Sexually Explicit Questions should not be part of the temple recommend interview #mormon #lds

Sexually Explicit Questions: A New Controversy in Temple Recommend Interviews

For many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple recommend interview is a sacred ritual. It serves as a checkpoint of worthiness, allowing individuals to participate in temple ordinances. However, a controversial topic is surfacing: the appropriateness of sexually explicit questions during these interviews. Concerns are growing about whether these types of questions align with official Church guidelines. So why are some bishops asking these questions without clear direction from Church handbooks?

Historical Context and Current Concerns

The temple recommend interview has long been regarded as a private and introspective process for members wishing to enter LDS temples. Traditionally, the questions are outlined in official Church handbooks and focus on areas like faith, honesty, and adherence to the Church's teachings. Notably, these handbooks do not explicitly instruct bishops or stake presidents to ask sexually explicit questions. So, why have these types of questions started to appear in interviews? According to conversations on the Mormon Stories Podcast, members have reported various instances where church leaders have directly asked about issues like pornography usage in ways that seem to exceed what the handbook prescribes.

Examining the Source of Controversy

One of the central complaints, as detailed on the Mormon Stories Podcast, is the inconsistency in temple recommend interviews. This inconsistency leads to speculation that individual church leaders are acting upon personal judgment rather than official guidelines. John Dehlin, host of the podcast, shares personal and secondhand accounts where leaders asked pointed questions about pornography and other explicit topics. The lack of explicit instructions on these matters in the Church's bishop manuals further raises eyebrows. Members seek clarity: if these questions are not in the handbook, from where are they derived?