Most Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) will respond to an invitation to see an R-rated movie with something like, "I don't watch R-rated movies. I'm Mormon." Where did this prohibition against R-rated movies in Mormonism come from, why does it exist, and is it a commandment or just good advice?
LDS Prophet on R-Rated Movies
In a 1986 address to Mormon teen boys, LDS church president Ezra Taft Benson told "Don't see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or participate in any entertainment that is immoral, suggestive, or pornographic." Since then, the guideline has been repeated by a number of LDS church leaders and extended to teen girls and adult Mormons.
While avoiding R-rated movies is not official doctrine or a formal commandment of Mormonism, most Mormons take the prophetic advice as prescriptive for their lives.
For the Strength of Youth: LDS Media Standards
A church pamphlet called For the Strength of Youth tells Mormons to seek out uplifting media and to avoid "entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way" or "presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable." It does not, however, mention an "R" rating. This is probably for three reasons:
- For the Strength of Youth is written for Mormons worldwide, and not all countries use the same rating system for movies.
- The ratings system is always subject to change, and the LDS church doesn't want to tie itself to a rating system into which it has no input.
- Mentioning an "R" rating would imply instant approval to all non-R movies, when such is not the case. A thoughtful application of LDS media standards would in fact prohibit Mormons from watching many PG-13 films, as well.
Why Can't Mormons Watch Rated R Movies?
In Mormonism, it's believed that exposure to violent, sexual, or otherwise obscene content (regardless of rating) damages spirituality by distancing the viewer from the Holy Spirit. LDS apostle David A. Bednar explains that "if something we think, see, hear, or do distances us from the Holy Ghost, then we should stop thinking, seeing, hearing, or doing that thing. If that which is intended to entertain, for example, alienates us from the Holy Spirit, then certainly that type of entertainment is not for us.”
To put it in more colloquial terms, former church leader Joe J. Christensen said, "it is very unreasonable to suppose that exposure to profanity, nudity, sex, and violence has no negative effects on us. We can’t roll around in the mud without getting dirty."
Exceptions to the Mormon R-Rated Movie Rule
Church authorities such as Cree-L Kofford caution against making exceptions to the advice of the LDS prophet to avoid R rated films, especially when the rationale is that there are only one or two "bad" scenes. “What difference does it make why it is rated R?" Kofford says. "The fact is, a prophet of God has said not to go to R-rated movies. That ought to be enough.”
Some Mormons make exceptions because they feel that the pros of a particular R-rated movie outweighs the cons. But most generally feel that even if a particular R-rated film is good, following the prophet's admonition is more important than seeing the film.
No Church Discipline for Mormons Who Watch Rated R Movies
In the LDS church, rated R movies are strongly discouraged but there are no official repercussions or church discipline procedures for Mormons who choose to watch them. In fact, there is no systematic way to determine whether Mormons are even viewing this genre of film.
While avoiding R-rated movies is a guideline in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is not really about the rating. Mormons are taught to apply LDS standards to all of their media decisions, which eliminate R-rated movies as well as a great deal of movies with more lenient ratings.
Sources:
Ezra Taft Benson, "Youth of the Noble Birthright." Ensign, May 1986.
For the Strength of Youth
Elder David A. Bednar, “That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us.” Ensign, May 2006.
Cree-L Kofford, Ensign, July 1998.
Joe J. Christensen, Ensign, Nov 1996.
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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