Why does the church teach us not to share past indiscretions?

[UtahDan]

Originally Posted by livecoug

I agree with Mike again. Seriously, I think this is a cultural thing about the Morom church that bugs me. Nearly EVERYONE in the church puts on the air of perfection while amidst other members. The makes it even more difficult for those that are struggling (in other words, everyone.) to feel that they are not alone. We are taught to love and not judge sinners (in other words, everyone), but do we really follow that teaching in church? I don't think we do and that is sad.

If Brother so and so comes forth bravely and admits to a porn problem, it seems that many members will shun him as a perv rather than help him.

Hmm. Where would be the appropriate place to share that? EQ I guess. I would also guess that if someone did share that in EQ they would get quite a few supportive comments and ideas about getting help. Some would judge, no doubt.

[livecoug]

I guess my point was more that people are even afraid to repent to the bishop because people will judge them. People see those who aren't taking the sacrament and judge. Then there is the Mormon Grapevine. It would be nice to see more support for everyone as nobody is perfect. It seems we put such a high stock on perfection, that nobody stops and thinks that perfection ain't happenin' in this lifetime.

[Spaz]

Originally Posted by UtahDan

Hmm. Where would be the appropriate place to share that? EQ I guess. I would also guess that if someone did share that in EQ they would get quite a few supportive comments and ideas about getting help. Some would judge, no doubt.

Had a porn meeting during one of those joint-Sunday School lessons. It was given primarily by a counselor in the bishopric. He admitted to a Porn addiction, and described the methods he uses to overcome the issue.

I thought he had a massive set of balls to admit to such, and was surprised to feel the spirit so strongly as I did considering how seldom I feel it in Sunday School. I was also surprised that the spirit would stay with me when I was contemplating the size of another man's balls.

[RC Vikings]

The same reasons I don't tell my kids. When they return from their missions I plan on sitting them down and telling them of my struggles after my mission because I figure they will be mature enough to handle it but until then I keep it to a minimum.

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by Spaz

Had a porn meeting during one of those joint-Sunday School lessons.

Wow. What was the selection?

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by RC Vikings

The same reasons I don't tell my kids. When they return from their missions I plan on sitting them down and telling them of my struggles after my mission because I figure they will be mature enough to handle it but until then I keep it to a minimum.

Very wise.

My kids once believed I was an angel, and only after a mission will I advise them I was not.

[SoonerCoug]

Question: Is it a breach of confidentiality for the bishop of a singles ward to disclose to the entire ward that virtually every male in the ward had confessed to viewing pornography, and many of the women had also confessed to this sin?

This particular incident made me feel quite righteous, as I may have been the only male never to have confessed to viewing pornography. Perhaps this is why I was called to be ward webmaster.

[il Padrino Ute]

Why does the church teach us not to share our past indiscretions?

Perhaps because the church teaches that once we've truly repented for them, they are forgotten in God's eyes and there is no reason to bring them up.

[Archaea]

The primary purpose is for the benefit of the sinner. If you continue to talk about your misdeeds, you may be tempted to repeat them.

"Gosh, darn, I remember when I went down on three gals at one time, I sure am sorry about it now, but ....."

Not a good idea IMHO.

[Surfah]

Originally Posted by Archaea

The primary purpose is for the benefit of the sinner. If you continue to talk about your misdeeds, you may be tempted to repeat them.

"Gosh, darn, I remember when I went down on three gals at one time, I sure am sorry about it now, but ....."

Not a good idea IMHO.

I think this is true also. People tend to romanticize things a bit and then the seriousness of the offense seems to be diminished allowing yourself to be tempted further.