Pornography

"We as parents and leaders need to counsel with our children and youth on an ongoing basis, listening with love and understanding. They need to know the dangers of pornography and how it overtakes lives, causing loss of the Spirit, distorted feelings, deceit, damaged relationships, loss of self-control, and nearly total consumption of time, thought, and energy."
-- Linda S. Reeves, April 2014 General Conference “Protection from Pornography—a Christ-Focused Home” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/protection-from-pornography-a-christ-focused-home

“The constant, consuming march of the pornography beetle blights neighborhoods just as it contaminates human lives. It has just about destroyed some areas. It moves relentlessly closer to your city, your neighborhood, and your family.”
-              Thomas S. Monson, Ensign July 2001, “Pornography, the Deadly Carrier” https://www.lds.org/topics/pornography/audiences/spouses/pornography-the-deadly-carrier?lang=eng

“Pornography, though billed by Satan as entertainment, is a deeply poisonous, deceptive snake that lies coiled up in magazines, the Internet, and the television. Pornography destroys self-esteem and weakens self-discipline. It is far more deadly to the spirit than the rattlesnake my father warned me not to pet.”
-              Elder David E. Sorensen, “You Can’t Pet a Rattlesnake,” Ensign, May 2001 https://www.lds.org/topics/pornography/audiences/individuals/you-cant-pet-a-rattlesnake?lang=eng

“If we stop chopping at the branches of this problem and strike more directly at the root of the tree, not surprisingly we find lust lurking furtively there. Lust is an unsavory word, and it is certainly an unsavory topic for me to address, but there is good reason why in some traditions it is known as the most deadly of the seven deadly sins.”
-              Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2010 General Conference, “Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul” https://www.lds.org/topics/pornography/audiences/individuals/place-no-more-for-the-enemy-of-my-soul?lang=eng

“We see a rapid increase in cyberporn, involving sexual addiction over the Internet. Some become so addicted to viewing Internet pornography and participating in dangerous online chat rooms that they ignore their marriage covenants and family obligations and often put their employment at risk. Many run afoul of the law. Others develop a tolerance to their perverted behavior, taking ever more risks to feed their immoral addiction. Marriages crumble and relationships fail, as addicts often lose everything of real, eternal value.”
-              Elder M. Russell Ballard, “Let Our Voices Be Heard,” Ensign November 2003, pgs. 16-19 https://www.lds.org/topics/pornography/audiences/leaders/let-our-voices-be-heard?lang=eng

“Pornographic or erotic stories and pictures are worse than filthy or polluted food. The body has defenses to rid itself of unwholesome food. With a few fatal exceptions, bad food will only make you sick but do no permanent harm. In contrast, a person who feasts upon filthy stories or pornographic or erotic pictures and literature records them in this marvelous retrieval system we call a brain. The brain won’t vomit back filth. Once recorded, it will always remain subject to recall, flashing its perverted images across your mind and drawing you away from the wholesome things in life.”
-              Dallin H. Oaks, April 2005 General Conference, “Pornography” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/pornography?lang=eng&query=pornography#1-

“The immediate spiritual consequences of such hypocrisy are devastating. 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).

“Patrons of pornography also lose the companionship of the Spirit. Pornography produces fantasies that destroy spirituality. “To be carnally minded is death”—spiritual death (Rom. 8:6; see also 2 Ne. 9:39).”
-              Dallin H. Oaks, April 2005 General Conference, “Pornography” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/pornography?lang=eng&query=pornography#1-

“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.

“Parents, be aware that the addiction of pornography can begin with youth at a very early age. Take preventative action to avoid that tragedy. Stake presidents and bishops, warn of this evil. Invite anyone you consider captured by it to come to you for help.”
-              Richard G. Scott, October 2009 General Conference, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/to-acquire-spiritual-guidance?lang=eng&query=pornography

“First, let each of us resolve this day to keep our minds, our bodies, and our spirits free from the corrupting influence of pornography, including everything that is obscene and indecent. Let it have no place in our homes, our minds, or our hearts. The psalmist David wrote, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart.” (Ps. 24:3–4.)”
-              David B. Haight, October 1984 General Conference, “Personal Morality” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1984/10/personal-morality?lang=eng&query=pornography

“Pornography is not a victimless crime. Who are its victims? First, those who either intentionally, or sometimes involuntarily, are exposed to it. Pornography is addictive. (See Ensign, March 1984, pp. 32–39.) What may begin as a curious exploration can become a controlling habit. Studies show that those who allow themselves to become drawn to pornography soon begin to crave even coarser content. Continued exposure desensitizes the spirit and can erode the conscience of unwary people. A victim becomes a slave to carnal thoughts and actions. As the thought is father to the deed, exposure can lead to acting out what is nurtured in the mind.”
-              David B. Haight, October 1984 General Conference, “Personal Morality” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1984/10/personal-morality?lang=eng&query=pornography

"[C]onsider the plague of pornography sweeping across the world. The Lord’s standard of worthiness gives no allowance for pornography among those officiating in the ordinances of the priesthood. The Savior said:

“Repent of your … secret abominations.”

“The light of the body is the eye. … If thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.”

“[For] whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” "
-              Neil L. Andersen, April 2014 General Conference, “Power in the Priesthood” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/power-in-the-priesthood

Position Statement: