Pornography

·         “Pornographic or erotic stories and pictures are worse than filthy or polluted food.” –Elder Dallin H. Oaks in “Pornography (April 2005 General Conference)

·         “Let us all improve our personal behavior and redouble our efforts to protect our loved ones and our environment from the onslaught of pornography.” –Elder Dallin H. Oaks in “Pornography (April 2005 General Conference)

·         “…the good news is that no one needs to follow the evil, downward descent to torment.” –Elder Dallin H. Oaks in “Pornography (April 2005 General Conference)

·         “…do all that you can to avoid pornography.” –Elder Dallin H. Oaks in “Pornography (April 2005 General Conference)

·         “…there is no corresponding outcry or even a significant warning from society at large about pornography or immorality.” –Elder Quentin L. Cook in “Can Ye Feel So Now?” (Oct. 2012 General Conference)

·         “A United Nations report estimates that over two million children are victimized each year through prostitution and pornography.” –Elder Dallin H. Oaks in “Protect the Children” (Oct. 2012 General Conference)

·         “We cannot afford to have those who exercise the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God, waste their strength in pornography or spend their lives in cyberspace (ironically being of the world while not being in the world).” –Elder D. Todd Christofferson in “Brethren, We Have Work Enough to Do” (Oct. 2012 General Conference)

·         “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.” -“Believe, Obey, Hope, and Endure” (April 2012 General Conference)

·         “Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive.” -President Thomas S. Monson in “Preparation Brings Blessings” (April 2010 General Conference)  

·         “Curious exploration of pornography can become a controlling habit, leading to coarser material and to sexual transgression. Avoid pornography at all costs.” -President Thomas S. Monson in “Preparation Brings Blessings” (April 2010 General Conference)  

Position Statement:

I know that pornography can pop up anywhere, including on the internet and in real life. It can be extremely addicting, which is why we should avoid it as much as possible. Whenever we come across something online that seems to be inappropriate, we should immediately get rid of it. I also think that it’s important for parents and individuals to use a program that protects the internet and television from going to anything that seems inappropriate. These blocker programs may be annoying, but it can really help in the long run, because we are at least able to shield ourselves and family members from those forms of pornography that show up in the media. We can’t really control what other people do in their lives; pornography can even be exposed to us by suggestive dancing. In this case, I know that it’s important to get out of any bad situation as soon as we can. I know that Heavenly Father can and will help those who have been exposed to and/or addicted to pornography, as long there is sincere repentance involved.