Chastity in Mormonism

Let the reader be forewarned that the tone of this article is particularly stern. One reason for this is the fact that in recent years many Mormon church leaders have declared that the conditions of wickedness present in today's society actually equal or exceed those of ancient Sodom and Gomorrah. Mormons believe that the destruction of those two cities was incurred primarily because of completely unrestrained sexual perversion.

Mormonism teaches that chastity and fidelity are among the most important principles contained in the gospel of Jesus Christ. They have reference to sexual morality, which dictates that a person should not have any sexual relations before marriage, and after marriage may have sexual relations solely with his or her legal spouse. Mormons believe that this is a strict commandment of God, the breaking of which constitutes a most grievous sin, second only to murder. Any Mormon who commits fornication (sex before marriage) or adultery (unfaithfulness to one's spouse through sex outside of marriage) must face church leaders and let them prayerfully decide on the consequential course of action, which may include excommunication, or loss of membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church).

Mormon codes of conduct are so stringent in this regard because sexual relations between husband and wife represent a bond, a unity, that can only come into fruition between the legally wed. This fruition is manifest in all aspects of their life together. Mutual goal-setting, worship of Deity, rearing of children, decisions in finances, and more, are areas in which a husband and wife can show each other deep respect and consideration, continually striving to come to agreements as partners working towards great and productive outcomes-sweet and fruitful achievements which make up the heart of a successful marriage. This starkly contrasts any and all sexual relations of the unmarried, from one-night stands to long-term cohabitation, where true commitment consistently takes low priority.

The ability of a man and woman to create new life is a sacred privilege and responsibility. Mormons understand that when they bring a child into the world, that precious soul has been entrusted to their care by none other than God, the Heavenly Father of all. Of utmost importance is the raising of the child in truth and righteousness, equipping him or her with the knowledge and strength necessary to pass through the temptations and traps of the world and the devil, finally being judged worthy to return to the presence of the Father as a more developed individual, matured in mind, body, and spirit through the grace of Christ.

Mormonism teaches that the human body is a temple for a person's spirit, a haven that should be kept clean and pure so as to allow for the desired development. In light of this fact, members of the Mormon Church are taught to abstain from alcohol, coffee, tobacco, and other harmful drugs; tattoos and body piercings (barring one pair of earrings for women); and, above all, sexual immorality. Impurity of this nature is not limited to fornication and adultery only, but also includes actions that may lead up to, or are akin to, such indecency. Some of these actions are: dressing immodestly (wearing clothing that is too tight or revealing and therefore alluring and suggestive of nudity); entertaining bad thoughts or sharing in dirty jokes; watching movies containing sexual innuendos, nudity, and sex scenes; looking at or reading pornographic material; lusting after people (looking intently at them with the desire to see them naked or worse); masturbation (which is very harmful despite some professionals' claims to the contrary); rape, incest, and child molestation; and homosexuality.

The world is falling more and more under the diabolical impression that there is something normal, even desirable, in homosexuality. The Mormon Church stands firm in declaring that it is an abomination, a grave sin against commandments of God. Certainly every human has personal weaknesses. These might include inclinations towards stealing, dishonesty, violence, or sexual perversion-but this does not justify the actions of a person ensnared by homosexuality, any more than would be justified a kleptomaniac, liar, murderer, or child molester. The Book of Mormon teaches that God gives us weaknesses so that we will be humble and turn to Him and His Son. To those who earnestly and frequently pray, confess their sins to God and the proper church leaders, read the scriptures, get professional help when necessary, and, in all, strive in faith and hope to overcome their frailties, the promise is given: the Lord will "make weak things become strong unto them" (Ether 12:27). Forgiveness and divinely sent strength are possible because of the sacrifice of God's perfect Son, Jesus Christ.

In the end, those who have remained morally clean, as well as those who have repented to become clean, will find great peace, joy, confidence, and fulfillment in this life and in the life to come. Mormonism teaches that this is the very desire of our loving Heavenly Father.