PORNOGRAPHY

Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive. Curious exploration of pornography can become a controlling habit, leading to coarser material and to sexual transgression. Avoid pornography at all costs (Thomas S. Monson, “Preparation Brings Blessings”, General Conference Apr. 2010).

There is the matter of pornography. It has become almost a pornographic world. Now, you leave it alone! If you have any, destroy it! And if you know somebody that has it, help them destroy it! And do not look at it, not ever! It is destructive, and it will take you on a path that is not consistent with who you are and what you can decide. Do not watch it, not ever!  (Boyd K. Packer, “The Instrument of Your Mind and the Foundation of Your Character,” BYU Speeches, 2 February, 2003).

Many rationalizations have been put forth to justify immodest fashion and pornography. Some vigorously assert that no law can be adopted to prevent such expression and then argue that it can’t be wrong because there is no law against it.

Another tired rationalization was recently dusted off and used to justify Olympic athletes posing nude for pornographic magazines. One editor stated, “These women . . . have phenomenal bodies and this is an opportunity to show these bodies off” (in Steve McKee, “An Olympic Pose Isn’t What It Used to Be,” Wall Street Journal, 18 August 2004, A8). What he was really saying, of course, was, “I think I deserve to make some money off these phenomenal bodies.”

Whatever the rationalizations, you will often find that the real motivation underlying immodesty is someone’s desire to profit from titillation, someone’s lust for money. The body is a temple of God, and pornography and revealing clothes are evidence that moneychangers are again desecrating the temple (D. Todd Christofferson, “A Sense of the Sacred,” BYU Speeches 7 Nov. 2004).

An ever-present danger to the family is the onslaught of evil forces that seem to come from every direction. While our primary effort must be to seek light and truth, we would be wise to black out from our homes the lethal bombs that destroy spiritual development and growth. Pornography, in particular, is a weapon of mass moral destruction. Its impact is at the forefront in eroding moral values. Some TV programs and Internet sites are equally lethal. These evil forces remove light and hope from the world. The level of decadence is accelerating. 5 If we do not black out evil from our homes and lives, do not be surprised if devastating moral explosions shatter the peace  which is the reward for righteous living. Our responsibility is to be in the world but not of the world (Quentin L. Cook, “Let There Be Light,” General Conference, Oct. 2010).

Satan wants us to be miserable just as he is.  He would animate our carnal appetites, entice us to live in spiritual darkness and doubt the reality of life after death. The Apostle Paul observed, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”   (Russell M. Nelson, “Set in Order Thy House,” Liahona Magazine, Jan. 2002)

A return to the teachings of God will do more than all else to keep our ship of state on a steady course as she sails into the third century a nationhood. Here is the answer to the conflicts the best us. Here is the answer to the evils of pornography...” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, pp. 18)

Satan has become a master at using the addictive power of pornography to limit individual capacity to be led by the Spirit. The onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms has caused great grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages. It is one of the most damning influences on earth. Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, vulgarities on the telephone, or flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging (Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance” General Conference, Oct. 2009).

The seditious evils of pornography, abortion, and addiction to harmful substances serve as termites to erode the undergirding strength of a happy home and a faithful family. We cannot yield to any iniquity without putting our families at risk. .”   (Russell M. Nelson, “Set in Order Thy House,” Liahona Magazine, Jan. 2002)

Participation in pornography in any of its lurid forms is a manifestation of unbridled selfishness. How can a man, particularly a priesthood bearer, not think of the emotional and spiritual damage caused to women, especially his wife, by such abhorrent activity?  (Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance” General Conference, Oct. 2009).

In our day the dreadful influence of pornography is like unto a plague sweeping across the world, infecting one here and one there, relentlessly trying to invade every home, most frequently through the husband and father. The effect of this plague can be, unfortunately often is, spiritually fatal. Lucifer seeks to disrupt “the great plan of redemption,” 11 “the great plan of happiness.” 12

Pornography will always repel the Spirit of Christ and will interrupt the communications between our Heavenly Father and His children and disrupt the tender relationship between husband and wife.

The priesthood holds consummate power. It can protect you from the plague of pornography—and it is a plague—if you are succumbing to its influence. If one is obedient, the priesthood can show how to break a habit and even erase an addiction. Holders of the priesthood have that authority and should employ it to combat evil influences (Boyd K. Packer, “Cleansing the Inner Vessel,” General Conference, Oct. 2010).

Our Heavenly Father has counseled us to seek after “anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.” 5 Whatever you read, listen to, or watch makes an impression on you.

Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive. Curious exploration of pornography can become a controlling habit, leading to coarser material and to sexual transgression. Avoid pornography at all costs.

Don’t be afraid to walk out of a movie, turn off a television set, or change a radio station if what’s being presented does not meet your Heavenly Father’s standards. In short, if you have any question about whether a particular movie, book, or other form of entertainment is appropriate, don’t see it, don’t read it, don’t participate.

The Apostle Paul declared: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? … The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 6 Brethren, it is our responsibility to keep our temples clean and pure (Thomas S. Monson, “Preparation Brings Blessings,” General Conference Apr. 2010).