For the Strength of Youth

For the Strength of Youth
Author The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Publisher Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
Publication date
 1965 (1st ed.)
2011 (9th, current ed.)
OCLC 23198861

"For the Strength of Youth" is a pamphlet distributed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) that "summarizes standards from scripture and from the writings and teachings of Church leaders." The pamphlet's target audience is young men and young women of the LDS Church, although its principles are applicable to all age groups and non-church-members alike. It is available on the Internet and in print form. The pamphlet was first published in 1965, and its 9th and most recent edition was released in 2011. The pamphlet was meant to be put "in the hands of every young person in each ward".[1]

History

The cover of the 8th (2001) edition

The LDS Church first published "For the Strength of Youth" in 1965.[2] Subsequent editions were published in 1966, two in 1968, 1969, 1972, 1990, 2001, and most recently in 2011 (9th edition).[3][2]

Cover Art

The first edition of the pamphlet had 16 pages, while the ninth edition has 44 pages.[4] Regarding the latest updated, Young Women general president Elaine S. Dalton said, "The standards have not changed, but times have changed.... For the Strength of Youth has been revised to address the issues youth face today—to teach them the doctrine behind the standards and the promised blessings of obedience."[5]

Overview

The pamphlet discusses a variety of subjects, including dating, appearance, music and dancing, health, and sexual purity. The pamphlet says that "Satan uses media to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal, humorous, or exciting".

Discussion of Homosexuality

The first explicit mention of homosexuality was contained in the 1990 seventh version of the pamphlet[6] where it says, "the Lord specifically forbids ... sex perversion such as homosexuality". It continues "homosexual and lesbian activities are sinful and an abomination to the Lord" and "unnatural affections ... toward persons of the same gender are counter to God's eternal plan".[7]

The 2001 eighth version removes any mention of "unnatural affections" and "abomination" and only states, "homosexual activity is a serious sin. If you find your-self struggling with same-gender attraction, seek counsel from your parents and bishop. They will help you."[8]

In 2011 the ninth version was released adding to the 2001 paragraph that "lesbian behavior" is also a "serious sin" and that the youth should speak to their parents and bishop if they "are being persuaded to participate in inappropriate behavior".[9][10]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Fillmore, Brent D. (2007). "Promoting Peculiarity—Different Editions of For the Strength of Youth". Religious Educator. 8 (3): 75–88. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  2. 1 2 Brent D. Fillmore, "Promoting Peculiarity—Different Editions of For the Strength of Youth,", Religious Educator 8, no. 3 (2007): 75–88.
  3. ↑ Jepson, Jared A. A Study of the For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet, 1965-2004. BYU Religious Department. p. 7. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  4. ↑ "For the Strength of Youth (1966)". New Cool Thang. 13 March 2007. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  5. ↑ "For the Strength of Youth pamphlet updated". LDS Living. 17 December 2011. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  6. ↑ Jepson, Jared A. (2005). A study of the For the strength of youth pamphlet, 1965-2004. Provo, Utah: BYU Department of Religious Education. pp. 170–198. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  7. ↑ For the Strength of Youth. Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1990.
  8. ↑ For the Strength of Youth (9 ed.). Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. p. 26. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  9. ↑ For the Strength of Youth (PDF) (10 ed.). Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Fall 2011. p. 36. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  10. ↑ "For the Strength of Youth: Sexual Purity". LDS.org. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 15 November 2016.

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/26/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.