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Are you of the opinion that what is said to the youth of the Church also applies to single adults within the Church?
"Staying away from the edge is an individual responsibility. Occasionally
our well-meaning young people want every detail of appropriate and
inappropriate conduct to be specified, perhaps so they can feel comfortable
in getting closer to the edge. They sometimes seem more concerned with
what the gospel prohibits than what it gives. . . .My strong advice is, if
there is any question about your personal conduct, don't do it. It is the
responsibility of prophets to teach the word of God--not to spell out every
jot and tittle of human behavior. Our moral agency requires us to know good
from evil and choose the good. If we are trying to avoid not only evil, but
the very appearance of evil, we will act for ourselves and not be acted
upon."
(James E. Faust, "Acting for Ourselves and Not Being Acted Upon," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 47)
In my humble opinion, ALL Church doctrine applies to ALL members, youth and adults. I cannot understand the rationalization that adults in the Church can do things that the Youth cannot because they are too 'immature' yet. I think this is a very wrong thinking, because as adults we also are parents, how we could possible teach our children to abstain from doing something when they see us doing it? they learn from our example, therefore, I think it is vital as adults to do the things that we believe are right.
I have often found that many of the adults think that things like the Strength for the Youth do not apply to them. I often wonder about these people... do they think that we would spend all our youth learning these things only to give them up when we reach the age of an adult?
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do they think that we would spend all our youth learning these things only to give them up when we reach the age of an adult? |
Many of the temptations and difficult social situations discussed in the Church's materials for youth did not occur in my life until I was well into 'young single adulthood.' If the prophet speaks to children and teenagers, we should pay special attention to the doctrines he teaches. They are obviously key principles the Lord wants his people to learn early and remember throughout their lives.
LATTER-DAY SAINT TEENS COPE BEST
See https://www.newsobserver.com/news/health_sc...p-8590363c.html
DURHAM, North Carolina - A groundbreaking study of American teenagers
and religion finds that of all the religious groups surveyed, Latter-day
Saint teens fared best at avoiding risky behaviors, doing well in school,
and having a positive attitude about the future. "When you do what
you're supposed to do, you feel blessed for it," said high school
senior Lindsey Furstenberg.
As far as moral teachings in the church, I know of no councel given to youth that does not apply to adults. You'll never hear Pres. Hinckley tell youth to avoid R rated movies until you are 18, or to be honest with your fellow man until you are 21, or don't drink coffee until you are old enough. Adults are expected to live the councel we give to the youth. That being said, there are some situations that mature adults can handle that youth probably cannot. We do not allow 14 year olds to go out on dates but certainly its ok for a 24 year old to do so. I would not allow a 12 year old free reign of the Internet without supervision. But a 20 year old I would. I also would never discuss anti mormon material with youth. It might confuse them, whereas a mature adult with a firm testimony can handle critics of our faith and even strengthen their testimony by studying anti claims.
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I also would never discuss anti mormon material with youth. It might confuse them, whereas a mature adult with a firm testimony can handle critics of our faith and even strengthen their testimony by studying anti claims. |