Quite the coincidence that in the post I viewed immediately before this one, I posted a list of traits of cults.

Shaming children for having sexual thoughts and desires will lead to years of self-hate and loathing. It's like telling them they should exercise self-control rather than go to the bathroom. Just free the beast and get it out of your system so you can get on with your day. (Note that I'm not implying kids should have sex every time they have a lewd thought, but "self-relief" is a proper, natural way of getting it out.)

This is sort of the same kind of ritual humiliation I experienced with the catholic "sacrament" of confession and absolution. It was the single thing that started my disenchantment and eventual rejection and repudiation of catholicism first, and all religion next.

I believe that going to church is nothing more than brainwashing. We are all adults here, we all know or should know right from wrong. I personally don't need a flawed person to preach to me about morals.

I was not aware of this Mormon practice. But it is really just an extension of the way many Christian sects expect their adherents to submit the most intimate and personal and private aspects of their being to scrutiny by church authorities and/or fellow members. The "shepherding movement" in fundamentalism is similar ... you are expected to be "accountable to" some senior member by being open with them in interviews (sometimes not even private interviews) about your innermost thoughts and private practices. A woman for example might be asked if she is actively having sex with her husband with a frequency that is pleasing to him, or if she harbors any resentful or "rebellious" thoughts toward him.

The enforcement of conformity to group norms at this level is more about control and domination than about prurient interest, although the latter inevitably becomes a factor as well.

The labeling of these as "worthiness interviews" by the Mormons is telling. The implication is that you might be determined unworthy and cast out of the only social support group you may know. And, of course, by extension, cast out by god himself. I agree that this practice should stop, but not just with children ... with anyone. No one should submit to such practices for any reason. It reflects unhealthy or non-existent interpersonal boundaries. And when it comes to children, it reflects breaking down those boundaries at the earliest feasible age.

I agree to a certain point. Children should not be subjected to this. The church practices should be investigated and face whatever consequences come from that. However, no one tells me how to raise my child. Not a church, a neighbor or the government. I've had to put several people in their place for trying to tell me I was raising my son wrong. I'm a 47 y.o. dad and I treat my 13 y.o. son as an adult and a friend. I offer him advice, but always remind him that the final decision is his and let him know I will always support his choice so long as it doesn't cause harm or intentional disrespect to others. If it was a parent questioning their child in the manner described--that is there business. But for a clergyman to do this--no.

If god is so good and sex is so evil why did god say go forth and multiply? And why did he make it feel so damn good? What a vicarious thrill it must be for those bishops.

"Never trust musty dogmatic mythology written by angry old men who never had sex". -- Mark Morford

Religion as child abuse.

All religious indoctrination is harmful, and is absolutely child abuse.

I Dont blame you at all for how you ,feel . All Religions love tobrainwash people period, it's a very mentally un healthy thing

Disgusting.

It could be quite traumatising, to have those interviews at such a young age. It goes a step beyond just indoctrination into actually doing negative things to young people.

Oh, FFS. An adult can (does not always, but can) make an educated decision. Kids? I don't have them, but they can't. It's ridiculous to subject children to this.