BishopRic wrote:
I actually think this "no masturbation" thing is a key, though possibly unintentional, strategy in molding young Mormons into their guilt/shame/depend on the church for forgiveness mentality. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't presume that Mormonism started this, but they have sure perfected it!
Let me explain: teenage boy hits puberty (I will only speak for the male gender, since I am an expert with this one....), things start feeling kinda tingly down there, but parents are too embarrassed to talk much about it. Interview with the bish reveals that we are not supposed to "play"...at least for now. BUT, it's really a beautiful thing if we "save ourselves" for marriage...and this is how we co-create people with God.
But it REALLY feels good now, and I sometimes slip up and rubby rubby a little too much....
OOOOOh, the guilt that I have sinned a grievous sin! I pray, tell the bish, and commit to never do it again!
But I do.
The cycle continues, and I start to think I will never be strong enough to avoid the tempatation. Maybe a mission will help. The cycle continues...and I DO NOT feel worthy to do the work of the Lord...I must work harder to gain the Lord's blessings to resist temptation and become okay...
The inadequacy I feel creates a feeling of weakness..I will never be good enough! I depend on "God" and "his" institution to help me...
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Sounds like a great way to emotionally control a lot of people to me!
Wowzers! See, beastie, you're right again (as usual) there are sooooo many reasons I'm drawn to ex-Mos. :) Yep, feeling inadequate and flawed is a great way to make someone dependent and a sense of helplessness. Geez.