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I have heard talk of a new “For the Strength of Youth” pamphlet. Does anyone have any details?
I am particularly interested because the current FSOY pamphlet/manual is one of the only current church publications that warns against masturbation (saying something about not exciting sexual feelings in yourself or others).
I am really hopeful for some positive changes.
It does appear there is an updated version I found here: [ https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/for-the-strength-of-youth?lang=eng It is better than the previous version IMO because it doesn’t give rules as much (I remember my kids talking about not liking the old version because it was just a bunch more rules, and I agree). It does not seem to even indirectly reference masturbation but does talk about respecting your body and other people’s bodies and porn. And the things like not having multiple earrings are gone, although there is a passage about choosing hairstyles, clothing, etc.
Quote:Keep sex and sexual feelings sacred. They should not be the subject of jokes or entertainment. Outside of marriage between a man and a woman, it is wrong to touch the private, sacred parts of another person’s body even if clothed. In your choices about what you do, look at, read, listen to, think about, post, or text, avoid anything that purposely arouses lustful emotions in others or yourself. This includes pornography in any form. If you find that situations or activities make temptations stronger, avoid them. You know what those situations and activities are. And if you aren’t sure, the Spirit, your parents, and your leaders can help you know. Show your Father in Heaven that you honor and respect the sacred power to create life.
And there’s a Q&A section that I don’t agree with and is more of the same old same old – not helpful:
Quote:I am attracted to people of my same sex. How do these standards apply to me? Feeling same-sex attraction is not a sin. If you have these feelings and do not pursue or act on them, you are living Heavenly Father’s sacred law of chastity. You are a beloved child of God and a disciple of Jesus Christ. Remember that the Savior understands everything you experience. Through your covenant connection with Him, you will find strength to obey God’s commandments and receive the blessings He promises. Trust Him and His gospel.
Simply put it is not fair (just) and you can trust God all you want – if you’re gay you’re gay and those feelings aren’t going away (especially with the hormones of youth). I do agree the Savior understands, what I don’t get is why the church doesn’t.
And FWIW, the old version, and excerpts from it, are also readily available on the church website as well.
🙄 Edited to add: Apparently this was announced by Elder Uchtdorf in the “morning” session of GC today (they’re all afternoon/evening sessions here). There is also a church newsroom article about it:
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/october-2022-general-conference-for-the-strength-of-youth ” class=”bbcode_url”> https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/october-2022-general-conference-for-the-strength-of-youth Earring stores are being flooded today, I am sure. 
I hope more changes, but I like the changes I see in it.
Roy wrote:
I am really hopeful for some positive changes.
I do like some of the changes. Unfortunately the part that people use to cite as a prohibition on masturbation is still there (although the wording was changed slightly).
Quote:In your choices about what you do, look at, read, listen to, think about, post, or text, avoid anything that purposely arouses lustful emotions in others or yourself. This includes pornography in any form. If you find that situations or activities make temptations stronger, avoid them. You know what those situations and activities are.
Do not do … or think about anything that arouses lustful emotions. That seems pretty comprehensive. Seems strange that they are saying that sexual feelings are good and not sinful but that you should avoid them like the plague until marriage. Maybe the authors are drawing a distinction between “Sexual Feelings” (which are good) and “Lustful Emotions” (which are bad?). They seem like synonyms to me. Would anyone care to parse out the differences?Roy wrote:
Do not do … or think about anything that arouses lustful emotions. That seems pretty comprehensive. Seems strange that they are saying that sexual feelings are good and not sinful but that you should avoid them like the plague until marriage. Maybe the authors are drawing a distinction between “Sexual Feelings” (which are good) and “Lustful Emotions” (which are bad?). They seem like synonyms to me. Would anyone care to parse out the differences?
I don’t know if they’re drawing a distinction or don’t know the difference themselves. My own interpretation is they’re saying if it has to do with sex in the context of marriage it’s a sexual feeling but if it has to do with anything else (including porn, masturbation or homosexuality) it’s a lustful emotion.
I do like the changes in general, mainly because the lists of don’ts are mostly gone. Maybe 10 years from now when they rewrite again it will get even better (at least I hope so).
I know quite a few people who appreciate the changes while recognizing the damage they suffered because of the previous statements. I am grateful for the changes but also respect those who can’t celebrate them.
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