I ask this question sincerely, as I am an active member and truly love the scriptures. I am not questioning the wisdom of this happening but seeking to know the necessity of it.
Someone recently posted on this subreddit some comments about coming across Mormon missionaries, and I responded. Others then responded to what I wrote, and I appreciated both their passion on the subject and their willingness to see another side of things. Ta!
How many here were in high school in the 80s and remember seeing numerous female classmates (well under 18 yrs old) dating guys well over 18)? While we guys were jealous, no one thought it was weird.
Edit: in all the time I witnessed this, I never once heard of a girl’s parents getting wind of it and pressing charges for statutory rape. Weird, right?