Media: Movies, Television, Radio, Videocassettes, Books, and Magazines
Our Heavenly Father has counseled us as Latter-day Saints to seek after "anything
virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy" (Articles of Faith 1:13).
Whatever you read, listen to, or watch makes an impression on you. Public entertainment
and the media can provide you with much positive experience. They can uplift and inspire
you, teach you good and moral principles, and bring you closer to the beauty this world
offers. But they can also make what is wrong and evil look normal, exciting, and
acceptable.
Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive. Curious exploration of pornography
can become a controlling habit leading to coarser material and to sexual transgression. If
you continue to view pornography, your spirit will become desensitized, and your
conscience will erode. Much harm comes from reading or viewing pornography. It causes
thoughts within you that weaken your self-discipline.
Don't attend or participate in any form of entertainment, including concerts, movies,
and videocassettes, that is vulgar, immoral, inappropriate, suggestive, or pornographic in
any way. Movie ratings do not always accurately reflect offensive content. Don't be afraid
to walk out of a movie, turn off a television set, or change a radio station if what's
being presented does not meet your Heavenly Father's standards. And do not read books or
magazines or look at pictures that are pornographic or that present immorality as
acceptable.
In short, if you have any question about whether a particular movie, book,
or other form of entertainment is appropriate, don't see it, don't read it,
don't participate.
Music and Dancing
Music can help you draw closer to your Heavenly Father. It can be used to educate,
edify, inspire, and unite. However, music may be used for wicked purposes. Music can, by
its tempo, beat, intensity, and lyrics, dull your spiritual sensitivity. You cannot afford
to fill your minds with unworthy music. Music is an important and powerful part of life.
You must consider your listening habits thoughtfully and prayerfully. You should be
willing to control your listening habits and shun music that is spiritually harmful. Don't
listen to music that contains ideas that contradict principles of the gospel. Don't listen
to music that promotes Satanism or other evil practices, encourages immorality, uses foul
and offensive language, or drives away the Spirit. Use careful judgment and maturity to
choose the music you listen to and the level of its volume.
Dancing can be enjoyable and provide an opportunity to meet new people and strengthen
friendships. However, it too can be misused. When you are dancing, avoid full body contact
or intimate positions with your partner. Plan and attend dances where dress, grooming,
lighting, dancing styles, lyrics, and music contribute to an atmosphere in which the
Spirit of the Lord may be present.
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