Sunday, July 22, 2007

400,000 smoke-free rooms must become porn-free

The "Gospel Topics" section at LDS.org answers "questions about Mormon beliefs,... doctrine, policies, practices, and history."  Its article on pornography quotes True to the Faith, which is "a collection of brief, simple statements on gospel doctrines and principles."  (Ensign, Apr. 2004, p. 79.)

A "Message from the First Presidency" at the front of the book contains a strong endorsement of its contents, including this promise:

"Through regular personal prayer and study of the scriptures and the doctrines of the gospel you will be prepared to withstand evil influences that would deceive you and harm you."  (True to the Faith, p. 1.)

The First Presidency continues:

"This book is designed as a companion to your study of the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets.... Refer to it as you study and apply gospel principles.  Use it as a resource when you prepare talks, teach classes, and answer questions about the Church"  (Ibid).

Mormons Oppose Distribution of Pornography

The article on pornography in True to the Faith contains this admonition:

"Members of the Church should avoid pornography in any form and should oppose its production, distribution, and use." (True to the Faith, p. 118.)

This is more than mere authorization for Church members to oppose the distribution of pornography, it is an admonition from the Church to do so.

An 80:20 Approach Won't Do

In the October 2006 general conference, Elder Larry W. Gibbons said:

"A respected physician ... has come up with what he calls his 80:20 theory of nutrition.  This theory says if you [eat] very good 80 percent of the time, you can eat what you want the other 20 percent of the time.

"Now, this may be all right in nutrition, but the 80:20 principle is not acceptable in such things as gambling, pornography, or honesty."  (Ensign, Nov 2006, p. 102.)

The Marriott family is nationally known and well-respected in the Church.  The Washington Post says the family clings to its values "in a business climate where hip trumps wholesome."  Clearly, an 80:20 approach to pornography won't do:  Marriott's 400,000 smoke-free rooms must become porn-free.

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