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50 years ago
The Church's new "Be Honest with Yourself" advertising campaign was outlined in the April 14, 1956, Church News. The campaign was presented by Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Quorum of the Twelve during general conference the week before.
The article reported Elder Petersen's observation that "many of the world's evils are presented in false and alluring colors in advertising on radio, television and in publications."
It continued: "He said there was no reason why this same powerful influence of advertising could not be used to present truthfully and forcefully the positive message contained in the principles and standards of the Gospel."
Posters presenting themes such as the Word of Wisdom, prayer, chastity, courtship, modesty in dress and healthful activity were to be displayed in meetinghouses. Church magazines would carry them as full-page advertisements. Smaller cards with the same colorful illustrations as the posters, with a detailed discussion of the theme on the reverse side, would be distributed to the youth of the Church.
