The corrupting influence of pornography is sweeping over society like an avalanche of evil, said Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve. "Our bishops and our professional counselors are seeing an increasing number of men involved with pornography — and many are active members," he said.

Photo by Jason Olson/Deseret Morning News

Mack Wilberg conducts the Mormon Tabernacle Choir during the Sunday afternoon session. The choir, which has 360 members, two directors and five accompanists, performed three times during the the 175th Annual General Conference of the Church.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Speaking Saturday afternoon, Elder Oaks told how after returning from a two-year assignment in the Philippines that he saw his surroundings in the) United States in a new light, "with increased appreciation and sometimes with new concerns."

"Many of you are exposed to (pornography) and . . . many of you are being stained by it," he said.

Noting that, like the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob, "it grieved him to speak so boldly" in front of sensitive wives and children, Elder Oaks said, "the main focus of Jacob's great sermon was not with evil acts completed, but evil acts contemplated."

"Some involved in pornography apparently minimize its seriousness and continue to exercise the priesthood of God because they think no one will know of their involvement. But the user knows, brethren, and so does the Lord," he said.

Elder Oaks recounted "memorable teachings" of the Savior which apply to men who secretly view pornography, and said, "The immediate spiritual consequences of such hypocrisy are devastating. Those who seek out and use pornography forfeit the power of their priesthood."

Patrons of pornography, he continued, also lose the companionship of the Spirit, for, "pornography produces fantasies that destroy spirituality."

Those who seek out and use pornography for sexual stimulation violate the sacrament covenant to "always remember Him."

"They cannot have the Spirit of the Lord to be with them," he said.

Pornography also "inflicts mortal wounds on our most precious personal relationships, . . . impair(ing) one's ability to enjoy a normal emotional, romantic and spiritual relationship with a person of the opposite sex."

Pornography is addictive, he continued. "It impairs decision-making capacities and it 'hooks' its users, drawing them back obsessively for more and more."

Some seek to justify their indulgence by arguing that they are only viewing "soft, not hard" porn.

"The test of what is evil is not its degree but its effect," Elder Oaks said. "When persons entertain evil thoughts long enough for the Spirit to withdraw they lose their spiritual protection and they are subject to the power and direction of the evil one."

The good news is, said Elder Oaks, no one needs follow the evil downward descent to torment. "He can escape. Through repentance he can be clean," he said.

Elder Oaks gave three recommendations.

First, "acknowledge the evil. Don't defend it or try to justify yourself."

Second, "seek the help of the Lord and His servants." Quoting President Gordon B. Hinckley, Elder Oaks said, " '(P)lead with the Lord out of the depths of your soul that He will remove from you the addiction which enslaves you.' And may you have the courage to seek the loving guidance of your bishop and, if necessary, the counsel of caring professionals."

Third, "do all 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. Remember your covenants and be faithful in temple attendance."

Like home alarm systems, Elder Oaks encouraged the protection of loved ones by building "the spiritual strength of our families by loving relationships, family prayer and scripture study."