Mormons, more correctly called members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are taught to follow a strict moral code that is outlined in the LDS church pamphlet For the Strength of Youth. This pamphlet about Mormon behavior is written for teens ages 12 to 18, but applies to all members regardless of age.
The LDS standards in For the Strength of Youth can be classified into six broad categories: dating and sex, relationships, personal values, making choices, media, and church membership.
Mormon Rules about Sex and Dating
The LDS church teaches Mormon teens not to date until 16, and to stick to group dates or double dates when they first begin dating. Mormons can go out with people of other faiths, but are admonished to choose dates who will support LDS standards including abstinence from sexual activity before marriage. Mormons strongly believe that sex is only appropriate between husband and wife.
Because it's believed that outward appearance often influences personal behavior and others' perceptions, modest dress is a also a value for all church members, including LDS teens. Modest dress is considered to be clothing that covers the back, stomach, chest, shoulders, and knees, and is not tight or revealing in any other way.
LDS Teens and Relationships with Family and Friends
It is believed that the family is the most important group to which one can ever belong. Whatever the shape or size of one's family, whether they are composed of Mormons or non-Mormons, LDS youth are advised to be thoughtful and unselfish in their words and actions, willing to help out at home, and show love and respect to their parents and siblings.
Mormon teenagers are also encouraged to have healthy social lives with many friends, but to be careful in choosing friends that will help them uphold their moral standards and beliefs. They are encouraged to treat everyone with kindness, and to extend their beliefs to friends of other faiths by inviting them to LDS church activities and meetings.
Mormon Values and Personal Attributes
Some of the most important values of the Mormon religion are mentioned in For the Strength of Youth, including:
- Gratitude – Mormon teens are told to express their thanks in prayer to God for all blessings, as well as expressing their thanks by living a life obedient to his commandments as taught in the LDS church.
- Education – Calling education an "investment that brings great rewards," For the Strength of Youth encourages Mormon kids to pursue both spiritual and secular education so that they can best provide for themselves and continue to improve their skills.
- Language – LDS teens are admonished to avoid curse words (especially those that take the Lord's name in vain) and any type of sarcastic or demeaning comments.
- Honesty – Mormon teenagers are taught to avoid dishonesty including lying, stealing, shoplifting, cheating, or not giving the full amount of work for their paychecks. They are told to avoid rationalizing dishonest behavior at all costs.
- Service – According to For the Strength of Youth, helping others is "one of the most important characteristics of a disciple of Jesus Christ." Teens are taught to serve others at church, home, school, and in the community, praying for direction as to how to best help others.
Mormon Behavior - Making Choices and Repenting
Mormons believe that although people can choose their actions, they cannot choose the consequences of what they do. For the Strength of Youth emphasizes the need for teens to accept responsibility for their own choices and be willing to experience the consequences of whatever they do.
When a Latter-day Saint breaks one of God's commandments, it's taught that repentance is in order. For the Strength of Youth teaches that Jesus Christ's sacrifice enables them to repent and gain forgiveness for sins, and youth are encouraged to take full advantage of it whenever a sin is committed.
Mormon Guidelines on Media and Dancing
Dancing and music is a large part of Mormon culture, but the pamphlet provides some guidelines on appropriate types of dance and music. Music that uses profanity or encourages immoral or violent behavior, as well as dancing that involves full-body contact or is suggestive of sexual activity, is to be avoided.
In regards to TV, movies, online content, and reading material, Mormons are taught to choose uplifting media and avoid that which presents immoral behavior or profane language as normal, including pornography in all its forms.
Mormon Church Membership Rules
Some of the standards in For the Strength of Youth have to do with LDS church membership. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are expected to adhere to the Word of Wisdom (a health law prohibiting alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee), the law of tithing (donating 10% of one's income to the church), and observing the Sabbath day on Sundays.
Most Mormon youth have a small copy of For the Strength of Youth that they keep at home or school to remind them of the standards of the LDS church in many areas. The pamphlet can be a helpful resource for both Mormons and non-Mormons wondering about LDS expectations for behavior in many areas.
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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