The Law of Chastity
Chapter 39, pg. 225
Parents have the obligation to teach their children the law of chastity, modesty, and about procreation. Talk to children frankly but reverently, using correct names for body parts, so they will develop the proper attitudes toward their bodies. Parents should not display embarassment or anxiety when doing so. If children feel uncomfortable talking to their parents about the subject, they will turn to peers for information, which may be incorrect and not in harmony with gospel principles.
Adam and Eve were placed on this earth and commanded to multiply and replenish the earth. They were married by God prior to receiving the instruction. We are taught the only place sexual relations are to be engaged in are after marriage, and then only with our spouse. This teaching is the law of chastity. Prior to marriage, actions that arouse sexual desires are to be avoided. This includes touching over clothing and passionate kissing.
Homosexual behavior is a serious sin. Latter-day prophets have spoken about the dangers of homosexual behavior and about the Church's concern for people who may have such inclinations. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If persons with homosexual inclinations do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. We are to love them as sons and daughters of God. We are to help them, assist them, and strengthen them.
Satan wants us to break the law of chastity to prevent us fron returning to live with our Heavenly Father. We must guard ourselves against powerful influences. Our children have experiences in school, with peers, that are much different than ours may have been. Open communication is essential. Required are modest dress and thoughts as well as actions that are pure. President Gordon B. Hinkley said, "You live in a world of terrible temptations. Pornograpy, with its sleezy filth, sweeps over the earth like a horrible engulfing tide. It is poison. Do not watch it or read it. It will destroy you if you do. It will take from you your self-respect. It will rob you of a sense of the beauties of life. It will tear you down and pull you into a slough of evil thoughts and possibly of evil actions. Stay away from it. Shun it as you would a foul disease, for it is just as deadly. Be virtuous in thought and in deed. God has planted in you, for a purpose, a divine urge which may be easily subverted to evil and destructive ends. When you are young, do not get involved in steady dating. When you reach an age where you think of marriage, then is the time to become so involved. But you boys who are in high school don't need this, and neither do the girls." (Ensign, Nov. 1997, 51).
Those who break the law of chastity are subject to Church discipline; however, they can be forgiven. Peace comes only through forgiveness. When a child is conceived out of wedlock, every effort should be made to encourage the couple to marry. If this is not to be, counseling pertaining to adoption through LDS Family Services to ensure that the baby will be sealed to temple-worthy parents should occur. Those who keep the law of chastity are greatly blessed. Those who break the law of chastity can be forgiven. Seek the counsel of your bishop. Peace comes only through forgiveness.
