Looking for information on personal standards in LDS faith

[Neriah]

I'm interested in learning about the LDS' position on personal standards for its members.

I am wondering about manners of dress, personal conduct, etc...

There is a particular interest on the church's position on certain reading materials.

Thank you in advance for responses.

[the_jason]

The Church has a booklet called For the Strength of Youth that outlines these very standards for its' youth. Since we expect the same things of our adults as we do our youth, this booklet applies to every member of the church.

Here's the link:http://www.lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Manuals/ForTheStrengthOfYouth_36550_eng.pdf

I hope this helps.

[cnnbotha]

Yes, I would go for that one too. For the Strength Of Youth Sums everything up.

[inthearmsofsleep]

I was going to give you our standards in a nutshell, but in doing so realized that it's much better explained in the link the_jason provided. I believe you need adobe reader (or acrobat reader) to open it.

[Neriah]

That gives me a basic idea.

What I am trying to understand is the LDS view of things being interpreted as 'vulgar, immoral or questionable taste' in reference to reading materials, movies, and the such. Things of a pornographic nature are a no brainer of course, but what of magazines like Cosmopolitan or Vogue or some authors' of romances or books like the Harry Potter series? Are they alright or are they considered riske?

I get that alot of the interpretation maybe individual, so I may get a wide array of answers.

If anyone cares to expound on it here or is open to a PM exchange, that'd be welcome.

I am not interested in debating, flaming or trolling on things. It is just an honest interest in the LDS view on these things and how members conduct their life.

Thanks for the replies, it is appreciated.

[cnnbotha]

Well, we believe the Holy Ghost lead us in making such decisions as to the movies we watch, the books or magazines we read or music we listen to. Basically anything that make us feel a little bit uncomfortable we avoid. If anything you do, you can not do in front of the Lord himself and know He would approve of it, you should avoid.

If there is anything that is virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy we seek after these things.

[the_jason]

"For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward." -- D&C 58:26

The purpose of having a prophet on the earth is to speak God's will concerning the church and to teach and clarify doctrine. The prophets and other leaders are not called to instruct in every little circumstance. We've been taught the doctrine. Now the Lord expects us to use our common sense and the Holy Ghost, after much prayer and pondering, to make these decisions for ourselves. Not everyone will receive the answer, so it's not for any of us to say what is too vulgar or too immoral or anything of the like.

If your purpose is to gain information on doctrine, I'm not sure there is one answer. If your purpose is to know for your own standards, study, pray, and let the Spirit guide you.

[cgrantreed]

That gives me a basic idea.

What I am trying to understand is the LDS view of things being interpreted as 'vulgar, immoral or questionable taste' in reference to reading materials, movies, and the such. Things of a pornographic nature are a no brainer of course, but what of magazines like Cosmopolitan or Vogue or some authors' of romances or books like the Harry Potter series? Are they alright or are they considered riske?

I get that alot of the interpretation maybe individual, so I may get a wide array of answers.

If anyone cares to expound on it here or is open to a PM exchange, that'd be welcome.

I am not interested in debating, flaming or trolling on things. It is just an honest interest in the LDS view on these things and how members conduct their life.

Thanks for the replies, it is appreciated.

It all boils down to the content thats involved really. The "gray area" line is really set at this; does what you are doing or looking at lift you up or tear you down and does it enhance the spirit or remove it. The church tells you to shy away from things that detract from God. Reading things like Cosmo and watching soap operas and PG13 movies are really for you to decide whether the content is truly appropriate in your life. I know for certain that not every thing in Cosmo is bad but the article titled " 100 hot sex tips your man would never tell you" is probably right up there on the list with rated R movies and what not. The church policy is basically this: ONLY YOU can determine if what you are reading or doing is proper or appropriate if it is not specifically set in stone as doctrinal standards. Examples:

The Word of Wisdom states specifically that alcoholic drinks are not to be consumed. I however have had many a conversation about the use of wines and hard alcohols in cooking because the alcohol is cooked out for the most part. Some think its ok, others just say no.

Some say that PG13 movies are ok because the box doesn't say rated R. However I have seen some pretty raunchy movies that are rated PG that I felt were unacceptable while other PG13 movies were way over rated. Its all about content and interpretation.

You have the choice to take it to the level that you feel is appropriate. Thats that basis of free choice and the church doesn't stifle that as long as its within the very basic standards that have been set. Most of those standards are in that "For the strength of youth" pamphlet. It is heavily stressed though that if it detracts from the Spirit that its probably not ok.

Hope that helps maybe...