Pornography

“You cannot afford in any degree to become involved with pornography, whatever its form. You simply cannot afford to become involved in immoral practices--or to let down the bars of sexual restraint. The emotions that stir within you which make boys attractive to girls and girls attractive to boys are part of a divine plan, but they must be restrained, subdued, and kept under control, or they will destroy you and make you unworthy of many of the great blessings which the Lord has in store for you.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Chosen Generation”, May 1992

"Suppose a storm is raging and the winds howl and the snow swirls about you. You find yourself unable to stop it. But you can dress properly and seek shelter, and the storm will have no effect upon you. Likewise, even though the Internet is saturated with sleazy material, you do not have to watch it. You can retreat to the shelter of the gospel and its teaching of cleanliness and virtue and purity of life... Now . . . the time has come for any one of us who is so involved [in pornography] to pull himself [or herself] out of the mire, to stand above this evil thing, to 'look to God and live' (Alma 37:47).”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Tragic Evil Among Us”, November 2004

"At times we may rationalize that the Lord will understand our disobedience because our special circumstances make adherence to His laws difficult, embarrassing, or even painful. However, faithful obedience, regardless of the apparent size of the task, will bring the Lord's guidance, assistance, and peace."

Bruce A. Carlson, “When the Lord Commands”, May 2010

"One of the most damning influences on earth, one that has caused uncountable grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages, is the onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms. Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, the telephone, or on a flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging."

Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance”, November 2009

“Why is lust such a deadly sin? Well, in addition to the completely Spirit-destroying impact it has upon our souls, I think it is a sin because it defiles the highest and holiest relationship God gives us in mortality—the love that a man and a woman have for each other and the desire that couple has to bring children into a family intended to be forever.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul”, May 2010

“How like the elm is man. From a minute seed and in accordance with a divine plan, we grow, are nurtured, and mature. The bright sunlight of heaven, the rich blessings of earth are ours. In our private forest of family and friends, life is richly rewarding and abundantly beautiful. Then suddenly, there appears before us in this generation a sinister and diabolical enemy—pornography. Like the bark beetle, it too is the carrier of a deadly disease. I shall name it ‘pernicious permissiveness.’  At first we scarcely realize we have been infected. We laugh and make lighthearted comment concerning the off-color story or the clever cartoon. With evangelical zeal we protect the so-called rights of those who would contaminate with smut and destroy all that is precious and sacred. The beetle of pornography is doing his deadly task—undercutting our will, destroying our immunity, and stifling that upward reach within each of us.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Pornography, the Deadly Carrier”, July 2001

“The constant, consuming march of the pornography beetle blights neighborhoods just as it contaminates human lives. It has just about destroyed some areas. It moves relentlessly closer to your city, your neighborhood, and your family. Pornography is now more available than ever. At the click of a button, evil can be viewed in our homes on televisions and computer screens, in our hotels and movie theaters, or even in our places of employment, where access to the Internet is often provided.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Pornography, the Deadly Carrier”, July 2001

“As we encounter that evil carrier, the pornography beetle, let our battle standard and that of our communities be taken from that famous ensign of early America, ‘Don’t tread on me.’”

Thomas S. Monson, “Pornography, the Deadly Carrier”, July 2001

“Let us join in the fervent declaration of Joshua: ‘Choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’  Let our hearts be pure. Let our lives be clean. Let our voices be heard. Let our actions be felt.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Pornography, the Deadly Carrier”, July 2001

“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. This potent tool of Lucifer degrades the mind and the heart and the soul of any who use it. All who are caught in its seductive, tantalizing web and remain so will become addicted to its immoral, destructive influence.”

Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance”, November 2009

 

               I know from experiences in my life how destructive pornography is.  My father has dealt with his own issues with pornography.  I do not know how long it has been an issue, or if it still is.  There were times where he would watch it while I was in the same room, not thinking I knew what he was doing.  It is something that has forever damaged my relationship with him.

               Like any sin, a person can be forgiven of this, and with the Lord’s help, can turn his or her life back to God.  It is a struggle, however, and a battle that the individual must be willing to fight.  But to salvage relationships, hopefully those dealing with the problem of pornography can set their priorities so that the fight is worth the trials.