Stake Conf. Topic: Sexaul Intimacy

[cougarobgon]

The SP was the concluding speaker during the Saturday evening adult only session and his topic was Sexual Intimacy. Difficult for anyone to address this topic in a Church setting. I don't recall all of what he said, but, my take on his remarks is simple, be nice and you will get more action.

Interestingly, he mentioned that this topic will be further addressed in future RS meetings in all wards in the stake, but, no mention was made of following up in the Priesthood meetings.

Why the follow up with the RS and not the Priesthood? Any Ideas?

[RockyBalboa]

Yes because men aren't typically the sexual camels in the relationship.

[ERCougar]

Don't you think sexual desire (or lack thereof) is fairly deep-rooted? I'm curious to see how helpful a talk in RS will be.

[Levin]

Originally Posted by ERCougar

Don't you think sexual desire (or lack thereof) is fairly deep-rooted? I'm curious to see how helpful a talk in RS will be.

It won't be. Guilt is not an aphrodisiac.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Levin

It won't be. Guilt is not an aphrodisiac.

Very astute. I'm not certain what religious leaders should actually do, if anything.

My only suggestion is to take away guilt for having these feelings and encourage adults to understand, even as youth, that it's part of being human. The goal should be to encourage healthy relationships, and a healthy interchange requires healthy relationships.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by Archaea

My only suggestion is to take away guilt for having these feelings and encourage adults to understand, even as youth, that it's part of being human. The goal should be to encourage healthy relationships, and a healthy interchange requires healthy relationships.

Isn't that pretty much what they are apparently trying to do?

[ERCougar]

Originally Posted by creekster

Isn't that pretty much what they are apparently trying to do?

Yeah, but at this point, they're way too late in the game. I'm with Arch--this has to start at least in the teens.

[RockyBalboa]

Originally Posted by ERCougar

Yeah, but at this point, they're way too late in the game. I'm with Arch--this has to start at least in the teens.

I agree.

Problem is the church has always shied away from dealing with the subject and instead used an approach strongly based in guilt mongering...which ends up creating an army of sexual camels with major issues to overcome later on.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by RockyBalboa

I agree.

Problem is the church has always shied away from dealing with the subject and instead used an approach strongly based in guilt mongering...which ends up creating an army of sexual camels with major issues to overcome later on.

Leadership shies away from the topic because leadership is unqualified to address it sociologically or professionally, for the most part. We would have to lean on professionals, not something the lay leadership is wont to do. And that's the problem. If lay leadership can learn to trust good professionals, progress for the benefit of the flock can be made.

[cougarobgon]

Originally Posted by Archaea

Leadership shies away from the topic because leadership is unqualified to address it sociologically or professionally, for the most part. We would have to lean on professionals, not something the lay leadership is wont to do. And that's the problem. If lay leadership can learn to trust good professionals, progress for the benefit of the flock can be made.

I agree, the lay leadership in the Church, for the most part, is not qualified to address this issue and other issues sociologically or professionally. Back when I was the local ward mullah, I replaced a man who was a professional counselor. So those individuals that were seeing him on a regular basis received the benefit of not only spiritual direction, but benefitted from his professional background. When I came on board, I was young, had a business professional background, and immediately my credentials began to be questioned by the regulars. For some, I never replaced that bishop, they followed him to his professional practice for continued guidance. For others, they recognized my position and gladly continued to work with me through the spiritual matters but sought professional help elsewhere. However, there were some that despite their ability to seek professional help, they continued to see me and we worked through their issues. I never discouraged people from seeking professional help and for some I encouraged them to do so. I could help them work through their spirituality, but, for some members (yes more than one) who were contemplating suicide, or had sexuality dysfunctions, etc...I recognized my limitations and recommended they see a professional counselor.

I appreciate the SP addressing this issue that he desribed being the cause of divorces in our stake. I am just curious about why the follow up with the RS sisters and not the Priesthood bretheren. I will wait for my wife's report after the meeting takes place.