Case Study #4

Step 1:
Review the following talks from the Unit 4 required readings and answer the questions below.

Talks:
 Personal Purity – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
 Love and Marriage – Sister Wendy Watson Nelson
 Making the Right Decisions – Elder Richard G. Scott

Questions:
1. Briefly define each in Elder Holland’s conception:

The soul represents the union of body and mind

Of these three aspects, the one that speaks most clearly of the sacred powers of
procreation is the Sacrament.

This understanding can help us resist temptation by reinforcing the perception that
intimacy is not only a commitment, but also a commitment to God.

3. Which of Elder Holland’s three “whys” above (soul, symbol, sacrament) fit best with each of the
4 “truths” from Sister Nelson? (Provide at least 1 quote from Elder Holland and Sister Nelson for
each.)

Truths come by the Holy Ghost.

“ Our soul is sacred, it deserves the constant presence of the spirit” R. Holland

“Spiritual truths are revealed by the holy spirit, including those about relationships” intimate
W. Nelson

Personal purity is key to intimacy.

“This sacred, physical union ordained by God for a married couple is linked to a symbol that
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 demands special holiness.” R. Holland

“Personal purity allows true intimacy with your spouse” W. Nelson

Heavenly Father wants you to experience the sacred powers with your spouse.
Sacrament

“Physical intimacy is like a sacrament, bringing man and woman into communion with
divinity." R Holland

” God wants you to experience the blessings of sacred intimacy with your lawful spouse ” W.
Nelson

For true marital intimacy, we need Spirit-enhanced and purified passions (Holy Ghost).
Soul

“Our soul is a gift from God that deserves to be purified and guided by the spirit “R. Holland

“We must purify our desires for true intimacy” W. Nelson

Step 2:
1. How do you observe the adversary and worldly forces working to minimize these divine truths?
Articulate at least two common arguments that minimize the divine nature of the sacred powers
of procreation, then provide counterarguments for each (include at least one quote from the
readings in support).

Argument Counterargument
Society views sexuality as a personal “Physical intimacy is like a sacrament,
inspiration with no divine implications. bringing man and woman into communion
with divinity." R Holland

Sexuality should be lived as we feel it, it's Personal purity is the key to true Love W.
a pleasure. Nelson 2nd truth

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 2. Study each scripture listed below for insights about sacred powers. Explain (a) what it says, and
(b) what it means to you.

Hebrews 13:4
What it says What it means to you
Let marriage be honored by all, and the Marriage is sacred and must be respected, and
marriage bed free from defilement, for God conjugal intimacy must be pure.
will judge the fornicator and the adulterer. For God will chastise all those who dishonor
marriage
1 Corinthians 7:4
What it says What it means to you
The wife does not have authority over her We can't do what we want with our bodies
own body, but the husband does; and because they don't belong to us.
similarly, the husband does not have We have to take care of it
authority over his own body, but the wife
does.
Alma 38:12
What it says What it means to you
Use boldness, but not arrogance; and be It shows the importance of discipline in all our
careful to keep all your passions in check, actions.
so as to be filled with love; be careful to We'll be judges in all these actions
abstain from idleness.

Step 3:
Complete the following activity by reading the scenario and providing the information requested.

Scenario:
During a recent class, a fellow student raised this question: “With all the stuff out there in the world
about sexuality, ranging from sex therapy to pornography of all kinds, what does the Lord, His prophets,
and His Church teach us about how to righteously participate in the sacred powers?”

Questions:
1. Review the “Statements on Intimacy” (Readings for Unit 4) and the talks above and provide 3
statements from the prophets/leaders that give direction on what the godly exercise of the
sacred powers looks like. (Give the reference for each statement, e.g., “Edler Holland, October
2022 General Conference.”)

Human intimacy this sacred and physical union ordained by God for a
1. married couple is bound with symbolism that demands special holiness.
Elder Holand LDS Living , OCTOBER 28, 2015
...The body is the sign of our royal birth ... The body is an essential part of
2.
the soul. Elder James E.Talmage CR, October 11913, p 117
Make spiritually aligned decisions praying with all the fervor of your soul
3. with humility and gratitude to avoid the pitfalls of temptation Richard G.
Scott Learn to be spiritually guided, November 2009

2. Explain the divine purpose or objective within God’s plan of happiness for the sacred powers of
procreation. Include at least one scripture and one prophet’s statement in your answer.
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The divine purpose of the sacred powers of procreation is that God created the family
to enable us to find happiness, to learn in a loving environment and to prepare us to
live together eternally.

“ The most important part of the Lord's work that you will do is in your home.”
Harold B. Lee

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