Latter-day Saint

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I believe that polygamy as a doctrine has been rescinded by God and will not return..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I believe that polygamy was rescinded by man due to political pressure of the time.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%)