Law of Chastity
Encyclopedia
The law of chastity is a moral code
defined by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). According to the church, chastity
means abstinence from sexual relations before marriage, and complete fidelity
to one's husband or wife during marriage. As part of the law of chastity, the church teaches its members not only to abstain from adultery
and fornication
, but also to refrain from masturbation
and to avoid sexually inappropriate thoughts. The law of chastity is taught to church members of all ages, being introduced simply to young children, and especially emphasized to adolescents.
Importantly, Mormons believe that sexuality between man and woman lawfully married is divinely appointed and has two purposes: to "multiply, and replenish the Earth" as commanded by God to Adam and Eve
, and to strengthen the bond between man and woman that they might "become one flesh" , something many Christian sects believe to be a metaphor for a strong, healthy, happy physical, and mental union. This is also seen as meaning sexual relations are not only for procreation but also seen as an expression of love between husband and wife throughout their lives.
The church has made it clear in many publications and in recent news releases that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God..." The church does not condone sexual relations within a legally-sanctioned same-sex marriage
or sex within polygamous
marriages.
. Members are taught, “We must not view, read, or listen to anything that depicts or describes the human body or sexual conduct in a way that can arouse sexual feelings. Pornographic materials are addictive and destructive.” The Church teaches that, “Like other violations of the law of chastity, homosexual activity is a serious sin.”
The LDS Church leadership place great importance on chastity. When a church member is interviewed by ecclesiastic leaders to determine their worthiness to receive a temple recommend, the fifth of fifteen questions asked during the temple recommend interview is phrased simply and directly: "Do you live the law of chastity?" President Spencer W. Kimball
, in his book Miracle of Forgiveness
, quoted Prophet Heber J. Grant
as saying, "[t]here is no true Latter-day Saint who would not rather bury a son or daughter than to have him or her lose his or her chastity--realizing that chastity is of more value than anything else in all the world." However, the Church states that not every statement by a LDS Church leader should be regarded as church doctrine. "A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church."
Former Church President and Prophet Ezra Taft Benson
wrote:
. Participants are bound by oath to obey this law, which is "there must be no sexual intimacy, except between a man and a woman who have been legally and lawfully married." The Endowment ceremony specifies that sexual relations are only permitted with a legal spouse.
"A 1993 study published in Demography [magazine] showed that Mormons marrying within their church are least likely of all Americans to become divorced. Only 13 percent of LDS couples have divorced after five years of marriage, compared with 20 percent for religiously monogamist unions among Catholics and Protestants and 27 percent among Jews. However, when a Mormon marries outside his or her denomination, the divorce rate soars to 40 percent—second only to mixed-faith marriages involving a Jewish spouse (42 percent)."
and fornication
. Groping
, sexual touching
and cybersex
are also considered violations when done with someone other than a legally and lawfully wedded spouse. However, victims of rape
, incest
and sexual abuse
are not guilty of sin and are not considered to have broken the law of chastity.
Committing to obey the law of chastity is a requirement of membership in the LDS Church. In addition, members are taught to dress modestly and to control their thoughts and to stay away from pornography
.
According to the church, even though the violation of the law of chastity is considered a grievous sin
before God, one who has violated the law of chastity, through proper repentance
, can still be eligible to gain eternal salvation
.
, a pamphlet whose stated purpose is to help LBG members.
D. Michael Quinn
has stated that Spencer W. Kimball
, the 12th President of the LDS Church beginning in 1973, did not believe that an individual could be homosexual, asserting that only a person's actions were homosexual. George L. Mitton and Rhett S. James
believe this a distortion of LDS history.
In 1987, President of the Church Gordon B. Hinckley
wrote that "Marriage should not be viewed as a therapeutic step to solve problems such as homosexual inclinations or practices."
Morality
Morality is the differentiation among intentions, decisions, and actions between those that are good and bad . A moral code is a system of morality and a moral is any one practice or teaching within a moral code...
defined by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). According to the church, chastity
Chastity
Chastity refers to the sexual behavior of a man or woman acceptable to the moral standards and guidelines of a culture, civilization, or religion....
means abstinence from sexual relations before marriage, and complete fidelity
Fidelity
"Fidelity" is the quality of being faithful or loyal. Its original meaning regarded duty to a lord or a king, in a broader sense than the related concept of fealty. Both derive from the Latin word fidēlis, meaning "faithful or loyal"....
to one's husband or wife during marriage. As part of the law of chastity, the church teaches its members not only to abstain from adultery
Adultery
Adultery is sexual infidelity to one's spouse, and is a form of extramarital sex. It originally referred only to sex between a woman who was married and a person other than her spouse. Even in cases of separation from one's spouse, an extramarital affair is still considered adultery.Adultery is...
and fornication
Fornication
Fornication typically refers to consensual sexual intercourse between two people not married to each other. For many people, the term carries a moral or religious association, but the significance of sexual acts to which the term is applied varies between religions, societies and cultures. The...
, but also to refrain from masturbation
Masturbation
Masturbation refers to sexual stimulation of a person's own genitals, usually to the point of orgasm. The stimulation can be performed manually, by use of objects or tools, or by some combination of these methods. Masturbation is a common form of autoeroticism...
and to avoid sexually inappropriate thoughts. The law of chastity is taught to church members of all ages, being introduced simply to young children, and especially emphasized to adolescents.
General standards
Within the LDS Church, chastity means more than abstinence from sex. It means to be morally clean in "thoughts, words, and actions." It also means sexual relations are only permitted between a husband and wife. The church teaches its members that "God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife." Members are told to "never do anything outside of marriage to arouse the powerful emotions that must be expressed only in marriage".Importantly, Mormons believe that sexuality between man and woman lawfully married is divinely appointed and has two purposes: to "multiply, and replenish the Earth" as commanded by God to Adam and Eve
Adam and Eve
Adam and Eve were, according to the Genesis creation narratives, the first human couple to inhabit Earth, created by YHWH, the God of the ancient Hebrews...
, and to strengthen the bond between man and woman that they might "become one flesh" , something many Christian sects believe to be a metaphor for a strong, healthy, happy physical, and mental union. This is also seen as meaning sexual relations are not only for procreation but also seen as an expression of love between husband and wife throughout their lives.
The church has made it clear in many publications and in recent news releases that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God..." The church does not condone sexual relations within a legally-sanctioned same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....
or sex within polygamous
Polygamy
Polygamy is a marriage which includes more than two partners...
marriages.
Youth teaching
The youth are taught that “Before marriage, do not do anything to arouse the powerful emotions that must be expressed only in marriage. Do not participate in passionate kissing, lie on top of another person, or touch the private, sacred parts of another person’s body, with or without clothing. Do not allow anyone to do that with you. Do not arouse those emotions in your own body.” Youth are taught during Sunday School that sexual relations are sacred, and they should avoid “fondling of bodies, one’s own or that of others…” Masturbation is not condoned but is not considered homosexual.Importance
The LDS Church believes that, “Physical intimacy between husband and wife is beautiful and sacred.“ Members are taught when they “keep the law of chastity, their love, trust, and commitment increase.” The law of chastity warns members against pornographyPornography
Pornography or porn is the explicit portrayal of sexual subject matter for the purposes of sexual arousal and erotic satisfaction.Pornography may use any of a variety of media, ranging from books, magazines, postcards, photos, sculpture, drawing, painting, animation, sound recording, film, video,...
. Members are taught, “We must not view, read, or listen to anything that depicts or describes the human body or sexual conduct in a way that can arouse sexual feelings. Pornographic materials are addictive and destructive.” The Church teaches that, “Like other violations of the law of chastity, homosexual activity is a serious sin.”
The LDS Church leadership place great importance on chastity. When a church member is interviewed by ecclesiastic leaders to determine their worthiness to receive a temple recommend, the fifth of fifteen questions asked during the temple recommend interview is phrased simply and directly: "Do you live the law of chastity?" President Spencer W. Kimball
Spencer W. Kimball
Spencer Woolley Kimball was the twelfth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1973 until his death in 1985.-Ancestry:...
, in his book Miracle of Forgiveness
Miracle of Forgiveness
The Miracle of Forgiveness is a book written by Spencer W. Kimball, who was a member of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . ....
, quoted Prophet Heber J. Grant
Heber J. Grant
Heber Jeddy Grant was the seventh president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . He was ordained an apostle on October 16, 1882, on the same day as George Teasdale...
as saying, "[t]here is no true Latter-day Saint who would not rather bury a son or daughter than to have him or her lose his or her chastity--realizing that chastity is of more value than anything else in all the world." However, the Church states that not every statement by a LDS Church leader should be regarded as church doctrine. "A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church."
Former Church President and Prophet Ezra Taft Benson
Ezra Taft Benson
Ezra Taft Benson was the thirteenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1985 until his death and was United States Secretary of Agriculture for both terms of the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower.-Biography:Born on a farm in Whitney, Idaho, Benson was the oldest of...
wrote:
In Endowment ceremony
The law of chastity is one of the covenants Temple-worthy endowed members of the LDS Church promise to keep during the Endowment ceremonyEndowment (Latter Day Saints)
In the theology of the Latter Day Saint movement, an endowment refers to a gift of "power from on high", typically associated with Latter Day Saint temples. The purpose and meaning of the endowment varied during the life of movement founder Joseph Smith, Jr...
. Participants are bound by oath to obey this law, which is "there must be no sexual intimacy, except between a man and a woman who have been legally and lawfully married." The Endowment ceremony specifies that sexual relations are only permitted with a legal spouse.
Impact on marriage
The proscription against all kinds of sexual relations outside of marriage may have a positive impact on the divorce rate within the LDS Church."A 1993 study published in Demography [magazine] showed that Mormons marrying within their church are least likely of all Americans to become divorced. Only 13 percent of LDS couples have divorced after five years of marriage, compared with 20 percent for religiously monogamist unions among Catholics and Protestants and 27 percent among Jews. However, when a Mormon marries outside his or her denomination, the divorce rate soars to 40 percent—second only to mixed-faith marriages involving a Jewish spouse (42 percent)."
Includes broader transgressions
Activities considered a violation of the law of chastity include not only adulteryAdultery
Adultery is sexual infidelity to one's spouse, and is a form of extramarital sex. It originally referred only to sex between a woman who was married and a person other than her spouse. Even in cases of separation from one's spouse, an extramarital affair is still considered adultery.Adultery is...
and fornication
Fornication
Fornication typically refers to consensual sexual intercourse between two people not married to each other. For many people, the term carries a moral or religious association, but the significance of sexual acts to which the term is applied varies between religions, societies and cultures. The...
. Groping
Groping
When used in a sexual context, groping is touching or fondling another person in a sexual way using the hands; it generally has a negative connotation, and is considered molestation in most societies. The term 'frotteurism' may be applied when a person rubs up against another person, typically...
, sexual touching
Non-penetrative sex
Non-penetrative sex is sexual activity without vaginal, anal, or oral penetration, as opposed to the penetrative aspects of those activities...
and cybersex
Cybersex
Cybersex, also called computer sex, Internet sex, netsex, mudsex, TinySex and, colloquially, cybering, is a virtual sex encounter in which two or more persons connected remotely via computer network send each other sexually explicit messages describing a sexual experience...
are also considered violations when done with someone other than a legally and lawfully wedded spouse. However, victims of rape
Rape
Rape is a type of sexual assault usually involving sexual intercourse, which is initiated by one or more persons against another person without that person's consent. The act may be carried out by physical force, coercion, abuse of authority or with a person who is incapable of valid consent. The...
, incest
Incest
Incest is sexual intercourse between close relatives that is usually illegal in the jurisdiction where it takes place and/or is conventionally considered a taboo. The term may apply to sexual activities between: individuals of close "blood relationship"; members of the same household; step...
and sexual abuse
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse, also referred to as molestation, is the forcing of undesired sexual behavior by one person upon another. When that force is immediate, of short duration, or infrequent, it is called sexual assault. The offender is referred to as a sexual abuser or molester...
are not guilty of sin and are not considered to have broken the law of chastity.
Committing to obey the law of chastity is a requirement of membership in the LDS Church. In addition, members are taught to dress modestly and to control their thoughts and to stay away from pornography
Pornography
Pornography or porn is the explicit portrayal of sexual subject matter for the purposes of sexual arousal and erotic satisfaction.Pornography may use any of a variety of media, ranging from books, magazines, postcards, photos, sculpture, drawing, painting, animation, sound recording, film, video,...
.
According to the church, even though the violation of the law of chastity is considered a grievous sin
Sin
In religion, sin is the violation or deviation of an eternal divine law or standard. The term sin may also refer to the state of having committed such a violation. Christians believe the moral code of conduct is decreed by God In religion, sin (also called peccancy) is the violation or deviation...
before God, one who has violated the law of chastity, through proper repentance
Repentance
Repentance is a change of thought to correct a wrong and gain forgiveness from a person who is wronged. In religious contexts it usually refers to confession to God, ceasing sin against God, and resolving to live according to religious law...
, can still be eligible to gain eternal salvation
Salvation
Within religion salvation is the phenomenon of being saved from the undesirable condition of bondage or suffering experienced by the psyche or soul that has arisen as a result of unskillful or immoral actions generically referred to as sins. Salvation may also be called "deliverance" or...
.
Homosexuality
The church makes clear that having same-gender attraction is not sinful and no one should be blamed for it, and that LBG members can have a good standing in the church. LBG members are expected to obey the same laws as straight people, including controlling thoughts and not arousing sexual feelings outside of marriage. However, the church actively opposes the extension of marriage rights to same-sex couples. In 2007, the Church produced God Loveth His ChildrenGod Loveth His Children
"God Loveth His Children" is a pamphlet produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for members with homosexual attractions. It was approved in April 2007 and was announced in July 2007 through a letter to LDS Church bishops and stake presidents, and is available in 27 languages...
, a pamphlet whose stated purpose is to help LBG members.
D. Michael Quinn
D. Michael Quinn
Dennis Michael Quinn is a historian who has focused on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a professor at Brigham Young University from 1976 until his resignation in 1988. At the time, his work concerned church involvement with plural marriage after the 1890 Manifesto, in which...
has stated that Spencer W. Kimball
Spencer W. Kimball
Spencer Woolley Kimball was the twelfth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1973 until his death in 1985.-Ancestry:...
, the 12th President of the LDS Church beginning in 1973, did not believe that an individual could be homosexual, asserting that only a person's actions were homosexual. George L. Mitton and Rhett S. James
Rhett S. James
Rhett S. James is a Latter-day Saint author and educator. He is also a playwright.James was a teacher at the Logan LDS Institute of Religion for 27 years. He was the author of Martin Harris: The Man who Knew....
believe this a distortion of LDS history.
In 1987, President of the Church Gordon B. Hinckley
Gordon B. Hinckley
Gordon Bitner Hinckley was an American religious leader and author who served as the 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from March 12, 1995 until his death...
wrote that "Marriage should not be viewed as a therapeutic step to solve problems such as homosexual inclinations or practices."
See also
- Beliefs and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsBeliefs and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints focuses its doctrine and teaching on Jesus Christ; that he was the Son of God, born of the virgin Mary, lived a perfect life, performed miracles, bled from every pore in the Garden of Gethsemane, died on the cross, rose on the third day, appeared...
- ChastityChastityChastity refers to the sexual behavior of a man or woman acceptable to the moral standards and guidelines of a culture, civilization, or religion....
- Sexuality and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsSexuality and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsSexuality has a prominent role within the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . Adherents believe that gender is defined in the pre-existence, and that part of the purpose of life is for men and woman to be sealed together, forming bonds that allow them to progress...