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.' Priesthood holders carry with them the antidote to remove the terrible images of pornography and to wash away guilt. The priesthood has the power to unlock the influence of our habits, even to unchain from addiction, however tight the grip. It can heal over the scars of past mistakes." Boyd K. Packer Power to Overcome Pornography

"First acknowledge the evil. Don't defend it or try to justify yourself. Second, seek the help of the Lord and His servants. Third, do all that you can to avoid pornography. If you every find yourself in its presence-which can happen to anyone in the world in which we live-follow the example of Joseph of Egypt. When temptation caught him in her grip, he left temptation and 'got him out' (Gen. 39:12). Finally, 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." Dallin H. Oaks Power to Overcome Pornography

"I recently had an insightful conversation with a 15-year-old Aaronic Priesthood holder. He helped me understand how easy it is in this Internet age for young people to almost inadvertently be exposed to impure and even pornographic images. He pointed out that for most principles the Church teaches, there is at least some recognition in society at large that violating these principles can have devastating effects on health and well-being. He mentioned cigarette smoking, drug use, and alcohol consumption by young people. But he noted that there is no corresponding outcry or even a significant warning from society at large about pornography or immorality. ...Parents must have the courage to filter or monitor Internet access, television, movies, and music. Parents must have the courage to say no, defend truth, and bear powerful testimony. Your children need to know that you have faith in the Savior, love your Heavenly Father, and sustain the leaders of the Church. Spiritual maturity must flourish in our homes." Quentin L. Cook Can Ye Feel So Now?

"But I do urge you, with all of the capacity of which I am capable, to avoid the corrosive, destructive forces of evil found in pornography. Pornography is the literature of the devil. Shun it. Stay away from it. Lift your sights and your minds to the higher and nobler things of life. Remember, 'wickedness never was happiness' (Alma 41:10)." Gordon B. Hinckley Excerpts from Recent Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley

"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." Thomas S. Monson Priesthood Power

"[Pornography] is like a raging storm, destroying individuals and families, utterly ruining what was once wholesome and beautiful." Gordon B. Hinckley A Tragic Evil among Us

"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...It is utterly without redeeming social value. We urge our families to protect their children in every way possible. We live in a permissive world, but we must make certain we do not become a part of that permissive world, that degenerate world." Spencer W. Kimball God Will Not Be Mocked

"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?" Richard G. Scott To Acquire Spiritual Guidance

"Stay away from pornography as you would avoid a serious disease. It is as destructive. It can become habitual and those who indulge in it get so they cannot leave it alone. It is addictive." Gordon B. Hinckley Living Worthy of the Girl You Will Someday Marry

"I raise an apostolic voice of warning about the potentially stifling, suffocating, suppressing, and constraining impact of some kinds of cyberspace interactions and experiences upon our souls. The concerns I raise are not new; they apply equally to other types of media, such as television, movies, and music. But in a cyber world, these challenges are more pervasive and intense. I plead with you to beware of the sense-dulling and spiritually destructive influence of cyberspace technologies that are used to produce high fidelity and that promote degrading and evil purposes." David A. Bednar Things are They Really Are

One of the greatest blessings that Heavenly Father has given us is our families and I know that this is why pornography is constantly in the world-to destroy families. I know that when we stay away from pornography, all forms of pornography, it will keep our families together. Prophets and apostles have warned us about pornography and told us of what it can do to our loved ones and to ourselves. I know that it is true that it can hurt us. If we hope to be worthy to receive the blessings that our Heavenly Father has for us all, we need to avoid pornography at all costs. No disciple of Christ would view pornography. To me, this means that we need to be careful of the media we view as well. More and more is pornography being subtly thrown into the movies and television that is surrounding us. This form of pornography can be just as hurtful to families. I know that when we keep all inappropriate media and pornography out of our homes we will receive blessings and be able to keep the Spirit closer to us.