Posted by:
Fetal Deity
(
)
Date: July 29, 2013 02:36AM
And that is very interesting about how the temple endowment uses the specific term "sexual intercourse" when referring to the law of chastity.
However, I know that growing up in the church, I was taught specifically (and officially) that masturbation is very much a violation of the law of chastity.
From the Aaronic Priesthood manual:
"The law of chastity means that a man must not have intimate physical relations with anyone except his own wife. The Lord has commanded, 'Thou shalt not commit adultery' (Exodus 20:14). The law of chastity is not limited to just adultery, however. It extends to all improper uses of the divine power of procreation. Among the other ways man misuses this sacred power are fornication (including living together without marriage), homosexuality, abortion, and masturbation."
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=f5beff3ff4c20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=ba805f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRDSo, whenever I was asked about my compliance to the law of chastity during any interview (even if masturbation wasn't specifically mentioned, although it usually was), I understood I was lying if I claimed I was obeying the law but practicing masturbation. That being said, the last time I talked to any church authority on the subject (about 15 years ago, with a bishop who was quoting the stake president) I was told that I should NOT confess masturbation, but that it was to be treated in the same way "impure thoughts" were--that is, just between the Lord and me.
So, needless to say, the status of the "confessability" of masturbation is quite confusing ... and maybe they want to keep it that way?
(Oh, and I can't agree more with your final point: "FB[KKK]PTH!")
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/29/2013 02:46AM by Fetal Deity.