For those of you who are curious, I’ve decided to dedicate this entire post to what our standards are.

Media

    To start off with, we have been counseled by our church leaders to never participate  in any form of entertainment that is violent or pornographic in any way. We believe that these things desensitize our spirits, making it harder for us to hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.
     Several of our church leaders have asked us not to watch R-rated movies. President Ezra Taft Benson said : “We counsel you…not to pollute your minds with such degrading matter, for the mind through which this filth passes is never the same afterwards. Don’t see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or participate in any entertainment that is immoral, suggestive, or pornographic.” (1)

W e have also been counseled:”Do not attend, view or participate in any entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in entertainment that in any was presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable.”(3)

Pornography in all its form is especialy dangerous and addictive. It can lead to transgression and even criminal behavior. It is a poison that can weaken self control and change the way you see others.
    Regarding music, we are told to only listen to those songs that are uplifting in nature. Anything that contains inappropriate language or references is to be avoided.”Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Don’t listen to music that drives away the Spirit, encourages immorality, glorifies violence, [or] uses foul language.” (4)

Dress and Appearance

We believe that our bodies are God’s sacred creations. We know that because of this, we must respect them as the gifts that they are. We will not defile out bodies in any way because of this knowledge. Prophets have counseled us to dress modestly . Elder Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once stated, “Choose your  clothing the way you would choose your friends – in both cases choose that which improves you and would give you confidence standing in the presence of God. Good friends would never embarrass you, demean you, or exploit you. Neither should your clothing.”(2)

Common guidelines include not wearing tight or revealing attire, wearing all shorts and skirts to (or below) the knees. Immodest clothing also includes shirts that do not cover the stomach,and  shoulders. We avoid extremes in clothing, appearnance and hairstyle.

We show respect for our bodies by not disfiguring it with tattos, or body piercings. If they desire, girls and women may have one modest pair of earrings. 

Physical Health

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we believe that our physical health is very important. Through modern revelation to our prophets, we have been commanded by the Lord to take care of our bodies. In section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants (a book of latter-day scripture) we are given what is commonly known as the “Word of Wisdom”, or a health code of sorts. By reading that and listening to present day revelation, we are counseled to eat nutritious meals and to exercise regularly. We are told to avoid things that will harm our bodies, such as drugs, tobacco, alcohol, coffee and tea. These substances are harmful to our bodies in more than one way. They are addictive and can enslave our bodies and minds. To be healthy we avoid these. We know that these substances will not make us happier and they most certainly will not make us more attractive.

 

 

 

1. Benson, Ezra T., May 1986 Enisgn, paragraph 42. http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=dc8eef960417b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

2. Holland, Jeffrey R. November 2005 Ensign, p. 28, http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=b99c78de9441c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Entertainment and the Media, For the Strength of Youth.

4.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Music and Dancing, For the Strength of Youth.