Handbook (LDS Church) - Examples of Content Discussed in The Media

Examples of Content Discussed in The Media

Although the Handbook covers a wide variety of topics related to church organization and policy, media attention has focused largely on the church's policies on social issues that are outlined in the Handbook. As summarized by the Salt Lake Tribune, the Handbook states that the LDS Church:

opposes gambling (including government-run lotteries), guns in churches, euthanasia, Satan worship and hypnotism for entertainment. It “strongly discourages” surrogate motherhood, sperm donation, surgical sterilizations (including vasectomies) and artificial insemination — when “using semen from anyone but the husband.” But supports organ donation, paying income taxes, members running for political office and autopsies — “if the family of the deceased gives consent.”

Regarding birth control, the Tribune comments:

The handbook says it is a “privilege” for Mormon couples to nurture and rear children, but the decision of how many to have is “extremely intimate and private and should be left between the couple and the Lord.” Moreover, church members “should not judge one another in this matter.” The book also says sexual relations in marriage “are divinely approved not only for the purpose of procreation, but also as a way of expressing love and strengthening emotional and spiritual bonds between husband and wife.”

The Tribune has also noted that the LDS Church discourages the use of in vitro fertilization using semen and ova from people outside the couple and that the LDS Church has no official stance on drinking Coca-Cola.

The Tribune quoted one member of the church as applauding the public availability of the Handbook, because it will allow the members of the church to become more familiar with the church's stance on certain social issues:

“I’ve known church members who were shocked that the handbook strongly discourages vasectomies. They had no idea that there was any policy concerning it. ... If there are such policies, I think it is wise that everyone — not just those with leadership callings — knows about them.”

Some members have complained that the Handbook does not always explain the doctrinal justification for the church's stance on certain social issues, such as that related to artificial insemination of single women in the church: The Handbook states that artificial insemination of single women in the church "is not approved" and that "single sisters who deliberately refuse to follow the counsel of church leaders in this matter are subject to church discipline,” but it does not explain why similar treatment would not be meted out to single women in the church who adopt children.