Pornography

Pornography was never a really a problem for as I grew up.  I had heard many things about it especially from the leaders of the Church about how it can destroy our lives and make us unhappy.  As I grew older, I have known a few people who have gotten into the habit.  It's sad to see one continued that way and destroyed their marriage, and other is still trying to clean his life up with what is happening.  The progress one can make if they just try their best in keeping out of the way is amazing.  Our thoughts determine our actions.  There is quote that comes to this situation for what can happen, and how we can control what we are doing:  "Thoughts lead to acts, acts lead to habits, habits lead to character—and our character will determine our eternal destiny." (Ezra Taft Benson, "Think on Christ," Ensign, Apr. 1984, p. 10).  I believe this to be true, what ever we do and the choices we decide, will determine our next step.

"Pornography is not some titillating feast for the eyes that gives a momentary rush of excitement. [Rather] it has the effect of damaging hearts and souls to their very depths, strangling the life out of relationships that should be sacred, hurting to the very core those you should love the most." Gordon B Hinckley, October 2004 General Conference, "A Tragic Evil among Us"

"Don’t accommodate any degree of temptation. Prevent sin and avoid having to deal with its inevitable destruction. So, turn it off! Look away! Avoid it at all costs. Direct your thoughts in wholesome paths." Dallin H. Oaks, April 2005 General Conference, "Pornography"

 "...I testify to you that your body, mind, and spirit can be transformed, cleansed, and made whole, and you will be freed." M. Russell Ballard, October 2010 General Conference, "O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One"

"It is ridiculous to imply that pornography has no effect. There is a definite relationship to crime. Murder, robbery, rape, prostitution, and commercialized vice are fed on this immorality. Sex statistics seem to reflect a relationship between crime and pornography."  Spencer W. Kimball, October 1974 General Conference, "God Will Not Be Mocked"

"Addictions are thin threads of repeated action that weave themselves into thick bonds of habit." Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2014 General Conference, "Are You Sleeping through the Restoration?"

"With this priesthood comes a great obligation to be worthy of it. We cannot indulge in unclean thoughts. We must not partake of pornography. We must never be guilty of abuse of any kind. We must rise up above such things." Gordon B. Hinckley, October 2006 General Conference, "Rise Up, O Men of God"


"Remember: sin, even if legalized by man, is still sin in the eyes of God!" Russell M. Nelson, October 2013 General Conference, "Decisions for Eternity"

"At first we scarcely realize we have been infected. We laugh and make light-hearted 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, October 1979 General Conference, "Pornography-The Deadly Carrier"

"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 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, October 2010 General Conference, "Cleansing the Inner Vessel"

"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?

Well did inspired Nephi declare, “And [the devil] will … pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, … and thus [he] cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.” ³ 

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."  Richard G. Scott, October 2009 General Conference, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance"