For the Strength of Youth (pamphlet)

"For the Strength of Youth" is a pamphlet distributed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) that "summarizes standards from scripture and from the writings and teachings of Church leaders." The pamphlet's target audience is young men and young women of the LDS Church, although its principles are applicable to all age groups in the church. It is available on the Internet and in print form. The pamphlet was first published in 1965, and its 9th and most recent edition was released in 2011. The pamphlet was meant to be put "in the hands of every young person in each ward".[1]

For the Strength of Youth
AuthorThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
PublisherIntellectual Reserve, Inc.
Publication date
1965 (1st ed.)
2011 (9th, current ed.)
OCLC23198861

History

The LDS Church first published "For the Strength of Youth" in 1965.[1] Subsequent editions were published in 1966, two in 1968, 1969, 1972, 1990, 2001, and most recently in 2011 (9th edition).[2][1] The first edition of the pamphlet had 16 pages, while the ninth edition has 44 pages.[3] Regarding the latest updated, Young Women general president Elaine S. Dalton said, "The standards have not changed, but times have changed....For the Strength of Youth has been revised to address the issues youth face today—to teach them the doctrine behind the standards and the promised blessings of obedience."[4] The covers evolved from a depiction of a family in the first five editions to depictions of youth in the 1972 and 1990 versions[5] which were replaced with images of the Salt Lake Temple in the most recent editions, a reflection of what was called an "additional emphasis ... on living worthy to attend the temple" in the youth guidelines.[6]

Cover art showing the transition to a focus on standards for attending the temple

Contents

The current edition of the pamphlet discusses a variety of subjects.

  • Agency and Accountability
  • Dating
  • Dress and Appearance
  • Education
  • Entertainment and Media
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Gratitude
  • Honesty and Integrity
  • Language
  • Music and Dancing
  • Physical and Emotional Health
  • Repentance
  • Sabbath Day Observance
  • Service
  • Sexual Purity
  • Tithes and Offerings
  • Work and Self-Reliance

Homosexuality
See also: Homosexuality and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The 1990 edition of the "For The Strength of Youth" pamphlet called homosexual activity an abomination.[7]:3

The first explicit mention of homosexuality was contained in the 1990 seventh version of the pamphlet[8] where it says, "the Lord specifically forbids ... sex perversion such as homosexuality". It continues "homosexual and lesbian activities are sinful and an abomination to the Lord" and "unnatural affections ... toward persons of the same gender are counter to God's eternal plan".[9] The 2001 eighth version removes any mention of "unnatural affections" and "abomination" and only states, "homosexual activity is a serious sin. If you find your-self struggling with same-gender attraction, seek counsel from your parents and bishop. They will help you."[10] In 2011, the ninth version was released adding to the 2001 paragraph that "lesbian behavior" is also a "serious sin" and that the youth should speak to their parents and bishop if they "are being persuaded to participate in inappropriate behavior".[11]

For the Strength of Youth conferences

In 2019, the LDS Church announced the intent to begin regional week-long youth activities called For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conference worldwide in 2020.[12] Such conferences have been held outside of the United States and Canada. The FSY conferences in the United States and Canada replaced Especially for Youth conferences that had been operated by church-owned Brigham Young University for more than 40 years.[12] A press release explains, "FSY conferences include activities, devotionals, and classes designed to help strengthen faith in Jesus Christ and provide opportunities for youth to grow spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually."[13] The starting of FSY conferences in the United States and Canada was delayed until 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

See also

References
  1. Fillmore, Brent D. (2007). "Promoting Peculiarity—Different Editions of For the Strength of Youth". Religious Educator. Brigham Young University. 8 (3): 78.
  2. Jepson, Jared A. A Study of the For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet, 1965-2004. BYU Religious Department. p. 7. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  3. "For the Strength of Youth (1966)". New Cool Thang. 13 March 2007. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  4. "For the Strength of Youth pamphlet updated". LDS Living. 17 December 2011. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  5. Slack, Mandy (8 September 2016). "How "For the Strength of Youth" Has Changed Over the Years". LDS Living. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
  6. Dalton, Elaine S.; Beck, David L. "Q&A on the new For the Strength of Youth". ChurchofJesusChrist.org. The LDS Church. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
  7. Bingham, Ronald D.; Potts, Richard W. (1 April 1993). "Homosexuality: An LDS Perspective". Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy. 19 (1). Retrieved 21 June 2017.
  8. Jepson, Jared A. (2005). A study of the For the strength of youth pamphlet, 1965-2004. Provo, Utah: BYU Department of Religious Education. pp. 170–198. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  9. For the Strength of Youth (7 ed.). Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1990.
  10. For the Strength of Youth (8 ed.). Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. p. 26. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  11. For the Strength of Youth (PDF) (9 ed.). Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Fall 2011. p. 36. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  12. Pierce,Scott D. "LDS Church announces expanded youth conferences in wake of split with Scouting", The Salt Lake Tribune, 19 July 2019. Retrieved on 13 March 2020.
  13. Walker, Sydney. "Church Releases More Details about FSY Conferences Starting in 2020", Church News, 13 September 2019. Retrieved on 13 March 2020.
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