the tragedy of Pornography

Although I have never personally struggled with pornography, or even known someone close to me who has, I am aware that it is a devastating habit that destroys hundreds of marriages, relationships, and individuals. And even though like I said this is not necessarily a struggle/ temptation/ issue for me; because I have heard many conference talks and read numerous ensign articles on the subject, I am aware of the seriousness such a habit entails, and I am so grateful to have successfully avoided it my whole life. It is comforting to know that those who do struggle with such a devastating habit can receive help if the are willing to change, and this idea actually goes hand- in- hand with my previous post on the Atonement.

"Judging by its demoralized works, atheism has now quit advancing in this country simply because it has arrived. Not just rhetorically but actually—our country is in an ungodly mess. City streets are terrorized by crime; our biggest and most expensive campuses are paralyzed by nihilism and anarchy; with special license from the Supreme Court, theaters are boldly featuring sex perversion and the newsstands are loaded with hard‑core pornography. Big‑name investigating commissions have told us all about riots, crime, progress, and poverty, but always in materialistic terms of money, housing, social service jobs, and birth control—without a word about the possibilities for personal moral self‑restraint."

Ezra Taft Benson, Godless Forces Threaten Us (Ezra Taft Benson, 1969 Semi‑Annual General Conference, Improvement Era)

"Tenderness and respect—never selfishness—must be the guiding principles in the intimate relationship between husband and wife. Each partner must be considerate and sensitive to the other's needs and desires. Any domineering, indecent, or uncontrolled behavior in the intimate relationship between husband and wife is condemned by the Lord. Pornography and unwholesome fantasies erode one's character and strike at the foundation of a happy marriage."

Howard W. Hunter, The Prophet Howard W. Hunter, "Being a Righteous Husband and Father," Ensign, Nov. 1994, page 50

 "The Church opposes pornography in any form. Indulgence in pornography damages individual lives, families, and society. Such indulgence drives away the Spirit of the Lord. Church members should avoid all forms of pornographic material and oppose its production, dissemination, and use. The booklet Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts provides counsel on how to avoid and overcome problems with pornography."

First Presidency, Church Handbook of Instructions, section 21.4.9

 “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", Conference October 2004

 “We mortals have a limited view of life from the eternal perspective. But if we know and understand Heavenly Father’s plan, we realize that dealing with adversity is one of the chief ways we are tested.” M. Russell Ballard, "we are tested", Ensign May 1995

 “There are times in our struggle with the adversities of mortality when we become weary, weakened, and susceptible to the temptations that seem to be placed in our pathways.” Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, October 2010

 “As you overcome adversity in your life, you will become stronger. Then you will be better able to help others —those who are working, in their turn, to find a safe harbor from the storms that rage about them.” Joseph B. Worthlin, "Come what may and love it", Conference October 2008

 “We need strength beyond ourselves to keep the commandments in whatever circumstance life brings to us. … The combination of trials and their duration are as varied as are the children of our Heavenly Father. No two are alike. But what is being tested is the same, at all times in our lives and for every person: will we do whatsoever the Lord our God will command us?” Henry B. Eyering, "In the strength of the Lord", Conference April 2004

 “We may not avoid every storm of life, but following the counsel of living prophets will help us ride out the storm.” Quentin L. Cook, "ride out the storm", Ensign November 2013

 “When you are faced with a test of faith, stay within the safety and security of the household of God. There is always a place for you here. No trial is so large we can’t overcome it together.” Neil L. Andersen, "stay within the safety and security", Ensign October 2012

 http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/07/to-the-tender-wives-what-i-have-learned-from-my-husbands-addiction-to-pornography?lang=eng&query=pornography+lds