Gordon B. Hinckley once compared pornography to "a raging storm, destroying individuals and families, utterly ruining what was once wholesome and beautiful." With the ease of accessing pornography on the Internet, even Latter-day Saints in good standing are becoming the victims of pornography addiction.
If you are struggling to free yourself of an LDS pornography addiction, some of the resources in this article may be helpful
Problem of Mormon Pornography Addiction
While there may be the temptation to rationalize the viewing of pornography, church leaders are very blunt about the need to squelch pornography addiction immediately and completely.
President Hinckley said that viewing pornography "is totally inconsistent with the spirit of the gospel, with personal testimony of the things of God, and [especially] with the life of one who has been ordained to the holy priesthood."
Talking to Your LDS Bishop About Pornography
As with other serious sins, pornography addiction needs to be confessed to the bishop. The object of confession is not to shame the person or to judge them, but to help them through the 5-step process of repentance, which includes quitting the behavior for good.
Talk to your ward executive secretary or ward clerk to make an appointment with the bishop. If you're not sure who that is you can ask your bishop, your Relief Society president, or your priesthood quorum leader. If you've registered for an LDS account online, you can also look it up in the leadership directory at LDS.org under 'tools.'
Meetings with the bishop are private and confidential, and a bishop's job is to non-judgmentally help people resolve issues in their lives -- including a Mormon with a pornography addiction.
How to Stop an LDS Porn Addiction
Trying to quit porn addiction, like any other type of addiction, is bound to be difficult. After speaking with the bishop, Latter-day Saints battling a pornography habit are advised to:
- Pray and study the LDS standard works, earnestly and consistently.
- Avoid people, places, or materials that will tempt you to return to your old pornography habit.
- Exercise self-discipline, even when confronted with a minor or marginal situation.
- Do not entertain crude or pornographic thoughts or images that pop into your head.
- Fast, or ask others to pray and fast for you.
- Ask for a priesthood blessing, if desired.
- Attend the temple if endowed.
- Place a picture of Jesus Christ or your family members beside the computer monitor or in another place where you may be tempted to view pornography.
- If necessary, seek professional help or attend a free LDS addiction recovery program sponsored by LDS Family Services.
Other Sources for LDS Pornography Addiction Help
LDS Family Services also runs a website designed called CombatingPornography.org. The website features resources and articles for adults, youth, spouses, and parents dealing with LDS pornography addiction. Members can also learn more about the LDS Family Services addiction recovery program and seek out a support group near them.
In spite of the anti-pornography teachings of the Church, Latter-day Saints are not immune to pornography addiction. But there is hope for those who want to stop looking at pornography, which often starts with talking to your bishop, praying, and distancing yourself from temptation. LDS Family Services offers additional resources for help with a pornography addiction.
Sources:
Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Tragic Evil among Us." Ensign, November 2004.
Jeffrey R. Holland, "Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul." Ensign, May 2010.
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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