Polls

Polls taken on this blog are not to be interpreted as meeting the standards for official “research.”

When it comes to raising my children in the church…. (195 respondents)

I taught them it was wrong to masturbate.    17 (8%)
I plan to teach them it is wrong to masturbate. 42 (21%)
I taught them it was not wrong to masturbate. 17 (8%)
I plan to teach them it is not wrong to masturbate. 45 (23%)
I did not teach them anything about masturbation.    18 (9%)
I do not plan on teaching them anything about masturbation.    5 (2%)
I am conflicted on what to teach about masturbation.    72 (36%)
My spouse and I agree on what to teach about masturbation.    40 (20%)
My spouse and I disagree on what to teach about masturbation.    24 (12%)

Views on Polygamy
123 Respondents

I believe that Joseph Smith was inspired by God to enact polygamy.
42 (34%)
I do not believe Joseph Smith was inspired by God to enact polygamy.
48 (39%)
I believe that polygamy as a doctrine has been rescinded by God and will not return..
22 (17%)
I believe that polygamy was rescinded by man due to political pressure of the time.
43 (34%)
I believe that polygamy will return as a practice within the mainstream church as a restored principle.
5 (4%)
I believe that there will be polygamous marriages in the celestial kingdom.
37 (30%)
I do not believe there will be polygamous marriages in the celestial kingdom.
33 (26%)
I believe that Heavenly Father has polygamous relationships.
15 (12%)
I believe that there will be more righteous women than men in the celestial kingdom who will need a spouse.
21 (17%)
Before reading this, I was aware that polygamy was practiced by Joseph Smith.
102 (82%)
Before reading this, I was aware that polyandry was also practiced in our relgious history.
64 (52%)
Before reading this, I was aware that men can be sealed to more than one woman currently in the temple, but women can only be sealed to one man.
100 (81%)
I am confused about what I am to believe when it comes to polygamy doctrine.
32 (26%)
I am not confused about what I am to believe when it comes to polygamy doctrine.
39 (31%)
The doctrine of polygamy has negative implications in my current marriage.
11 (8%)
The doctrine of polygamy has negative implications on my relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
27 (21%)
I am content with how the church and current leaders handle our history with polygamy.
26 (21%)
I want more answers from current leaders regarding our history with polygamy.
54 (43%)
I am content with the amount of information I have regarding the doctrine of polygamy.
23 (18%)
I want more answers from church leaders regarding the doctrine of polygamy and current day implications.
63 (51%)

Polygamy doctrine threatens my testimony.
38 (30%)
Polygamy doctrine does not threaten my testimony.
52 (42%)

Tithing
175 Respondents
I believe in the principle of tithing.            139 (79%)
I do not believe in the principle of tithing.        10 (5%)
I pay a full and honest tithe.                128 (73%)
I am a part tithe payer.                    12 (6%)
I do not currently pay tithing.                20 (11%)
I do not struggle in paying tithing.            81 (46%)
I do struggle in paying tithing.            47 (26%)
Tithing is not a source of contention within my marriage.    94 (53%)
Tithing is a source of contention within my marriage.    12 (6%)
I feel like I can afford to pay tithing.            96 (54%)
I feel like I cannot afford to pay tithing.        36 (20%)
I feel no anxiety when I do not pay my tithing.    28 (16%)
I feel slight or moderate anxiety when I do not pay my tithing.    67 (38%)
I feel extreme anxiety when I do not pay my tithing.            25 (14%)
I worry that my tithing status will affect church activities I can participate in.    42 (24%)
I do not worry about my tithing status affecting church activities I can participate in.50 (28%)
The only reason I currently do not have a temple recommend is because of tithing.        7 (4%)
I have missed a tithing payment at least once in my life.        94 (53%)
I agree for the most part with how the church uses its tithing revenue.    100 (57%)
I do not agree for the most part with how the church uses its tithing revenue.    15 (8%)
I have mixed feelings about how the church uses tithing revenue.        33 (18%)
If I do not pay a full tithe I am inclined to pay none – “what’s the point?”    18 (10%)
If I do not pay a full tithe I am inclined to pay some – “at least I can help out in a smaller way”. 25 (14%)

Anxiety about Second Coming

136 Respondents
I am hopeful about the future.           103 (75%)
I am not hopeful about the future.       25 (18%)
In general, I believe the world is becoming a better place.       30 (22%)
In general, I believe the world is becoming a worse place.       93 (68%)
I believe in and look forward to the “Second Coming.”       64 (47%)
I believe in the “Second Coming” but am afraid of it – or the things leading up to it.   43 (31%)
I have anxiety about the “Second Coming” on a regular basis.   8 (5%)
I believe the “Second Coming” will happen within my lifetime.   29 (21%)
I do not believe the “Second Coming” will happen within my lifetime.   57 (41%)
I do not believe in the “Second Coming.”   21 (15%)

How do I feel about plastic surgery?
109 respondents

Does not fit into my religious beliefs.        18 (16%)
Does fit into my religious beliefs.        62 (56%)
I don’t have an opinion.            29 (26%)

Mark the options you approve of:
145 respondents

Breast augmentation if woman wants it period.                82 (56%)
Breast augmentation if woman has size A breasts or smaller and it is causing self perception issues (self-esteem, sexuality, femininity).                    75 (51%)
Breast restructuring after a mastectomy.                    128 (88%)
Breast reduction if woman wants it period.                    97 (66%)
Breast reduction if breast size is causing back problems.            110 (75%)
Liposuction.                                    81 (55%)
Orthodontic work.                                131 (90%)
Facial alterations due to abnormalities (birth defects).            139 (95%)
Facial alterations due to cosmetic preference (nose shape, cheek implants, etc.).    65 (44%)
Facial alterations due to aging.                        67 (46%)
Facial alterations due to an accident (scarring from car wreck, etc.).    134 (92%)
Penile implants due to erectile dysfunction.                    95 (65%)
Skin removal after significant weight loss.                    128 (88%)
Removal of moles or other birth marks due to cosmetic reasons.        111 (76%)
Circumcision of male penis.                            111 (76%)
Tummy tuck for cosmetic reasons (after c-sections, loss of weight, etc.).    106 (73%)
I am never in favor of any alteration of the body.                3 (2%)

Should the church have an official stance on physical alterations such as the ones mentioned above?
93 respondents

Yes            1 (1%)
No            74 (79%)
On some        18 (19%)

87 Respondants

I am female and
I am overall satisfied with my marriage.        66 (75%)
I am not satisfied overall with my marriage.         17 (19%)
I am satisfied with my marital sexual life.        46 (52%)
I am not satisfied with my marital sexual life.    35 (40%)
I am satisfied with my marital emotional life.    49 (56%)
I am not satisfied with my marital emotional life.    28 (32%)
I find my spouse interesting.                63 (72%)
I find my spouse attractive.                55 (63%)
My spouse and I share our spiritual/religious values.62 (71%)
My spouse and I share parenting values.        60 (68%)

76 Respondents

I am male and…
I am satisfied overall with my marriage.        48 (63%)
I am not satisfied overall with my marriage.        21 (27%)
I am satisfied with my marital sexual life.        22 (28%)
I am not satisfied with my marital sexual life.    50 (65%)
I am satisfied with my marital emotional life.    41 (53%)
I am not satisfied with my marital emotional life.    29 (38%)
I find my spouse interesting.                62 (81%)
I find my spouse attractive.                65 (85%)
My spouse and I share our spiritual/religious values.60 (78%)
My spouse and I share parenting values.        66 (86%)

27 Respondents

I am single and…
I feel like my needs as a single are met at church.        7 (25%)
I do not feel like my needs as a single are met at church.    12 (44%)
I generally feel like I do not fit in due to my single status.    11 (40%)
I generally feel like I do fit in regardless of my single status.9 (33%)
I feel pressure to marry.                    11 (40%)
I do not feel pressure to marry.                9 (33%)
I am content being single.                    13 (48%)
I am not content being single.                    12 (44%)
I feel like sexual expectations of singles in our church are unrealistic.9 (33%)
I feel like sexual expectations for singles in our church are realistic.11 (40%)

With “worthiness” being defined as adherence to basic church belief and values:

41 Respondents

I consider myself worthy to hold my current calling. 36 (87%)

I currently hold a calling I do not consider myself worthy to hold. 5 (12%)

If I’m not worthy to hold my current calling, I have not “confessed” because… 14 Respondents I don’t like or feel safe with my bishop. 5 (35%) I’m afraid of disciplinary consequences. 5 (35%) It’s no one’s business. 3 (21%) I don’t want my spouse or family to find out. 4 (28%) I’m not ready to give up the sin. 4 (28%) I’m embarrassed or ashamed. 4 (28%) I don’t agree with the church policy. 5 (35%) I don’t want to lose my temple recommend. 3 (21%) My job or occupation would be in danger. 1 (7%) I have lost my testimony but still want to attend church. 3 (21%) None of the above 2 (14%)

I find the following behaviors appropriate among consenting, married adults:

248 Respondents

Oral Sex       233 (93%)
Anal Sex       129 (52%)
Pornography Viewing       47 (18%)
Use of Lingerie or Costume   240 (96%)
Use of Toys (i.e. vibrator, dildo, etc.)       204 (82%)
Manual Stimulation of Genitals by Spouse   241 (97%)
Manual Stimulation of Genitals by Self   175 (70%)
S & M (i.e. bondage, spanking, etc.)       100 (40%)
Sexual Positions other than Missionary   242 (97%)
Use of massage tools (i.e. oils, lotion including edible ones)       242 (97%)
Use of Lubricants   243 (97%)
Use of Medication (i.e. Viagra, testosterone, etc.)   221 (89%)
Use of Birth Control Methods          233 (93%)
None of the Above   2 (0%)

If Natasha Parker offered online, interactive courses…

55 respondents

I would be interested.            30 (54%)
I would not be interested.        8 (14%)
Parenting skills would be a topic of interest.        14 (25%)
Sexuality would be a topic of interest.        28 (50%)
Communication and relationship skills would be a topic of interest.        26 (47%)
$295-$395 per course would be doable.        6 (10%)
Cost would stop me from taking the class.        39 (70%)

Assessment of Church Membership
257 respondents

Overall, the church helps my mental health. 128 (49%)
Overall, the church hinders my mental health. 79 (30%)
I feel closer to God because of the church. 147 (57%)
I don’t feel closer to God because of the church. 55 (21%)
The church is an asset in my life. 160 (62%)
The church is a liability in my life. 47 (18%)
I see the gospel and the church as similar. 81 (31%)
I see the gospel and the church as vastly different. 120 (46%)
I feel like I fit in at church. 104 (40%)
I feel like I don’t fit in at church. 118 (45%)
I am a convert to the church. 30 (11%)
I was raised in the church. 210 (81%)
I enjoy going to church. 137 (53%)
I dislike going to church. 91 (35%)

I am male, served a mission and…
159 respondents

I abstained from masturbation at least 6 months prior to going. 55 (34%)
I did not abstain from masturbation for at least 6 months prior to going. 60 (37%)
I lied on a “worthiness” interview to go on a mission. 33 (20%)
I did not lie on a “worthiness” interview to go on a mission. 60 (37%)
I masturbated at least once on my mission. 89 (55%)
I never masturbated on my mission. 59 (37%)

I am female, served a mission and…
43 respondents

I abstained from masturbation at least 6 months prior to going. 16 (37%)
I did not abstain from masturbation for at least 6 months prior to going. 4 (9%)
I lied on a “worthiness” interview to go on a mission. 1 (2%)
I did not lie on a “worthiness” interview to go on a mission. 14 (32%)
I masturbated at least once on my mission. 12 (27%)
I never masturbated on my mission. 27 (62%)

I am or have taken an antidepressant and…
61 respondents

I felt pressure from local church leaders to not do so. 8 (13%)
I felt pressure from main church leaders to not do so (i.e. conference talks). 6 (9%)
I felt validated in doing so by local church leaders. 19 (31%)
I felt validated in doing so by main church leaders. 14 (22%)
I felt validated in doing so by local church members. 9 (14%)
I stopped taking them in part because of church teachings. 2 (3%)
I kept taking them in part because of church teachings. 5 (8%)
I feel/felt I am lacking in spirituality because I need(ed) medication. 12 (19%)
I did/do not feel lacking in spirituality because I need medication. 39 (63%)

I have taken an anti-depressant at some point of my life.
Yes 40 (38%)
No 64 (61%)

I am female and…

135 respondents

I have had premarital sex. 54 (40%)
I waited to have sex until after marriage. 70 (51%)
I have had a sexual affair while married. 5 (3%)
I have been tempted to have a sexual affair while married but didn’t. 16 (11%)
I’ve never entertained the thought of having a marital affair while married. 62 (45%)
I have never looked at pornography. 31 (22%)
I have purposely looked at pornography at least once. 66 (48%)
I look at pornography on a fairly regular basis (once a month to every few months). 13 (9%)
I look at pornography on a regular basis (at least once a week). 4 (2%)
I consider myself to be a porn addict. 0 (0%)
I have sexual fantasies that I see as normal. 77 (57%)
I have sexual fantasies that concern me. 15 (11%)
I have sexual fantasies that my spouse is unaware of. 36 (26%)
I am able to talk about my sexual fantasies with my spouse. 46 (34%)
I think oral sex is a sin. 5 (3%)
I think oral sex is not a sin. 109 (80%)
I enjoy receiving oral sex. 75 (55%)
I do not enjoy receiving oral sex. 32 (23%)
I enjoy giving oral sex. 70 (51%)
I do not enjoy giving oral sex. 38 (28%)

I am Male and…
133 responders
I have had premarital sex. 34 (25%)
I waited to have sex until after marriage. 86 (64%)
I have had a sexual affair while married. 11 (8%)
I have been tempted to have a sexual affair while married but didn’t. 33 (24%)
I’ve never entertained the thought of having a marital affair while married. 48 (36%)
I have never looked at pornography. 4 (3%)
I have purposely looked at pornography at least once. 73 (54%)
I look at pornography on a fairly regular basis (once a month to every few months). 44 (33%)
I look at pornography on a regular basis (at least once a week). 37 (27%)
I consider myself to be a porn addict. 20 (15%)
I have sexual fantasies that I see as normal. 91 (68%)
I have sexual fantasies that concern me. 20 (15%)
I have sexual fantasies that my spouse is unaware of. 60 (45%)
I am able to talk about my sexual fantasies with my spouse. 31 (23%)
I think oral sex is a sin. 3 (2%)
I think oral sex is not a sin. 114 (85%)
I enjoy receiving oral sex. 105 (78%)
I do not enjoy receiving oral sex. 4 (3%)
I enjoy giving oral sex. 112 (84%)
I do not enjoy giving oral sex. 7 (5%)

I am a female, I have masturbated at some point in my life…
59 responders and

and I believe that led to a problem with pornography. 6 (10%)
and I believe that led to a problem with masturbation. 7 (11%)
and I do not have a problem with pornography. 36 (61%)
and I do no have a problem with masturbation. 34 (57%)
If I am married, the frequency of masturbation greatly reduced after marriage. 24 (40%)
If I am married, the frequency of masturbation stayed the same after marriage. 9 (15%)
If I am married, the frequency of masturbation increased after marriage. 5 (8%)
If I am single, I expect the frequency of masturbation will reduce once I’m married. 5 (8%)
If I am single, I expect the frequency of masturbation will remain the same once married. 3 (5%)
If I am single, I expect the frequency of masturbation will increase once married. 0 (0%)
I have a problem with pornography but I don’t think that had anything to do with masturbation.  4 (6%)

I am a male, I have masturbated at some point in my life…
Responders 58:
and I believe that led to a problem with pornography. 19 (32%)
and I believe that led to a problem with masturbation. 27 (46%)
and I do not have a problem with pornography. 17 (29%)
and I do no have a problem with masturbation. 24 (41%)
If I am married, the frequency of masturbation greatly reduced after marriage. 27 (46%)
If I am married, the frequency of masturbation stayed the same after marriage. 11 (18%)
If I am married, the frequency of masturbation increased after marriage. 5 (8%)
If I am single, I expect the frequency of masturbation will reduce once I’m married. 8 (13%)
If I am single, I expect the frequency of masturbation will remain the same once married. 1 (1%)
If I am single, I expect the frequency of masturbation will increase once married. 0 (0%)
I have a problem with pornography but I don’t think that had anything to do with masturbation.  6 (10%)

What do you think about masturbation?
280 responders
It is a sin. 39 (13%)
It is not a sin. 51 (18%)
It may or not be a sin depending on the situation. 127 (45%)
I agree with church council on masturbation. 52 (18%)
I do not agree with church council on masturbation. 32 (11%)
I somewhat agree with church council on masturbation. 75 (26%)
If I masturbate and I am married, my spouse knows about it. 79 (28%)
If I masturbate and I am married, my spouse does not know about it. 50 (17%)
If I am married, I have discussed masturbation at some point with my spouse. 143 (51%)
If I am married, I have not discussed masturbation ever with my spouse. 18 (6%)
It is OK within marriage if used when both are present. 155 (55%)
It is not OK within marriage even if both are present. 28 (10%)
I am confused regarding what the church’s stance is on masturbation. 89 (31%)
I have masturbated at least once in m life. 210 (75%)

177 responders
I am an LDS male and I have never masturbated in my life. 4 (2%)
I am an LDS male and I have masturbated at least once in my life. 77 (43%)
I am an LDS female and I have never masturbated in my life. 15 (8%)
I am an LDS female and I have masturbated at least once in my life. 81 (45%)

If you are married, would you say you are satisfied overall with your sex life?
47 responders
31: Yes (65%)
16: No (34%)

Are you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

136 responders
130: Yes (95%)
6: No (4%)