Chastity Question

Bridive · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 06:44 PM

So about 8 or 9 years ago I was walking along the road with a friend of mine and we spotted a black bag on the side of the road. Turns out the black bag was full of porn, we both instantly got addicted and we did some not so good things together. I'm not gay, we just both happened to be at the same place at the same time. Anyway we eventually both tried to repent and we didn't do anything together anymore. I forgot about what happened and focused all my energy on Pornography. Just a few days ago I went into see the bishop about the pornography issue, we have worked things out. Then on my way home I remembered what I had done with my friend, it was a very hard thing to go in and talk about the porn and I thought I was clean. So what can I expect when I go in to see the bishop about this issue? Will he make me give him the name of my friend? And since it was so long ago will I still have the normal punishment?

Islander · #2 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bridive

So about 8 or 9 years ago I was walking along the road with a friend of mine and we spotted a black bag on the side of the road. Turns out the black bag was full of porn, we both instantly got addicted and we did some not so good things together. I'm not gay, we just both happened to be at the same place at the same time. Anyway we eventually both tried to repent and we didn't do anything together anymore. I forgot about what happened and focused all my energy on Pornography. Just a few days ago I went into see the bishop about the pornography issue, we have worked things out. Then on my way home I remembered what I had done with my friend, it was a very hard thing to go in and talk about the porn and I thought I was clean. So what can I expect when I go in to see the bishop about this issue? Will he make me give him the name of my friend? And since it was so long ago will I still have the normal punishment?

I believe you are done. The specific details of what transpired during a sexually charged episode are not relevant. Although the description you offer is somewhat vague I think you should concentrate now in following the course laid down by your bishop.

Bridive · #3 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 07:20 PM

Sorry for the vague description, but I don't think its appropriate discussion for this board. So you think I don't really need to go in again? Is confessing to pornography and this kinda the same thing? I know they are two different things, but is it in the same genre?

FunkyTown · #4 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 07:35 PM

You should definitely tell him, Definitely.

Bridive · #5 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 07:39 PM

I will, but what can I expect? Am I going to have to say who the other guy was? And since it was so long ago will it really be that bad of a punishment?

checkerboy · #6 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 07:42 PM

Are you the other guy? No. The bishop only cares about you. Who you did what with is irrelevant.

FunkyTown · #7 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 07:44 PM

And part of repentence is that you're willing to face consequences. I know it's worrying, but trust him.

As long as you've repented, I'm certain whatever you're afraid of won't happen.

Vort · #8 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bridive

I will, but what can I expect? Am I going to have to say who the other guy was? And since it was so long ago will it really be that bad of a punishment?

"Punishment" is not at issue. Believe me, your bishop will have zero interest in "punishing" you. He wants to help you to become clean. That is all he wants. He may be led to impose certain restrictions on you, but those restrictions are not punishment. They are aids to repentance. Always remember that. You are not being punished, you are being guided along the path to full repentance.

Don't give up! Tell your bishop everything about this and let him decide how to proceed. With dedication and singlemindedness, I believe you can be fully and completely healed of the damage that pornography has done to your mind and spirit. Don't give up!

Don't give up!

Bridive · #9 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 07:54 PM

Is this just as bad as if it was with a girl? I'm not saying its any better, but any look on the bright side might make this a little easier for me.

Vort · #10 (**permalink**) 07-31-2008, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bridive

Is this just as bad as if it was with a girl? I'm not saying its any better, but any look on the bright side might make this a little easier for me.

Fornication is fornication, and inappropriate sexual behavior is inappropriate sexual behavior. I don't know of any teachings that homosexual fornication is "better" or "worse" than heterosexual fornication.

That said, if my own precious child were involved in such activities, I admit that I would be less saddened and overwhelmed by heterosexual fornication than by homosexual. But that's just a personal feeling, not an expression of LDS doctrine.

The point is that you can be made clean. Focus on that, not on the specifics or whether A is worse than B.