For LDS/ Mormon church members..?

Question

Why is 16 the declared dating age in this church? I know that various prophets have supported this rule, but I don't know why it was put there in the first place, and I'd like to. From what i can tell, it just seems to be tradition, but I want to know why it was started, what the reasoning was/is.

the guy in question is 16. The girl is not.

Answer 1

Why? - - - Religion

Answer 2

The Lord’s prophets have given specific counsel to help young men and young women keep their associations with each other worthy and uplifting. In cultures where dating is acceptable, that counsel includes not dating before the age of 16.

In your early teens you are beginning a process of emotional, social, mental, and physical development that will continue for years. One important reason for not dating until age 16 is that early dating can complicate your life and interfere with your spiritual growth. For example, it is not unusual to develop strong romantic feelings during your early teens, along with strong desires toward the opposite sex. This may happen at a time when you are developing the emotional and mental maturity to handle those feelings. Studies have shown that there is a much greater chance of inappropriate physical relationships when dating starts too early.

Early dating can lead to exclusive relationships at the very time when you should be expanding your friendships and associating with a variety of people. If you get to know many young men and young women, you will develop social skills that will help your future dating be more enjoyable.

Even after you are 16, it is best to date in groups and avoid pairing off with just one partner. And since dating eventually leads to marriage, be sure to date the kind of people you would consider marrying.

Some young people find that they don’t have the desire or the opportunity to date until long after they turn 16. Many happy, normal young people seldom date until later, even marriage age.

If you have the faith to follow the guidelines of our Church leaders, your dating years will be less stressful, more fun, and happier (see Alma 41:10). You will receive the blessings that come from obedience. And you will be better prepared for temple marriage.

Answer 3

Children under the age of 16 do not need to worry about dating. They should mainly be spending time with their own gender prior to age 16. It simply makes sense. As an adult who can look back on high school years, back then they seemed so important and the end-all-be-all. Now I look back on them as almost a total waste of time, for I do not associate with anybody from those days and so it wouldn't have mattered if I didn't start dating until I was 18 even.

Answer 4

So they can drive themselves! (j/k)

Actually, from what I know I think it has to do with kids not getting too involved with members of the opposite sex at too young of an age. After all, the purpose of dating is to find a future spouse. Kids that start dating at younger ages are probably more likely to engage in sexual behavior as teenagers. I believe the church leaders established 16 as an appropriate age to date, mostly as an attempt to protect our youth's sexual purity. In addition, kids at the age of 16 are encouraged to go on "group dates", rather than dating "alone", to help decrease the risk of temptation.

Answer 5

Hunnerbunner, you have neglected the ingredient to what your calling an "handout". The Bishop is in charge for those money and has the possibility to stay with the spirit so some distance as what he could ask them to do or no longer do. I even have not nicely-known a single Bishop that did no longer comprehend the way the Lord could have him help others. The Church does no longer supply unfastened handouts to it somewhat is human beings, the thought consistently is to enhance and progression. Please consult with the Bishop approximately it in case you have a situation with it. you additionally can consult with the Stake President if your terrified of your Bishop. so some distance as cleansing the Church, we do it each and every week because of the fact the ultimate element of mutual and then 2 to 3 families get the privileged of having it waiting for Sunday centers on saturday. it somewhat is been a super blessing to my kin to get to take part. It has taught us greater of know for the construction and the grounds. It makes the construction sense greater love that's ours, like we are at domicile whilst we circulate there. it somewhat is been a surprising experience even to the element the place we are able to look whilst it is not our turn basically to assist.

Answer 6

I have to agree and support Brian's answer is the most correct out of any of the others. Simply it is about sexual relations and the longer you put off those temptations (the dating age) the better chance you have of not having any sexual relations.

Try lds.org or mormon.org for any other answers to your questions. Another suggestion, try to get your questions answered by those of the religion because other that assume or have observed the religion sadly have their facts off.

Answer 7

It's and age where most teenagers are able to start making their own decisions without giving in to peer pressure as easily. It is also the age most kids can work and earn money to afford to date and of course the age when most kids can start driving.

I guess because it seems to be the age when responsibility seems to start being realized by teenagers.

Answer 8

Good question.

I know for me, I wasn't interested in guys till about that age... well, I was interested, I just didn't know any worth talking to- they were all jerks...

That may be it- give the guys time to grow up a little...

Answer 9

I think they ought to raise the dating age to 18.

Answer 10

kids will date no matter what there religion is lds. does date behind there parents backs. my opion . i am not . lds . but have friends who are . ?

Answer 11

yeah, 16 is crap... i say bringham young- and bring'em often!