Is Chastity Optional For Someone Who Hasn't Been To The Temple?

[Tsuzuki]

If someone hasn't been through the temple, and never made covenants to live the law of chastity, is it optional for them? Could they be active LDS and openly not follow the law of chastity (assuming they never intend to set foot in the temple)? Would they be subject to any discipline, or have any limits placed on their activity (outside of the temple, of course)?

[Buckeye]

If someone hasn't been through the temple, and never made covenants to live the law of chastity, is it optional for them? Could they be active LDS and openly not follow the law of chastity (assuming they never intend to set foot in the temple)? Would they be subject to any discipline, or have any limits placed on their activity (outside of the temple, of course)?

 

The law of chastity is part of the baptismal covenant. Prospective members are taught the commandment and must agree to live it before being baptized. Granted, it's a little milder when your interviewing an 8 year old ... 

[jaberwocky]

If someone hasn't been through the temple, and never made covenants to live the law of chastity, is it optional for them? Could they be active LDS and openly not follow the law of chastity (assuming they never intend to set foot in the temple)? Would they be subject to any discipline, or have any limits placed on their activity (outside of the temple, of course)?

 

You have free will to do anything you want.  There are consequences for any decision, however.  Knowingly disobeying a convenant that you plan to make later in life is pretty much the same as breaking it after the fact.  It doesn't really demonstrate to God a willing heart.

[Ahab]

If someone hasn't been through the temple, and never made covenants to live the law of chastity, is it optional for them? Could they be active LDS and openly not follow the law of chastity (assuming they never intend to set foot in the temple)? Would they be subject to any discipline, or have any limits placed on their activity (outside of the temple, of course)?

You should ask your bishop those questions while letting him know if you are having any problems living that law. But I can already tell you the answers should be No, Yes, Yes, and Yes.

[Tsuzuki]

The law of chastity is part of the baptismal covenant. Prospective members are taught the commandment and must agree to live it before being baptized. Granted, it's a little milder when your interviewing an 8 year old ... 

So, if I was baptized before my prepubescent mind could even comprehend the LDS definition of chastity, would I be free to go by Aleister Crowley's definition until I made more specific covenants in the temple? And would I get in any trouble doing so?

 

http://hermetic.com/crowley/little-essays-towards-truth/chastity.html

[Tsuzuki]

You have free will to do anything you want.  There are consequences for any decision, however.  Knowingly disobeying a convenant that you plan to make later in life is pretty much the same as breaking it after the fact.  It doesn't really demonstrate to God a willing heart.

And if I never intend to make those covenants, but still want to be active LDS, maybe even exercising the Aaronic Priesthood (or even Melchizedek Priesthood, assuming I don't follow it up with the temple)?

[pelican]

If someone hasn't been through the temple, and never made covenants to live the law of chastity, is it optional for them? Could they be active LDS and openly not follow the law of chastity (assuming they never intend to set foot in the temple)? Would they be subject to any discipline, or have any limits placed on their activity (outside of the temple, of course)?

 

If you never intend to set foot in a  temple then why worry about it?  The temple covenants are for those who want o pursue exaltation.  If you're content living a Telestial life for eternity you may as well start now.