Dear Editor,
I would like to respond to a statement made in a letter to the editor concerning BYU dress standards. The letter stated “…the fact is that guys are ‘programmed’ in a certain way, and there is nothing we can do about it.”
How absolutely absurd and ridiculous. Any man who says that he has no control of his thoughts and actions is professing that he is feeble and weak. He also implies that he has relinquished his freedom to choose, one of the most sacred and precious gifts from our Father in Heaven.
The letter then went on to say that even the most worthy priesthood holder would have indecent thoughts if he happened to see a girl in immodest clothing. What does this insinuate about the prophet and the other general authorities of the church? Are their minds filled with unworthy thoughts when they walk the streets? It is inevitable that they will see someone in immodest clothing as they go about their daily affairs. The fact is that guys can do something about it. They can choose not to look. They can fill their heads with worthy and decent thoughts.
In fact, men have a responsibility to help women honor the sacred characteristics that God has given them. Any decent, moral and worthy priesthood holder would have been listening to the talk that Elder Richard G. Scott gave in April 2000 Priesthood Session. In it he charged men not to take advantage of the loving, self-sacrificing nature of women. He stated that it is our responsibility as priesthood holders to help women uphold the sanctity of womanhood.
I quote, “Many young women have returned to righteousness because of the example and understanding support of a worthy priesthood bearer.”
It is inappropriate to blame women for our sins and weaknesses. Instead, men must take responsibility for themselves, and they must support women in righteousness. No progress is ever made by excusing our own wrong actions and placing the blame on someone else.
Joshua Johnson
Kaysville, Davis County
