a young adult looking out at a lake

Lesson 14 Class Preparation Material

Addressing Pornography Use

Our Heavenly Father has given us our physical bodies and sexual feelings as sacred gifts to help us fulfill His plan for our happiness. One way that Satan tempts us to misuse these gifts is by enticing us to view pornography, which is “any depiction, in pictures or writing, that is intended to inappropriately arouse sexual feelings” (Gospel Topics, “Pornography,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). As you study this lesson, think about how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can empower you to resist or heal from the destructive influences of pornography.

Section 1

What has the Lord taught about resisting pornography?

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught about the increasing prevalence of pornography:

President Dallin H. Oaks

A primary reason for the growing problem of pornography is that in today’s world, words and images with sexual content and influences are everywhere: they can be found in movies, TV programs, social media, text messages, phone apps, advertisements, books, music, and everyday conversations. As a result, it is inevitable that all of us are being exposed to sexualized messages on a regular basis. (“Recovering from the Trap of Pornography,” Ensign, Oct. 2015, 32)

The production and use of pornography violates the sacredness of our divine nature, our physical bodies, and our sexuality. A recent Church publication notes, “Pornography attacks our happiness with false messages about sex. Healthy sexuality can lead us to find joy and connection, but pornography will isolate us and make us miserable. Pornography objectifies others, encourages selfish gratification, and misrepresents sexuality. It harms us physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually” (“How Does Using Pornography Affect Me?,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

While giving the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior explained the higher law He expects His disciples to live. In warning against sexual sin, He taught, “Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28; see also Doctrine and Covenants 63:16).

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles referenced this scripture from Matthew and taught about its application to resisting pornography:

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Surely no “commandment,” if we may use that language, could more directly address and condemn the sin of pornography than that passage! We can’t help but wonder if Christ in the meridian of time might have seen such a latter-day threat, not unlike but well beyond whatever salacious or unseemly looks a man or woman might have given one another in the centuries before photos and films, before the Internet. (“The Plague of Pornography” [address given at the Utah Coalition against Pornography, Mar. 12, 2016], utahcoalition.org)

a young adult looking at a cell phone

As you read the following statement by President Russell M. Nelson, look for what he invited us to understand in our efforts to battle against the temptation of pornography:

President Russell M. Nelson

When we understand our nature and our purpose on earth and that our bodies are physical temples of God, we will realize that it is sacrilege to let anything enter that might defile the body. It is truly irreverent to let even the gaze of our precious eyesight or the sensors of our touch or hearing supply the brain with memories that are unclean or unworthy. We will cherish our chastity and avoid “foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown [us] in destruction and perdition” [1 Timothy 6:9]. We will “flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, [and] meekness” [1 Timothy 6:11]—traits that edify the whole soul. (“Your Body: A Magnificent Gift to Cherish,” New Era, Aug. 2019, 5–6)

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Ponder in Preparation for Class

How can understanding our own and others’ divine nature and purpose help us resist pornography?

Section 2

How can I resist the temptation to use pornography?

All of us face temptation as we strive to live virtuous lives. Remember that Jesus Christ “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet [remained] without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). He understands us and can help us resist temptation.

woman praying

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Study in Preparation for Class

In the scriptures, the Lord has provided principles we can apply to protect ourselves and our families against evils like pornography (see Alma 39:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 121:45–46). For example, Joseph in Egypt and King David were both confronted with the temptation to engage in sexual sin. Read one or both of the following passages, and consider what you can learn from the experiences of these two men: Genesis 39:7–12; 2 Samuel 11:1–5 (or you might watch the video “To Look Upon” [4:15], which depicts King David’s experience). Consider reading all of 2 Samuel 11 and 2 Samuel 12:1–10, and think about what you can learn from King David’s failed attempt to cover his sin.

President Oaks counseled:

President Dallin H. Oaks

Do all that you can to avoid pornography. …

Don’t accommodate any degree of temptation. Prevent sin and avoid having to deal with its inevitable destruction. So, turn it off! Look away! Avoid it at all costs. Direct your thoughts in wholesome paths. (“Pornography,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2005, 90)

Consider watching the video “Watch Your Step” (2:35). Think about how your small decisions have the power to either make you more susceptible to temptation or help you avoid it.

Some people wisely use filters or other external resources to help them avoid pornography. Sister Linda S. Reeves, formerly of the Relief Society General Presidency, taught about our greatest filter:

Sister Linda S. Reeves

Filters are useful tools, but the greatest filter in the world, the only one that will ultimately work, is the personal internal filter that comes from a deep and abiding testimony of our Heavenly Father’s love and our Savior’s atoning sacrifice for each one of us. (“Protection from Pornography—a Christ-Focused Home,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 16)

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Ponder in Preparation for Class

Prayerfully consider what steps you can take to strengthen your resistance to pornography.

Section 3

How can I receive the Savior’s power to heal from the destructive effects of pornography?

Both men and women are being ensnared by pornography. For many people, using pornography isn’t only about gratifying sexual desires. Rather, they use pornography to respond to deeper, underlying needs. They might use it as a way to cope with stress, discomfort, loneliness, boredom, fatigue, anxiety, depression, or feelings of being dismissed or unimportant.

a man deep in thought

When caught in a destructive cycle of using pornography, some people begin to feel shame or lose hope in their ability to change and be healed. They may feel trapped. Some people try to hide their sins. To those who are hurt by someone else’s pornography use, feelings of betrayal, guilt, or anger can feel overwhelming.

Reassuringly, Sister Reeves taught about the Lord’s power to heal:

Sister Linda S. Reeves

If you are caught in Satan’s trap of pornography, remember how merciful our beloved Savior is. Do you realize how deeply the Lord loves and cherishes you, even now? Our Savior has the power to cleanse and heal you. (“Protection from Pornography—a Christ-Focused Home,” 15)

Touch of Faith, by Simon Dewey

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Study in Preparation for Class

In the book of Luke we learn of a woman who had suffered for 12 years from “an issue of blood” (Luke 8:43), which she and all of the doctors she visited could not heal. Read Luke 8:43–48, and consider what we can learn from this woman’s example about seeking to be healed by the Savior.

Referencing this account, President Nelson taught:

President Russell M. Nelson

This faithful, focused woman needed to stretch as far as she could to access His power. …

When you reach up for the Lord’s power in your life with the same intensity that a drowning person has when grasping and gasping for air, power from Jesus Christ will be yours. When the Savior knows you truly want to reach up to Him—when He can feel that the greatest desire of your heart is to draw His power into your life—you will be led by the Holy Ghost to know exactly what you should do [see Doctrine and Covenants 88:63].

When you spiritually stretch beyond anything you have ever done before, then His power will flow into you. (“Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 41–42)

If you have struggled with pornography use or have been hurt by someone else’s pornography use, you will need more than your own power to recover from its effects. You need the Lord’s power.

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Study in Preparation for Class

Take some time to study a resource that interests you in the “Want More?” section of this preparation material. Be prepared to share what you learn in class.

Want More? (Optional)

How does pornography affect those who use it?

Read the article “How Does Using Pornography Affect Me?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) to gain a better understanding of the different aspects of our lives that are affected by pornography use.

Watch the video “What Should I Do When I See Pornography?” (5:45). Although this video was made for children, by watching it you can learn more about how pornography affects our brain chemistry and why it is so important to avoid this temptation. You can also consider how you might teach your children when it’s time about the feelings stirred by pornography.

When would pornography use be considered an addiction?

President Dallin H. Oaks

In his article “Recovering from the Trap of Pornography” (pages 32–38), President Oaks discussed different levels of pornography use and ways to respond to each level of involvement.

What resources does the Church offer to help in overcoming pornography use?

A resource titled “Help for Me” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org offers videos and articles that can help in avoiding pornography use as well as healing from its effects. You can find this resource in the Gospel Library by selecting Life Help, then Pornography. You could also look into the addiction recovery program at addictionrecovery.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

What should I do if someone I am dating is or has been involved with pornography use?

The October 2019 Ensign and Liahona contain several articles (including digital-only content) for young adults to guide them in responding when someone they are dating struggles with pornography use. For example, see the article “Dating and Pornography” (Ensign, Oct. 2019, 69–73).

What should I do if my spouse uses pornography?

Husbands and wives who wonder what to do if their spouse struggles with using pornography can find helpful principles and stories of hope in the resource “Help for Spouses” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. You can find this resource in the Gospel Library by selecting Life Help, then Pornography.