Question regarding church discipline

[jay santos]

Originally Posted by SoonerCoug

I guess it depends on one's definition of "spirituality."

Personally, I think the guilt that teenagers feel when they aren't taught to be philosophical is much more spiritually damaging than my family's approach to these issues.

My dad always said: "It's normal for adolescent males to masturbate. But it can become a problem as well, if it's taken to an extreme. You shouldn't feel guilty about it, and if you ever have any kind of problem, I'd want you to feel comfortable enough to come talk to me about it first."

Spirituality was a broad word for what I meant. I mean did it hurt...

your innocence
make you feel guilty like you weren't square with God for lying to priesthood leaders
hurt your testimony or concept of priesthood leaders
make you feel susceptible to other lies

I guess you gave your answer. That for you it was better. But I wonder if there is a way to teach kids to keep their mouth shut in the bishop's office about "minor" sins, and not damage them in any of the ways I list.

[SoonerCoug]

Originally Posted by Tex

... or a greater need on Cougarguard to have a locker room atmosphere.

Tex: Why don't you make your own message board, and you could be the El Jefe?

You could call it "TexGuard."

[BarbaraGordon]

Originally Posted by Tex

I may have to alter Corollary 1 to simply say, "All Cougarguard discussions will eventually end up discussing masturbation."

Tex, I'm starting to agree with you on this one.

[Mormon Red Death]

Originally Posted by SoCalCoug

You misunderstood - the correct statement was "Majerus doesn't have a member."

Where did he get the 6" defense from then?

[JohnnyLingo]

Originally Posted by BarbaraGordon

Tex, I'm starting to agree with you on this one.

And if Barbara and Tex agree on something, you know it's right.

[jay santos]

Originally Posted by SoonerCoug

It speaks to a greater need within our Mormon society to have an open and honest discussion about masturbation.

It is a little odd the frequency of this topic lately, but it is a big deal in the church for young men, and there's not really a forum to discuss it.

My bro-in-law had a full on nervous breakdown because he masturbated in the MTC and the guilt that came crushing on him and fear that he'd never be able to overcome it. There's no doubt priesthood leaders and LDS teachings had contributed to this needless situation. And I don't think his case is that rare.

[SoonerCoug]

Originally Posted by jay santos

Spirituality was a broad word for what I meant. I mean did it hurt...

your innocence
make you feel guilty like you weren't square with God for lying to priesthood leaders
hurt your testimony or concept of priesthood leaders
make you feel susceptible to other lies

I guess you gave your answer. That for you it was better. But I wonder if there is a way to teach kids to keep their mouth shut in the bishop's office about "minor" sins, and not damage them in any of the ways I list.

One evening I looked out my window, and the moon was looking sort of red, and suddenly my sunday school lessons came to mind...the "moon was turning to blood." At that point I was pretty much sure that I was toast. Years later, I realized that it was probably just dust in the atmosphere.

[FarrahWaters]

Originally Posted by BarbaraGordon

Tex, I'm starting to agree with you on this one.

Me too. That's ok, I guess... confession is good for the soul.

[Goatnapper'96]

Originally Posted by FarrahWaters

Me too. That's ok, I guess... confession is good for the soul.

I think Cougarguard needs it own "master of one's domain" contest.

[Goatnapper'96]

Originally Posted by SoonerCoug

I guess my point is this: The problem with Church discipline is that only the people who confess (or get tattled on) end up getting disciplined.

So ultimately, you end up with dishonest scoundrels in charge sometimes, when honest, "confessing scoundrels" might actually be more "worthy."

Why is this a problem?