Protection from pornography- A Christ-focused home - September 28, 2014

Bishop G. taught a lesson based on Sister Reeves' conference talk "Protection from pornography- A Christ-focused home". He is serving as a Stake Service Missionary with the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) dealing with pornography addiction.

In his work with the ARP group, he has seen the deep sorrow this struggle brings and the amazing joy found as the atonement is applied in the lives of those he serves.

Pornography is a drug of the brain.

In 1972 the First Presidency issued this statement against pornography:

“There is abundant evidence of the damaging effect of obscenity on the solidarity of the family, on the moral fiber of the individual.

“We, with many leaders outside the church, are deeply concerned about this growing obscenity in print, on record and tape, on television, and in motion pictures.

“We therefore urge Latter-day Saint parents to teach their children to avoid smut in any of its insidious forms. ‘Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly.’ (D&C 121:45.)

“The Lord has also said: ‘Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you.’ (D&C 90:18.)

“We also encourage Latter-day Saints as citizens to exert every effort to fight the inroads of pornography in their communities. History is replete with examples of nations which have fallen in a large measure through licentiousness.”

Ladies in our Relief Society fought against adult bookstores opening along El Camino many years ago.

 "We as leaders are increasingly concerned about the destruction that pornography is causing in the lives of Church members and their families. Satan is attacking with unprecedented fury."
Protection from Pornography—a Christ-Focused Home

Only former bishops are called to lead the recovery groups. The manual is based on the traditional 12 step program with additions to focus on utilizing the atonement of Jesus Christ.
In our area 5-10 attend. In Utah the average is more like 60.

• Why the difference?

Church statistics indicate that 30% of young women also have trouble with pornography.

Women of addicted husbands can attend a separate recovery group for support.

Elder Richard G. Scott has pleaded: “If you are free of serious sin yourself, don’t suffer needlessly the consequences of another’s sins. … You can feel compassion. … Yet you should not take upon yourself a feeling of responsibility for those acts.” Know that you are not alone. There is help. Addiction recovery meetings for spouses are available, including phone-in meetings, which allow spouses to call in to a meeting and participate from their own homes. Protection from Pornography—a Christ-Focused Home

• From men's perspective what were the gates?

Most are innocently exposed by another kid at an early age.
We are not the only church/group addressing pornography addiction.

• How do we talk about sexuality with our children and redefine what society tells them?

Pray, if you have a suspicion, it will surface, Heavenly Father will show you the truth.
Teach children to be prepared to deal with it.
Teach them to value themselves and talk with them/address the problem, how it is portrayed in the media.
Arm them with a plan before it happens so they have something already.
Let them know that you know it's out there, you aren't clueless.

Resources for Parents of Children and Teenagers
Filters for Apple and Android Smart phones and computers:
www.netnanny.com (fees)
www.commonsensemedia.com

Articles in Church Magazines on Pornography
New Era
"Stay Watchful", March 2014
"No Longer Addicted: My Journey to Overcome Pornography", December 2013
"The Secret Enemy", February 2011
The Friend
"Oh No, Now What", February 2014 What to do after accidentally seeing something bad.

Teaching Children about Sex
www.valuesparenting.com/talktokids; Linda and Richard Eyre

Deseret news articles
"Raising Real men: Teaching the whys of media consumption", Dec 17, 2013
"Linda and Richard Eyre: Porn is the villain, so what is the hero?", Nov 5, 2013
"In our opinion: Fighting against pornography", Jul 7 2013
"Hope and healing for pornography addiction", Sep, 12, 2012
"Helping others avoid and overcome pornography", Feb 12, 2012

Addiction Recovery:
Websites -
www.overcomingpornography.lds.org
www.arpsupport.org
www.fightthenewdrug.org

Books by LDS authors:
He Restoreth My Soul, D. Hilton
Clean Hands, Pure Heart, P. Harrison
He Did Deliver Me From Bondage, C. Harrison
Willpower is Not Enough, A. Boyd