I once heard that you can never un-see a pornographic image,
that it will forever be in the back of your mind, and I have always remembered
that when the topic comes up. I recently heard a story of a woman who was
having issues with her teenaged sons looking at pornography online and that was
all I could think of. These young men will have those images in the back of
their minds forever now, and it’s a tool that Satan will use to try and tempt
them now. Hearing that story and reading so many talks on it have helped me to
see what a big problem pornography really is. I didn’t understand why it was
talked about so much, but now I can clearly see that the more people are
educated on the evils of it, hopefully they will be smart and never make the
choice to look at anything pornographic and not give Satan any more power over
them.
"Pornography impairs one’s ability to enjoy a normal emotional, romantic, and spiritual relationship with a person of the opposite sex. It erodes the moral barriers that stand against inappropriate, abnormal, or illegal behavior. As conscience is desensitized, patrons of pornography are led to act out what they have witnessed, regardless of its effects on their life and the lives of others."
"At first we scarcely realize we have been infected. We laugh
and make light-hearted comments 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."
"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. For
many, that addiction cannot be overcome without help. The tragic pattern is so
familiar. It begins with curiosity that is fueled by its stimulation and is
justified by the false premise that when done privately, it does no harm to anyone
else. For those lulled by this lie, the experimentation goes deeper, with more
powerful stimulations, until the trap closes and a terribly immoral, addictive
habit exercises its vicious control."
"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."
"Sexual immorality and impure thoughts violate the standard
established by the Savior. We were warned at the beginning of this dispensation
that sexual immorality would be perhaps the greatest challenge. Such conduct
will, without repentance, cause a spiritual drought and loss of commitment.
Movies, TV, and the Internet often convey degrading messages and images."
"Avoid any semblance of pornography. It will desensitize the
spirit and erode the conscience. We are told in the Doctrine and Covenants,
“That which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.” Such is
pornography."
"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. Someone
said once that true love must include the idea of permanence. True love
endures. But lust changes as quickly as it can turn a pornographic page or
glance at yet another potential object for gratification walking by, male or
female. True love we are absolutely giddy about—as I am about Sister Holland;
we shout it from the housetops. But lust is characterized by shame and stealth
and is almost pathologically clandestine—the later and darker the hour the
better, with a double-bolted door just in case. Love makes us instinctively
reach out to God and other people. Lust, on the other hand, is anything but
godly and celebrates self-indulgence. Love comes with open hands and open
heart; lust comes with only an open appetite."
"The Lord’s standard of worthiness gives no allowance for
pornography among those officiating in the ordinances of the priesthood."
"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."
President Thomas S. Monson, “Preparation Brings Blessings”,
April 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. This potent tool of Lucifer
degrades the mind, 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. For many, that addiction cannot be overcome
without help. The tragic pattern is so familiar. It begins with a curiosity
that is fueled by its stimulation and is justified by the false premise that
when done privately, it does no harm to anyone else. Lulled by this lie, the
experimentation goes deeper, with more powerful stimulations, until the web
closes and a terribly immoral, addictive habit is formed."
Elder Richard G. Scott, “The Sanctity of Womanhood”, April
2000 General Conference Priesthood Session
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