Satan has used the
tool of pornography to corrupt the hearts of many, and if there is any one thing
I feel which must avoided at all costs it is the viewing of pornography. I know that anyone striving to have a greater
influence of the spirit, to come closer to God, and to have healthy
relationships with a spouse must avoid pornography completely. Pornography has spread from pictures in
select magazines to being displayed publicly. As such, pornography is being
more widely accepted, and I know that in future years I will have to be more
diligent in avoiding many movies, TV shows, books, etc. in order to avoid
pornographic images and their influence in my life.
"When we are tempted to do things we should not do, let us listen to the loving warning of trusted family and friends, our beloved prophet, and always the Savior. The best defence against addiction is never to start."President Dieter F Uchtdorf, April 2014 General Priesthood Meeting "Are You Sleeping through the Restoration?" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/are-you-sleeping-through-the-restoration?lang=eng
"We as parents and leaders need to counsel with our children and youth on an ongoing basis, listening with love and understanding. They need to know the dangers of pornography and how it overtakes lives, causing loss of the Spirit, distorted feelings, deceit, damaged relationships, loss of self-control, and nearly total consumption of time, thought, and energy. Pornography is more vile, evil, and graphic than ever before. As we counsel with our children, together we can create a family plan with standards and boundaries, being proactive to protect our homes with filters on electronic devices. Parents are we aware that mobile devices with Internet capacity, not computers, are the biggest culprit? Young people and adults, if you are caught in Satan's trap of pornography, remember how merciful our beloved Savior is. Do you realize how deeply the Lord loves and cherishes you, even now? Our Savior has the power to cleanse and heal you. He can remove the pain and sorrow you feel and make you clean again through the power of His Atonement."
Sister Linda S Reeves, April 2014 General Conference "Protection from Pornography - a Christ-Focused Home" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/protection-from-pornography-a-christ-focused-home?lang=eng&query=Pornography
"...Current scientific research has revealed that pornography cripples young adults in several ways and poisons their chances of one day having a loving and lasting marriage relationship. Research has also shown that frequent use of pornography can lead to obsessive behaviors and can rewire the brain to capture a person in the prison of addiction. Research has also verified that pornography fosters unrealistic expectations and delivers dangerous miseducation about healthy human intimacy. Most insidiously, pornography conditions you to see people as objects that you can disregard and disrespect both emotionally and physically. ...we must avoid pornography ourselves because it is deadly. It kills genuine, tender human relationships - destroying marriages and families. It destroys the spirit of the person who consumes it as surely as the most deadly poison kills the body and the mind."
Elder M Russell Ballard, May 4, 2014 CES Devotional "Be Still, and Know That I Am God" https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ces-devotionals/2014/01/be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god?lang=eng&query=Pornography
"...Do not patronize pornography. Do not use your purchasing power to support moral degradation. And young women, please understand that if you dress immodestly, you are magnifying this problem by becoming pornography to some of the men who see you."
Elder Dallin H Oaks, April 2005 General Conference "Pornography" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/pornography?lang=eng&query=Pornography
"Patrons of pornography also lose the companionship of the Spirit. Pornography produces fantasies that destroy spirituality. "To be carnally minded is death" - spiritual death."
Elder Dallin H Oaks, April 2005 General Conference "Pornography" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/pornography?lang=eng&query=Pornography
"Apathy toward pornography stems mostly from a widespread public attitude that it is a victimless crime and that police resources are better used in other areas. Many state and local ordinances are ineffective, sentences are light, and the huge financial rewards far outweigh the risks. The FBI points out that pornography may have a direct relationship to sex crimes. "In one large western city," an agency report states, "the vice squad advised that 72 percent of the individuals arrested for rape and child-related sexual offenses had in their possession some type of pornographic material."
President Thomas S Monson, October 1979 "Pornography - the Deadly Carrier" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1979/10/pornography-the-deadly-carrier?lang=eng&query=Pornography
"Some persons struggle to differentiate between what they term "soft-core" and "hard-core" pornography. Actually, one leads to another. How applicable is Alexander Pope's classic, "Essay on Man": Vice is a monster of so frightful mien As to be hated needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, the embrace."
President Thomas S Monson, October 1979 "Pornography - the Deadly Carrier" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1979/10/pornography-the-deadly-carrier?lang=eng&query=Pornography
"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 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."
Elder Richard G Scott, October 2009 General Conference "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/to-acquire-spiritual-guidance?lang=eng&query=Pornography
"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 abhorent activity? ...If you are ensnarled in pornography, make a total commitment to overcome it now. Find a quiet place; pray urgently for help and support. Be patient and obedient. Don't give up."
Elder Richard G Scott, October 2009 General Conference "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/to-acquire-spiritual-guidance?lang=eng&query=Pornography
"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, "the great plan of happiness." Pornography will always repel the Spirit of Christ and will interrupt the communications between husband and wife."
Elder Boyd K Packer, October 2010 General Conference " Cleansing the Inner Vessel" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/cleansing-the-inner-vessel?lang=eng&query=Pornography
