell all the Saints about how he struggled mightily with onanism in his youth, and that he was able to achieve self-control through the priesthood and the advice of his ecclesiastical leader, I think that would go a long ways towards addressing the issue in the Church.

Like that would ever happen. I was counseled repeatedly never to discussion my own personal failings with others (except when confessing to leaders, natch), particularly when counseling someone else. Hence, if I was counseling someone (I know, a scary thought) who was struggling with a sin I had previousy struggled with, I should not share that information at all.

I'm sure someone has had a different experience, but that's what I was told.

[_truth dancer]

Hi Runtu,

Someone on MADB the other day said that every apostasy he had ever heard of involved some kind of sexual sin.

I would like to ask this "someone"...

Is sexual sin the reason for apostasy from Scientology? Or the FLDS? Or the JWs? Is the reason people apostasized from the People Temple because of sexual sin? How about Catholicism? Or Islam?

If sexual sin is the reason people apostasize from their various religions then it would be in the best interest of the LDS church to encourage sexual sin in everyone except LDS members.

I find it so silly when apologists claim sin or Satan is at the root of apostasy from the LDS church but leaving every other religion in the world is due to disbelief.

[_The Nehor]

Is sexual sin the reason for apostasy from Scientology?

Yes.

Or the FLDS?

Yes.

Or the JWs?

Yes.

Is the reason people apostasized from the People Temple because of sexual sin?

Yes.

How about Catholicism?

Yes.

Or Islam?

Yes.

If sexual sin is the reason people apostasize from their various religions then it would be in the best interest of the LDS church to encourage sexual sin in everyone except LDS members.

What do you think we've been trying to do?

[_Jason Bourne]

I wonder if the Brethren have a plan other than, "don't do it"?

The Church is now using a 12 step addiction recovery program based on AA's 12 step methods. It was modified to use LDS terms and scripture. The program is for any addiction but sexual compulsions seem to be the main motivator behind its development. Stakes and wards are encouraged to start a weekly meeting the members can plug into. Each group has a couple that coordinates it and a facilitator. In our stake we have had two half day training sessions on this int the past 18 months. We had one group for two stakes two years ago now our stake has two of its own, is starting a third and fourth that can be just for men or just for women and the SP is encouraging two other large wards to start their own groups.

The program is quite good actually as is the work book that goes with it. I am pleased the Church is taking this approach and I can tell as one having sat through the training on this and as a person who was key in organizing a group in the ward I attend that it is a worth while program and takes a very compassionate approach.

Here is some information about it:

http://www.providentliving.org/content/ ... -1,00.html

[_truth dancer]

Hi Jason,

Is every stake supposed to run this program, or how does a stake decide when to run it? Is it the choice of the stk president?

What about prevention? Anything the church is trying to impliment?

How concerned do you think the Brethren are? How big of a problem do you think it is?

:-)

[_The Nehor]

What about prevention? Anything the church is trying to impliment?

Following the Bible more completely.

Masturbation:

If the hand offends thee, cut it off.

Pornography:

If the eye offends thee, pluck it out.

PROBLEM SOLVED!

[_Jason Bourne]

Is every stake supposed to run this program, or how does a stake decide when to run it? Is it the choice of the stk president?

I think yes every stake should be running it at some point. It is making its way through the system.

What about prevention? Anything the church is trying to impliment?

Prevention of porn and other sexual issues? Hmmm. Well I think the preach against is farily frequently but one book I read on this by Carnes said that religions that are heavy on condemnation and guilt, especially for sexual actions tend to create shame that can fuel a pattern of compulsion towards sexual type things.

How concerned do you think the Brethren are?

Extremely.

How big of a problem do you think it is?

I think it is a fairly significant problem.