Pornography

"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."
-Elder Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance", General Conference October 2009
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/to-acquire-spiritual-guidance?lang=eng



"So many in our society today seem to have slipped from the moorings of safety and drifted from the harbor of peace.


Permissiveness, immorality, pornography, drugs, the power of peer pressure—all these and more—cause many to be tossed about on a sea of sin and crushed on the jagged reefs of lost opportunities, forfeited blessings, and shattered dreams."
-President Thomas S. Monson, "Believe, Obey and Endure", General Conference April 2012
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/believe-obey-and-endure?lang=eng


"Because the Spirit whispers to us gently and delicately, it is easy to understand why we should shun inappropriate media, pornography, and harmful, addictive substances and behaviors. These tools of the adversary can impair and eventually destroy our capacity to recognize and respond to the subtle messages from God delivered by the power of His Spirit. Each of us should consider seriously and ponder prayerfully how we can reject the devil's enticements and righteously "apply unto it," even the spirit of revelation, in our personal lives and families."
-Elder David A. Bednar, "The Spirit of Revelation," General Conference April 2011
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/the-spirit-of-revelation?lang=eng


"Stay completely away from pornography. Do not allow yourself to view it, ever. It has proven to be an addiction which is more than difficult to overcome. Avoid alcohol and tobacco or any other drugs, also addictions which you would be hard pressed to conquer."
-President Thomas S. Monson, "Priesthood Power," General Conference April 2011
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/priesthood-power?lang=eng


"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."
-Elder Boyd K. Packer, "Cleansing the Inner Vessel," General Conference, October 2010
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/cleansing-the-inner-vessel?lang=eng


"There is also great concern about some of the pernicious, addictive behaviors like gambling and evil pornography that are so personally destructive and so rampant in our society. Remember, brothers and sisters, any kind of addiction is to surrender to something, thus relinquishing agency and becoming dependent."
-Elder M. Russell Ballard, "O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One," General Conference October 2011    https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/o-that-cunning-plan-of-the-evil-one?lang=eng


"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."
-President Thomas S. Monson, "Preparation Brings Blessings," General Conference April 2010  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/preparation-brings-blessings?lang=eng


"In a world now awash in sexualized images and music, are we free from lustful desires and their attendant evils? Far from pushing the limits of modest dress or indulging in the vicarious immorality of pornography, we are to hunger and thirst after righteousness. To come to Zion, it is not enough for you or me to be somewhat less wicked than others. We are to become not only good but holy men and women."
-Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "Come to Zion," General Conference October 2008
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/come-to-zion?lang=eng


"In this day of rampant immorality and addictive pornography, parents have a sacred responsibility to teach their children the importance of God in their lives. Those evils, so highly destructive of divine potential, are to be strictly shunned by children of God."
-Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Salvation and Exaltation," General Conference April 2008
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/salvation-and-exaltation?lang=eng


"Those who seek out and use pornography forfeit the power of their priesthood. The Lord declares: “When we undertake to cover our sins, … behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man” (D&C 121:37).
-Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "Pornography" General Conference April 2005
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/pornography?lang=eng

Position Statement

Pornography is an evil that is so rampant today. I have a friend whose family has been destroyed because of the destructive effects of pornography. Sadly, her husband has had an addiction to viewing pornography and it has destroyed her self-worth and her self-esteem. She has since left him and unfortunately no one has been able to help him in his addiction, and he has been unable to keep a job and has neglected his duties as a father. I am frightened of pornography. Satan lurks and lies in wait and I know that he is waiting to pounce on any member of my family. 

We discuss avoiding pornography openly with our children. I feel that if I can instill within them the knowledge of how evil it is and how it can drive away the Holy Ghost and ultimately drive us away from the love and protection of Heavenly Father, then hopefully they will be able to avoid it, and avoid any temptation of ever viewing it. I hope and pray to keep their minds, thoughts, and hearts pure.