The LDS church thinks it is easier to ask women to dress like shapeless, sexless adolescents than to expect men to think and act like decent human beings +6

a) Unstated assumptions required to accept and reject this belief:

Accept:

1. The LDS Church's dress code is excessively modest and targets women disproportionately.
2. The LDS Church's modesty standards are a way of controlling women's bodies.
3. The men in the LDS Church are unable or unwilling to control their sexual desires.

Reject:

1. The LDS Church's dress code applies equally to men and women.
2. Modesty is a virtue that is valued in many religions and cultures, not just the LDS Church.
3. Men in the LDS Church are not assumed to be incapable of controlling their sexual desires.

b) The best alternative ways of saying the same thing:

1. The LDS Church's modesty standards disproportionately burden women and assume men cannot control their sexual impulses.
2. The LDS Church places the responsibility for men's thoughts and actions on women by enforcing strict modesty standards.
3. The LDS Church's dress code for women is more about controlling women's bodies than promoting mutual respect and decency.

c) Objective Criteria for Assessing the Validity of this Belief:

1. Comparison of the LDS Church's modesty standards for men and women.
2. Analysis of the rhetoric used by LDS Church leaders when discussing modesty and the responsibility for thoughts and actions.
3. Examination of the historical and cultural context of modesty standards in the LDS Church.

d) Most common shared interests or values between those who agree and disagree:

1. Both sides likely value decency and respect in interactions between men and women.
2. Both sides likely agree on the importance of personal responsibility for one's thoughts and actions.
3. Both sides likely value the teachings of their shared religious tradition.

e) The most significant differences in interests or obstacles that must be navigated for the two groups to achieve understanding and respect for each other:

1. Those who agree with the statement may feel that the LDS Church's modesty standards are oppressive and outdated, while those who disagree may feel that they are necessary for maintaining a respectful and virtuous community.
2. Those who agree may see the issue as a matter of gender equality, while those who disagree may see it as a matter of religious doctrine and tradition.
3. Those who agree may feel that the church is blaming women for men's thoughts and actions, while those who disagree may believe that everyone is responsible for their own thoughts and actions.

f) Strategies to encourage open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to truth:

1. Promote open and respectful dialogue on the topic within the LDS community.
2. Encourage the LDS Church to review and update its modesty standards in light of modern understandings of gender equality.

1. Reasons (logical arguments)
   Agree:

   1. The LDS Church's modesty guidelines disproportionately target women's attire, suggesting an imbalance in expectations. This is evident in the "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet, where guidelines for young women are more specific and detailed compared to those for young men, indicating a greater focus on women's dress. (Reasons to agree - Reasons to disagree = 4. Average linkage and unique scores: 80%, & 90%. Total = 2.88 (4 reasons x 0.80 uniqueness x 0.90 relevance).

   2. The Church's teachings on modesty place an undue burden on women by implying their dress and behavior are responsible for men's thoughts and actions, as reflected in numerous talks and lessons given by Church leaders. (Score: [4 reasons x 0.80 uniqueness x 0.85 relevance] = [2.72])

   3. The focus on female modesty in the LDS Church's teachings reflects societal norms and gender biases more than religious doctrine or scriptural mandates, as there are few scriptural references to the concept of modesty, and none that specifically target women's attire. (Score: [3 reasons x 0.75 uniqueness x 0.80 relevance] = [1.80])"

   4. There is a lack of direct scriptural support for the modern concept of modesty as promoted by the LDS Church.

   Disagree:

   1. "The LDS Church's modesty guidelines are meant to promote respect and decency, not to control women. This is reflected in the Church's teachings and resources, which emphasize the importance of respect for oneself and others in terms of dress and behavior. (Score: 3 reasons x 0.85 uniqueness x 0.90 relevance = 2.29)

   2. Both men and women have standards of modesty within the Church. As stated in the "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet, both young men and women are counseled to maintain modesty in their dress and behavior. (Score: 4 reasons x 0.80 uniqueness x 0.80 relevance = 2.56)

   3. The Church's teachings on modesty are aimed at promoting spiritual growth and self-respect, not controlling women. The principle of modesty is presented as part of the Church's broader teachings on personal integrity and respect for the sacredness of the body. (Score: 3 reasons x 0.75 uniqueness x 0.85 relevance = 1.91)

2. Supporting and Weakening Evidence (Data, studies, etc)
   Agree:

   1. There is a lack of specific scriptural support for the LDS Church's modesty standards. The Bible and Book of Mormon contain relatively few references to modesty, and none that specify particular standards of dress for women. (Score: 2 reasons x 0.80 uniqueness x 0.85 relevance = 1.36)

   2. Societal norms regarding modesty have changed over time, suggesting the Church's standards may be outdated. Many societal norms that were prevalent in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when many of the Church's standards were established, have since evolved. (Score: 3 reasons x 0.75 uniqueness x 0.80 relevance = 1.80)

   Disagree:

   1. The Church's official handbooks and resources emphasize modesty for both genders, not just women.
   2. Many members of the Church support the modesty guidelines and see them as beneficial.

3. Books
   Agree:

   1. The Church's official handbooks and resources emphasize modesty for both genders, not just women. The "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet and other resources provide guidelines for both young men and women. (Score: 3 reasons x 0.85 uniqueness x 0.90 relevance = 2.29)

   2. Many members of the Church support the modesty guidelines and see them as beneficial. This is reflected in surveys and anecdotal evidence from Church members. (Score: 2 reasons x 0.80 uniqueness x 0.80 relevance = 1.28)"

   Disagree:

   1. "Women in Eternity, Women in Zion" by Kathryn H. Shirts and Curtis G. Shirts
   2. "Women and the Priesthood" by Sheri Dew

4. Most likely interests of those who agree or disagree, as well as the most likely shared and opposing interests
   Agree:

   1. Gender equality
   2. Freedom of expression
   3. Modern interpretations of religious teachings

   Disagree:

   1. Preservation of religious traditions
   2. Respect for Church authority
   3. Promotion of modesty as a virtue

5. Scriptures
   Agree:

   1. There is no direct scriptural support for the LDS Church's modern concept of modesty.

   Disagree:

   1. 1 Timothy 2:9 - "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety..."
   2. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"

6. Images (e.g., political cartoons, photo-journalism)
   Agree:

   1. Political cartoons highlighting the perceived double standards in the LDS Church's modesty guidelines.
   2. Photos of modern fashion trends, indicating the difference between societal norms and LDS modesty standards.

   Disagree:

   1. Images of LDS women confidently adhering to the Church's modesty standards.
   2. Inspirational LDS artwork emphasizing the virtue of modesty.

7. Videos (e.g., movies, youtube, TikTok)
   Agree:

   1. YouTube video: "Mormon Feminism: It's about Equality"
   2. TikTok videos by LDS women expressing frustration with the Church's modesty guidelines.

   Disagree:

   1. LDS-produced video: "Modesty: Reverence for the
8. Websites
1. Agree:
1. Feminist Mormon Housewives: A blog discussing various issues in the LDS Church, including modesty standards.
2. The Exponent: A blog that explores the intersection of Mormonism and feminism.
2. Disagree:
1. Church of Jesus Christ: Dress and Appearance: Official Church resource explaining the doctrine and standards of modesty.
2. FairMormon: A site dedicated to defending the Church against criticisms.
9. Podcasts
1. Agree:
1. "Year of Polygamy": Episode on the history of women's dress in the LDS Church.
2. "Mormon Stories": Several episodes feature discussions on modesty culture in the Church.
2. Disagree:
1. "FairMormon Podcast": Episodes discuss various criticisms of the Church, including on the topic of modesty.
10. Unbiased Experts
1. Agree:
1. Joanna Brooks: A scholar of religion and culture, Brooks has written about gender issues in the LDS Church.
2. Jana Riess: A religious scholar and commentator, Riess has discussed the Church's modesty culture.
2. Disagree:
1. Richard Bushman: A respected LDS historian, Bushman could provide historical context for the Church's modesty standards.
2. Terryl Givens: A well-known LDS scholar, Givens might argue the Church's standards are part of a broader theological perspective.
11. Benefits/Costs of Accepting or Rejecting this Belief (in different, and ranked by, Maslow categories)
1. Agree:
1. Emotional: Less guilt and shame over body image.
2. Societal: More equality between genders in the Church.
3. Intellectual: Freedom to question and critique Church teachings.
2. Disagree:
1. Spiritual: Peace from living according to Church standards.
2. Emotional: Comfort in adhering to established norms.
3. Social: Acceptance and belonging within the LDS community.
12. Reasons the Unstated Assumptions Required to Accept or Reject this Belief are True
1. Agree:
1. The Church's modesty standards are inherently sexist: This assumption could be supported by the disproportionate emphasis on women's dress and behavior in Church teachings.
2. Men and women are equally responsible for maintaining standards of decency: This assumption aligns with modern societal views of gender equality and mutual respect.
2. Disagree:
1. The Church's modesty standards are divinely inspired: This assumption is intrinsic to belief in the Church's teachings and the authority of its leaders.
2. Modesty standards are beneficial to individual and community morality: This assumption could be supported by personal experiences of peace and clarity from living according to these standards.

LDS teaching and doctrine are sexist and chauvinistic

Images That disagree

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Images That agree

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