"The seditious evils of pornography, abortion, and addiction to harmful substances serve as termites to erode the undergirding strength of a happy home and a faithful family. We cannot yield to any iniquity without putting our families at risk.
Satan wants us to be miserable just as he is. He would animate our carnal appetites, entice us to live in spiritual darkness and doubt the reality of life after death. The Apostle Paul observed, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” Nelson, R. M. (2001, October). Set Thy House in Order. Salt Lake City, UT, USA. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/10/set-in-order-thy-house?lang=eng&query=Family#20-
“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.” Oaks, D. H. (2004, April). Pornography. Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/pornography?lang=eng&query=Pornography
"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to cover our sins, … behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man” (D&C 121:37).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)." Oaks, D. H. (2004, April). Pornography. Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/pornography?lang=eng&query=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 ofpornography 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.
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?" Scott, R. G. (2009, October). To Acquire Spiritual Guidance. Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/to-acquire-spiritual-guidance
"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,” 11 “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." Packer, B. K. (2010, October). Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/cleansing-the-inner-vessel?lang=eng&query=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." Cook, Q. L. (2012, October). Can Ye Feel So Now? Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/can-ye-feel-so-now?lang=eng&query=Pornography
"On the other hand, however—and extremely alarming—are the reports of the number of individuals who are utilizing the Internet for evil and degrading purposes, the viewing of pornography being the most prevalent of these purposes. My brothers and sisters, involvement in such will literally destroy the spirit. Be strong. Be clean. Avoid such degrading and destructive types of content at all costs—wherever they may be! I sound this warning to everyone, everywhere. I add—particularly to the young people—that this includes pornographic images transmitted via cell phones.
My beloved friends, under no circumstances allow yourselves to become trapped in the viewing of pornography, one of the most effective of Satan’s enticements." Monson, T. S. (2009, April ). Until We Meet Again. Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/until-we-meet-again?lang=eng&query=Pornography
"Immorality and pornography are pervasive and pernicious.
With such spiritual sickness all about us, it takes real faith in the Lord and in His gospel to withstand attacks from the adversary. I urge you to deny yourselves of all ungodliness, both physical and spiritual.28 Keep a firm grasp on the iron rod of the gospel!" Faith and Families. (2005, February 6). Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved from http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1419
“Another false philosophy that appeals to the Mr. Hyde side of our natures is that peeking into pornography is harmless. This is a terrible deception. Pornography is as addictive as cocaine or any illegal drug. I recently received a heartbreaking letter from an excommunicated man whose soul is filled with sorrow and regret. With his permission, I quote the following from his letter: “I hope that this letter will confirm to any who have doubt that the path of destruction only reaps sorrow and grief and no sin is worth this price.” Faust, James E. The Enemy Within. Salt Lake City, October 2000. <https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/10/the-enemy-within?lang=eng&query=the+enemy+within>.
“A state of confusion is an effective environment for Satan. There is much confusion today. He employs several methods to create it. One is the distortion of definitions. To describe a drug experience he uses the term ‘mind expanding’ rather than the more accurate description of ‘reality shrinking.’
Freedom, a word of noble tradition, is a favorite confuser. Riots, bombings, arson, and killings are committed in the name of freedom. Obscenities test the freedom of speech. Pornography, drugs, and immorality are claimed to be manifestations of personal freedom, along with miniskirts and nudity. License and anarchy are products of these false freedoms.
A confusion of definitions includes pornography. A child can identify it, yet some of the supposedly great legal minds of our time cannot define it.” Benson, Ezra Taft. Satan's Thrust - Youth. Salt Lake City, October 1971. <https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1971/10/satans-thrust-youth?lang=eng&query=satan%E2%80%99s+thrust%E2%80%94youth>.
Satan wants us to be miserable just as he is. He would animate our carnal appetites, entice us to live in spiritual darkness and doubt the reality of life after death. The Apostle Paul observed, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” Nelson, R. M. (2001, October). Set Thy House in Order. Salt Lake City, UT, USA. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/10/set-in-order-thy-house?lang=eng&query=Family#20-
“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.” Oaks, D. H. (2004, April). Pornography. Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/pornography?lang=eng&query=Pornography
"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)." Oaks, D. H. (2004, April). Pornography. Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/pornography?lang=eng&query=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 ofpornography 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.
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?" Scott, R. G. (2009, October). To Acquire Spiritual Guidance. Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/to-acquire-spiritual-guidance
"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,” 11 “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." Packer, B. K. (2010, October). Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/cleansing-the-inner-vessel?lang=eng&query=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." Cook, Q. L. (2012, October). Can Ye Feel So Now? Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/can-ye-feel-so-now?lang=eng&query=Pornography
"On the other hand, however—and extremely alarming—are the reports of the number of individuals who are utilizing the Internet for evil and degrading purposes, the viewing of pornography being the most prevalent of these purposes. My brothers and sisters, involvement in such will literally destroy the spirit. Be strong. Be clean. Avoid such degrading and destructive types of content at all costs—wherever they may be! I sound this warning to everyone, everywhere. I add—particularly to the young people—that this includes pornographic images transmitted via cell phones.
My beloved friends, under no circumstances allow yourselves to become trapped in the viewing of pornography, one of the most effective of Satan’s enticements." Monson, T. S. (2009, April ). Until We Meet Again. Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/until-we-meet-again?lang=eng&query=Pornography
"Immorality and pornography are pervasive and pernicious.
With such spiritual sickness all about us, it takes real faith in the Lord and in His gospel to withstand attacks from the adversary. I urge you to deny yourselves of all ungodliness, both physical and spiritual.28 Keep a firm grasp on the iron rod of the gospel!" Faith and Families. (2005, February 6). Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved from http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1419
“Another false philosophy that appeals to the Mr. Hyde side of our natures is that peeking into pornography is harmless. This is a terrible deception. Pornography is as addictive as cocaine or any illegal drug. I recently received a heartbreaking letter from an excommunicated man whose soul is filled with sorrow and regret. With his permission, I quote the following from his letter: “I hope that this letter will confirm to any who have doubt that the path of destruction only reaps sorrow and grief and no sin is worth this price.” Faust, James E. The Enemy Within. Salt Lake City, October 2000. <https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/10/the-enemy-within?lang=eng&query=the+enemy+within>.
“A state of confusion is an effective environment for Satan. There is much confusion today. He employs several methods to create it. One is the distortion of definitions. To describe a drug experience he uses the term ‘mind expanding’ rather than the more accurate description of ‘reality shrinking.’
Freedom, a word of noble tradition, is a favorite confuser. Riots, bombings, arson, and killings are committed in the name of freedom. Obscenities test the freedom of speech. Pornography, drugs, and immorality are claimed to be manifestations of personal freedom, along with miniskirts and nudity. License and anarchy are products of these false freedoms.
A confusion of definitions includes pornography. A child can identify it, yet some of the supposedly great legal minds of our time cannot define it.” Benson, Ezra Taft. Satan's Thrust - Youth. Salt Lake City, October 1971. <https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1971/10/satans-thrust-youth?lang=eng&query=satan%E2%80%99s+thrust%E2%80%94youth>.