What do members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) think about sexual health that may differ from other people?
We Mormons believe that sexual health means remaining abstinent until you are married, and being monogamous once you are married. In the Mormon handbook “True to the Faith a Gospel Reference,” We are counseled on how to achieve this goal. “Decide now to be chaste. You need to make this decision only once. Make the decision now, before the temptation comes, and let your decision be so firm and with such deep commitment that it can never be shaken. Determine now that you will never do anything outside of marriage to arouse the powerful emotions that must be expressed only in marriage. Do not arouse those emotions in another person’s body or your own body. Determine now that you will be completely true to your spouse.” “If you are single and dating, always treat your date with respect. Never treat him or her as an object to be used for lustful desires. Carefully plan positive and constructive activities so that you and your date are not left alone without anything to do. Stay in areas of safety where you can easily control yourself.” As members of the Mormon faith we are counseled not to go to dances until we are 14 and to not date anyone until we are 16. Even after we are 16 we are taught to go on dates with many different people and not date one person exclusively. “If you are married, be faithful to your spouse in your thoughts, words, and actions. Never flirt with anyone of the opposite sex. Ask yourself if your spouse would be pleased if he or she knew of your words or actions. When you stay away from such circumstances, temptation gets no chance to develop.” Mormons practice abstinence before marriage not only to prevent STDs and pregnancy but because we believe it is a commandment and that keeping that commandment will also keep us safe from the emotional and social difficulties that come with premarital sex. In contrast to these gospel based directions, teens are often told that they should have sex when they feel like they are ready as long as they protect themselves from STDs and pregnancy. The Planned Parenthood website states, “Am I ready at a glance:
Also, it states: I think I’m ready to have sex. What do I do now? Make sure: 1. Both of you want to have sex without pressure from each other or anyone else. 2. You’re being honest about your feelings. Your partner should be honest, too. 3. You and your partner will do what you need to do, like using condoms, dams, and getting tested, to prevent STDs. 4. If you have vaginal sex, use birth control and condoms to protect against pregnancy. (You should also use condoms to protect against STDs.) 5. Both of you feel comfortable saying “stop” and “no” in any situation. - See more at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/teens/sex/am-i-ready#sthash.vn9pX29A.dpuf
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