Question regarding church discipline

[jay santos]

Originally Posted by SoonerCoug

I guess it depends on one's definition of "spirituality."

Personally, I think the guilt that teenagers feel when they aren't taught to be philosophical is much more spiritually damaging than my family's approach to these issues.

My dad always said: "It's normal for adolescent males to masturbate. But it can become a problem as well, if it's taken to an extreme. You shouldn't feel guilty about it, and if you ever have any kind of problem, I'd want you to feel comfortable enough to come talk to me about it first."

Spirituality was a broad word for what I meant. I mean did it hurt...

your innocence
make you feel guilty like you weren't square with God for lying to priesthood leaders
hurt your testimony or concept of priesthood leaders
make you feel susceptible to other lies

I guess you gave your answer. That for you it was better. But I wonder if there is a way to teach kids to keep their mouth shut in the bishop's office about "minor" sins, and not damage them in any of the ways I list.