"It's not an old man's business what a young women is doing with herself"

The Right to Personal Privacy in Religious Contexts

In a world striving for personal autonomy and privacy, the examination of religious doctrines on issues of bodily autonomy raises significant questions. One such inquiry has emerged from an episode of the Mormon Stories Podcast: "It's not an old man's business what a young woman is doing with herself." This point of contention ignites a broader discussion about the intersection of religious counsel and personal boundaries, particularly within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the LDS Church.

The LDS Church's teachings place a strong emphasis on moral purity, often extending into intimate areas of personal life. Traditionally, the Church's stance on issues like masturbation and pre-marital sexual exploration is one of discouragement. Leaders frequently counsel youth to confess such actions during interviews with ecclesiastical leaders, a practice that some members find invasive. This raises the question: how much of a role should church leaders play in the private lives of young women, especially when considering the potential discomfort of discussing such matters with an older, often male, authority figure?

The Historical and Doctrinal Background

The roots of this practice are deeply embedded in Mormon doctrine. The Church has long upheld a standard known as the Law of Chastity, which instructs members to abstain from any sexual activity outside of marriage. This extends to thoughts and behaviors that might lead to sexual activity, including masturbation. For many, these teachings are not just suggestions but divinely inspired guidelines for leading a righteous life.

Confession of perceived sins, including masturbation, is encouraged as a way to maintain spiritual cleanliness. Historically, church leaders have seen their role as one of guiding their congregants back to spiritual health, often through private interviews. Yet, this practice has not been without controversy. Critics argue these confessions can lead to shame and embarrassment, particularly given the deeply personal nature of the subject matter.