Masturbation is not Sinful According to the Mormon Therapist

[_bcspace]

I also have never asked any of my youth, or adults for that matter, about masturbation. It would be very inappropriate for any Bishop to inquire about that subject.

Not according to the church handbook of instructions.

I'm familiar with the CHI. Are you?

[_Everybody Wang Chung]

Not according to the church handbook of instructions.

Equality,

This will be my last post on "shaking hands with Mr. lincoln".

bcspace is correct. Masturbation is mentioned in only one place in the handbook and that is in an instruction to bishops and stake presidents about what does not warrant a Disciplinary Council. (The handbook refers to it with the archaic term "self-abuse.")

That's it. Nothing else. Nada.

Masturbation is not mentioned in the section of the handbook that describes the law of chastity. The chastity section includes language that prohibits "unholy, unnatural or impure practices." You might imagine that masturbation could be construed as one of these practices, but there's a bit of evidence against this interpretation. The very next sentence says that engaging in these practices will result in Church discipline, which is not the case with masturbation. Breaking the law of chastity appears to require more than one person in the room.

While there still is a moderate LDS cultural prohibition against masturbation, we're seeing less emphasis from Church leadership. There's virtual silence on the subject of masturbation from the pulpit in General Conference. It seems as if it's evolving into a don't-ask-don't-tell situation.

I have made the decision as Bishop of my Ward to NEVER ask anyone about masturbation and I never will.

[_Equality]

I'm familiar with the CHI. Are you?

Yes. I have a copy. Been over this before.
Since Wang Chung won't talk about ti anymore, I'll ask you: When did the church rescind the prohibition on masturbation? When has the church ever said it is OK? Does the church still publish Boyd K. Packer's talk To Young Men Only and distribute the same to local units?

[_Equality]

The 2010 Church Handbook of Instructions tells Bishops and Stake Presidents that their parishioners' private sexual habits are appropriate, even required, topics for interviews. The CHI tells them to make clear to youth in interviews that they are to refrain "from any kind of sexual activity." It does not tell Bishops simply to ask young people if they keep the law of chastity; it says refrain "from any kind of sexual activity." The CHI is an official church publication printed by the church and approved at the highest levels of church governance. And that's where Bishops and SPs get the idea that it's not only OK to inquire into "any kind of sexual activity" of their interviewees, but mandated by the prophets and apostles who, presumably, are getting their marching orders from Jeebus himself.

[_Peppermint Patty]

The 2010 Church Handbook of Instructions tells Bishops and Stake Presidents that their parishioners' private sexual habits are appropriate, even required, topics for interviews. The CHI tells them to make clear to youth in interviews that they are to refrain "from any kind of sexual activity." It does not tell Bishops simply to ask young people if they keep the law of chastity; it says refrain "from any kind of sexual activity." The CHI is an official church publication printed by the church and approved at the highest levels of church governance. And that's where Bishops and SPs get the idea that it's not only OK to inquire into "any kind of sexual activity" of their interviewees, but mandated by the prophets and apostles who, presumably, are getting their marching orders from Jeebus himself.

Equality,

I think what Wang Chung is doing by not asking the youth about masturbation practices is very admirable. The Church is getting more and more bishops like this. I happen to think it is positive progress.

Do you think Wang Chung should be asking about masturbation in his interviews? I am a little confused. It sounds like you disagree with Wang Chung and want him to ask about masturbation? Please clarify.

[_Kittens_and_Jesus]

Oh thank God! I was afraid that spilling seed was stopping the Plan of Happiness.

Every Sperm is Sacred!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0kJHQpvgB8

[_Valentinus]

Oh thank God! I was afraid that spilling seed was stopping the Plan of Happiness.

Every Sperm is Sacred!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0kJHQpvgB8

Oh how I love that movie.

[_Themis]

I'm familiar with the CHI. Are you?

Yes. I have a copy. Been over this before.
Since Wang Chung won't talk about ti anymore, I'll ask you: When did the church rescind the prohibition on masturbation? When has the church ever said it is OK? Does the church still publish Boyd K. Packer's talk To Young Men Only and distribute the same to local units?

When has the church ever taken any responsibility for it's past mistakes? It makes changes over time through silence. This says a lot.

[Guest]

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[Guest]

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