Sons of Helman

[UtahDan]

I know several of you would benefit from this:

http://www.sonsofhelaman.org/?p=home

The Sons of Helaman is a group of young men who have dedicated themselves to helping each other overcome pornography and/or masturbation. In a “Knights of the Round Table” environment, they encourage and help their brethren in the fight against this demon that assails them. Lead by a certified, licensed professional clinician, they practice and develop the warrior instincts that are required to conquer these addictions for the rest of their lives. They learn the strategies that the adversary will use against them, and are trained how to use the most powerful weapons known to science and spirituality to defeat him. Young men ages 14-28 should be considered for the program. Return missionaries who need extra training are also invited.

If finances are a concern, many of the young men are receiving financial assistance from their ward through Fast Offerings. Most Bishops are familiar with and have confidence in our program. If yours is not, please invite him to contact us and get all his questions answered. If the Bishop does decide to use Fast Offerings to help, the young man will be expected to provide service for his ward in exchange for the resources provided. This helps the young man experience responsibility and gratitude.

Nephi, how come you have to weed the flower beds at the chapel every Saturday?

Well, I, ummmm, you see.......

[pellegrino]

"Conquering Morality Challenges: Pre and Post Mission"

That's a hell of a slogan!

Seriously though, if someone wants to do this then I say go for it. I'm apprehensive about fast offerings being used for it, but if there is a surplus in a given ward then what the hell, it's not like they'll likely see a better use elsewhere.

[TripletDaddy]

Best of luck to the Sons of Helman. It is going to take a Miracle to Whip that problem.

[jay santos]

This is exactly where I want my fast offering money going.

[TripletDaddy]

This is exactly where I want my fast offering money going.

New line item on the tithe slip: "Masturbation."

That will make for an interesting tithing settlement with the Bish. "I see you were very generous in the fight against masturbation....."

Is there anything more homoerotic than a group of young guys mutually discussion masturbation and pornography? I'm sure that will help curb the behavior in its tracks.

[RobinFinderson]

I'm amused by their graphics:



Those guys have some tight grips on their hilts and spears.

[UtahDan]

Is there anything more homoerotic than a group of young guys mutually discussion masturbation and pornography? I'm sure that will help curb the behavior in its tracks.

Yes. Doing it "Knights of the Round Table" style.

[DU Ute]

"Conquering Morality Challenges: Pre and Post Mission"

That's a hell of a slogan!

What about the 2 years on your mission? Just white knuckle it?

[KillerDog]

What about the 2 years on your mission? Just white knuckle it?

I think white knuckling it is what they are trying to avoid.

[Solon]

I find this kind of program disquieting, mostly because I think LDS obsession with the evils of porn misses the real issue. I suggest that the ubiquity of porn in the world today is a symptom of greater problems understanding male sexuality, rather than the problem itself.

In my mind, the popularity of porn indicates a need that is not being fulfilled in other ways. Whether that need has always been there (and only now is porn so readily available anonymously), or rather the need is a new development in a changing society, is a question that bears further investigation.

For an honest and interesting discussion of porn and male sexuality, The Atlantic recently had an article: http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/...ard-core/8327/ (WARNING: there's some graphic written content; no pictures or anything, but some very graphic descriptions). While I don't agree with everything the author says in there, I think she makes some valid points that might be worth pursuing.

In my opinion, today's porn epidemic is indicative that contemporary (LDS) ideals of sex and marriage have repressed male sexuality. If the LDS church were serious about curbing pornography, in my mind it would be better served lightening up on its demonization of sex and its repression of sexuality.

Instead, groups like The Sons of Helaman work to repress rather than understand sexuality; in the end, this is a short-sighted solution (and, in passing, I believe it similar to the LDS approach to homosexuality). The Sons of Helaman also deflect issues of identity and accountability, hoping that its participants acquire "a healthy fear of the power of Satan" rather than an understanding of what sexuality is and how it fits into personal identity and societal conventions.

[DapperDan]

"they practice and develop the warrior instincts that are required to conquer these addictions for the rest of their lives."

Considering warriors long history of raping and pillaging after a battle, I'm more than a little amused by this line.

[wuapinmon]

Holy shit! They're holding polished swords.

Please tell me this is a joke.

[wally]

I am thinking that this is just an excuse to LARP. These guys would rather live with the stigma of being Sons of Helman, than with the stigma of being a LARPer.

[wuapinmon]

Is there anything more homoerotic than a group of young guys mutually discussion masturbation and pornography? I'm sure that will help curb the behavior in its tracks.

Posted: 8/4/2009
Question:
I have a similar problem...but I think I could use a different group...do you know of any such support groups for those with homosexual attractions?
Answer:
There are other groups that focus on SSA issues, but we have found great success with Sons of Helaman. Not only does the program help one conquer the addictions, but provides ample opportunities for young men to develop healthy male bonding experiences. We have several who would be happy to give testimonials on this specific subject. Just call (with parent's permission if you are under 18.)

I am so glad that I'm not a kid anymore.

[Solon]

Masturbation consumed me for five years to the point where I thought I had no control over it, I gave up and let Satan suck me dry of all the good things in my life.
http://www.sonsofhelaman.org/index.p...timonials&t=13