The LDS Daily WOOL Home Page
(5/17/98)
"The wonder of television causes me to believe that Philo T.
Farnsworth, back in 1927, must surely have been inspired of the Lord
to develop this remarkable medium of communication. As you know,
Brother Farnsworth was a member of the Church. Applying his scientific
skills, he brought to the world this marvelous invention, which I
believe is to be used for the primary purpose of furthering the work
of the Lord." — M. Russell Ballard, The Effects Of Television,
General Conference, April 1989
(5/18/98)
"We live in a wonderful age. The great inventions of our day
exceed what was known in all former ages. Unfortunately these
inventions have failed to bring men nearer to God. One might think
that the revelations coming through radio, television and other
things, would draw men nearer to God; but it is not so. Men are more
inclined to boast in their own strength, denying divine aid. Crime has
increased. The integrity of men has diminished. From the writings of
the press we may well believe that we are approaching the day
predicted by Jesus Christ, when he said, 'But as the days of Noe were,
so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.'" — Joseph Fielding
Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.3, p.272-3
(5/19/98)
"There will be other evils come, too, if we do not control this,
and the other things which come into our homes uncensored, simply
because they are there, and we permit them. Handled correctly
television can be an influence for good. Handled incorrectly, it will
become a force for endless evil." — Elder S. Dilworth Young, Conference
Report, April 1955, p.100
(5/20/98)
"Today influences from literally unlimited sources through the
media of radio, television, and print, together with numerous
inventions of modern civilization, have drastically changed the
historical cultural setting of the family. In this time of special
challenge for marriage and the family, the Lord has restored, through
his prophets in these latter days, the eternal dimension of that
sacred covenant between husband and wife and has charged us with a new
awareness of the real purpose of the family." — Elder F. Enzio Busche,
Love Is The Power That Will Cure The Family, General
Conference, April 1982
(5/21/98)
"Parenthood imposes a singular responsibility. Not only must
parents put good things into the minds of children, we must keep bad
things out. That is why we have been cautioned against the
unrestricted invasion of our homes by the media. While some agencies
that have influence on our children are good, some are not. Parental
vigilance should be constant. Safeguard your children against those
who seek to destroy them." — Elder A. Theodore Tuttle, Therefore I
Was Taught, General Conference, October 1979
(11/14/00)
"Remember, Satan does not want you to be happy. He does not
want you to dare to do right. He wants you to be miserable, as he is. He
has captured the hearts of wicked men and women who would have you
participate in bad things such as pornography, drugs, profanity, and
immorality. Stay away from these evils. Avoid books, magazines, videos,
movies, and television shows that are not good. As the scriptures tell
us, avoid the very appearance of evil (see 1 Thessalonians 5:22)." — "To
The Children Of The Church", President Ezra Taft Benson, General
Conference, April 1989
(11/15/00)
"Remember, there is no such thing as unlawful censorship in the home.
Movies, magazines, television, videos, the Internet, and other media are
there as guests and should only be welcomed when they are appropriate
for family enjoyment. Make your home a haven of peace and righteousness.
Don’t allow evil influences to contaminate your own special spiritual
environment." — M. Russell Ballard, "Like a Flame Unquenchable," Ensign,
May 1999, p. 87
(11/16/00)
"We must face the fact that an entire generation has been raised on a
diet of unhappy stories about marriage. The devastation of this cannot
be overestimated. Most people who read the newspapers or watch
television news are aware that a large percent of marriages fail. They
are ever more aware of the ugliness of abuse and its innumerable
victims. By the media-portrayed standards of the world, infidelity
appears to be normal and fidelity rare." — Victor L. Brown Jr.,
"Reluctant to Marry," Ensign, Apr. 1992, P. 45
(11/17/00)
"Parenthood imposes a singular responsibility. Not only must parents put
good things into the minds of children, we must keep bad things out.
That is why we have been cautioned against the unrestricted invasion of
our homes by the media. While some agencies that have influence on our
children are good, some are not. Parental vigilance should be constant.
Safeguard your children against those who seek to destroy them." — A.
Theodore Tuttle, "Therefore I Was Taught," Ensign, Nov. 1979, p. 27
(11/18/00)
"We have brought into our homes radios, record players, and television
sets. While each has the potential of providing wholesome entertainment,
so much of what has been produced for our listening and watching
pleasure is not of the caliber to inspire and encourage young men. In
fact, most of what is produced is degrading. The flip of a switch right
in your own home has the potential of destroying within you a sense of
what is right and what is wrong." — L. Tom Perry, "I Confer the
Priesthood of Aaron," Ensign, Nov. 1985, p. 46
(11/19/00)
"I extend that warning to all: please be vigilant in your entertainment
choices. Some of the things that are being shown in our theaters and
broadcast to our homes via television and videos and over the Internet
are insidious and dangerous. Rather than falling within the definition
of things that are 'virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy'
(A of F 1:13), they are more clearly described in the seventh chapter of
Moroni, where the prophet Mormon teaches that 'whatsoever thing
persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and
serve not God is of the devil' (Moro. 7:17)." — M. Russell Ballard,
"When Shall These Things Be?" Ensign, Dec. 1996, p. 58
(5/09/02)
"Know what our children are doing in their spare time. Influence their
choice of movies, television programs, and videos. If they are on the
Internet, know what they are doing. Help them see the importance of
wholesome entertainment." — Robert D. Hales, "Strengthening Families:
Our Sacred Duty," "Ensign," May 1999, p. 33
(5/10/02)
"As we consider the importance of nourishing our intellects with the
promising potential of superhighway resources, we must be ever cautious
about our choices of programs and the impact of media upon our lives.
Those who understand our Heavenly Father's eternal plan for the joy and
happiness of His children will be better prepared to not only make good
choices but also provide good choices as the information superhighway
rolls across the world. The computer, television, satellite, microchip,
and even the telephone all can bless and enhance our lives, or can make
them miserable." — M. Russell Ballard, "Filling the World with Goodness
and Truth," "Ensign," July 1996, p. 13
(5/11/02)
"I believe the entertainment industry cannot portray on film people
gunned down in cold blood, in living color, and not have it affect the
attitudes and thoughts of some of the people who see it. I believe human
sexuality cannot be continually portrayed as just another physical
appetite that has to be satisfied—whenever and with whomever the urge
strikes—without diminishing respect for God and His commandments. And I
believe that the desensitizing effect of such media abuses on the hearts
and souls of those who are exposed to them results in a partial
fulfillment of the Savior's statement that 'because iniquity shall
abound, the love of many shall wax cold.'" — M. Russell Ballard, "When
Shall These Things Be?" "Ensign," Dec. 1996, p. 58
(5/12/02)
"The prophet Mormon said that each of us is given the Spirit of Christ
to know good from evil; everything that invites us to do good is of God.
On the other hand, anything that persuades us to do evil is of the
devil, for he and those who follow him persuade no one to do good. (See
Moro. 7:16-18.) This simple test will guide us in judging television and
other media programs." — M. Russell Ballard, "The Effects of
Television," "Ensign," May 1989, p. 81
(5/13/02)
"Volumes of research data show the detrimental effects of television,
but I just say that television and videocassette viewing by youngsters
has a significant impact on their behavior. We must not take lightly the
confession of a recently executed killer on the impact pornography and
violence in media had on his life. The Apostle Paul warned that men can
become 'past feeling... [giving] themselves over unto lasciviousness, to
work all uncleanness with greediness.' (Eph. 4:19.) In Proverbs we read,
'As [a man] thinketh... , so is he.' (Prov. 23:7.) A mind exposed to
violence and immorality cannot escape the negative impact of such
exposure." — M. Russell Ballard, "The Effects of Television,"
"Ensign," May 1989, p. 79
2/27/09
"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. 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."
- Thomas S. Monson, "That We May Touch
Heaven," Ensign (CR), November 1990, p.45
8/5/09
“To an alarming extent, our children today are being educated by the
media, including the Internet. In the United States, it is reported
that the average child watches approximately four hours of television
daily, much of the programming being filled with violence, alcohol and
drug use, and sexual content. Watching movies and playing video games
is in addition to the four hours. And the statistics are much the same
for other developed countries. The messages portrayed on television,
in movies, and in other media are very often in direct opposition to
that which we want our children to embrace and hold dear. It is our
responsibility not only to teach them to be sound in spirit and
doctrine but also to help them stay that way, regardless of the
outside forces they may encounter. This will require much time and
effort on our part-and in order to help others, we ourselves need the
spiritual and moral courage to withstand the evil we see on every
side.” - Thomas S. Monson, “Three Goals to
Guide You,” CR October 2007
5/29/10
"Good families
face very significant challenges in controlling the use of television
and videotapes in their homes. I agree with Dr. Victor B. Cline when he
said, 'I am convinced by a vast amount of research that the images,
fantasies, and models which we are repeatedly exposed to in
advertisements, entertainment, novels, motion pictures, and other works
of art can and do... affect the self-image and, later, the behavior of
nearly all young people and adults too.' (Address at Tidewater Assembly
on Family Life, Norfolk, Virginia.)
"On another occasion, Dr. Cline said that the mental diet is as
important as the nutritional diet. 'The amount of violence a child sees
at 7 predicts how violent he will be at 17, 27, and 37.... Children's
minds are like banks—whatever you put in, you get back 10 years later
with interest.' He said that violent television teaches children,
step-by-step, 'how to commit violent acts, and it desensitizes them to
the horror of such behavior and to the feelings of victims.' Dr. Cline
said that America is suffering from 'an explosion of interpersonal
violence like we have never seen before.... The violence is because of
violence in our entertainment.' (See "Therapist says children who view
TV violence tend to become violent," Deseret News, 24 Mar. 1989, p.
2B.)" - M. Russell Ballard, "The
Effects of Television," Ensign (CR), May 1989, p. 78
5/31/10
"There is a
constant struggle to balance our knowledge of light against the error
and fear that are among the hallmarks of our world. Today we see
temptations of old in new ways. They can be magnified and multicolored
by technology which gives them avenues everywhere. These portrayals are
aimed at the young, the naive, and the vulnerable-indeed, they are aimed
at each one of us. All manner of violence is depicted in arcade games,
and we even see horrifying violent acts in our own neighborhoods. Amidst
the danger, our love waxes cold, and we may seek a defense in the very
weapons that threaten us. Worse yet, we may be turned by fear to looking
for protection from one another rather than keeping our promise to be a
light and a protection for one another." - Aileen
H. Clyde, "Covenant of Love," Ensign (CR), May 1995, p. 26
8/16/10
"Most days we all find ourselves assaulted by immoral messages of some
kind flooding in on us from every angle. The darker sides of the movie,
television, and music industry step further and further into offensive
language and sexual misconduct. Tragically, the same computer and
Internet service that allows me to do my family history and prepare
those names for temple work could, without filters and controls, allow
my children or grandchildren access to a global cesspool of perceptions
that could blast a crater in their brains forever." - Jeffrey
R. Holland, "Place
No More for the Enemy of My Soul," Ensign (CR) May 2010
10/16/11
There is much that is good with our easy access to communication and
information. I have found it helpful to access research articles,
conference talks, and ancestral records, and to receive e-mails,
Facebook reminders, tweets, and texts. As good as these things are, we
cannot allow them to push to one side those things of greatest
importance. How sad it would be if the phone and computer, with all
their sophistication, drowned out the simplicity of sincere prayer to
a loving Father in Heaven. Let us be as quick to kneel as we are to
text. - Ian S. Ardern, "A
Time to Prepare," Ensign (CR) October 2011
7/6/12
We as Latter-day
Saints and all good people anywhere must conscientiously screen what
comes into our homes. Parents have the inalienable right and the
responsibility to educate their children. No inappropriate outsider
should be allowed to dictate our family’s values nor what our children
are being taught. - Horatio A. Tenorio, "Let
Us Build Fortresses," Ensign (CR) November 1994
5/9/14
With so much available on the
Internet, we must carefully consider where to apply our efforts.
Satan can keep us busy, distracted, and infected by sifting through
information, much of which can be pure garbage.
One should not roam through garbage.
Listen to this guidance, provided by the scriptures: “The Spirit of
Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil;
wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which
inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent
forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know … it is
of God.” - Marcos A. Aidukaitis,
“If
Ye Lack Wisdom,” Ensign (CR) May 2014
6/21/14
An ever-present danger to the family is the onslaught of evil forces
that seem to come from every direction. While our primary effort
must be to seek light and truth, we would be wise to black out from
our homes the lethal bombs that destroy spiritual development and
growth. Pornography, in particular, is a weapon of mass moral
destruction. Its impact is at the forefront in eroding moral values.
Some TV programs and Internet sites are equally lethal. These evil
forces remove light and hope from the world. The level of decadence
is accelerating. If we do not black out evil from our homes and
lives, do not be surprised if devastating moral explosions shatter
the peace which is the reward for righteous living. Our
responsibility is to be in the world but not of the world. - Quentin
L. Cook, “Let
There Be Light!” Ensign (CR) November 2010
8/20/14
My beloved brothers and sisters, what has been accomplished thus far
in this dispensation communicating gospel messages through social
media channels is a good beginning—but only a small trickle. I now
extend to you the invitation to help transform the trickle into a
flood. Beginning at this place on this day, I exhort you to sweep
the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages
that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally to
sweep the earth as with a flood. - David
A. Bednar, “To
Sweep the Earth as with a Flood,” BYU Education Week, 19
August 2014
11/16/15
When we are involved in watching,
reading, or experiencing anything that is below our Heavenly
Father’s standards, it weakens us. Regardless of our age, if what we
look at, read, listen to, or choose to do does not meet the Lord’s
standards in For the Strength of Youth, turn it off, rip it up,
throw it out, and slam the door. - Linda
S. Reeves, “Worthy
of Our Promised Blessings,” Ensign (CR) November 2015
1/16/16
The fact that a book or publication is popular does not necessarily
make it of value. The fact that an author wrote one good work does
not necessarily mean that all his books are worthy of your reading.
Do not make your mind a dumping ground for other people's garbage.
It is harder to purge the mind of rotten reading than to purge the
body of rotten food, and it is more damaging to the soul. ("In His
Steps," Church Educational System Devotional, Anaheim, California, 8
February 1987.) - Ezra Taft
Benson, "The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson," p.305
8/18/16
We are all concerned about conditions in the world today, and are
searching for answers to the many problems that are affecting our
personal lives, our communities, and countries throughout the world.
Though it is true that the trend in the world today is toward
lawlessness, rioting, and rebellion, we are sick and tired of having
it played up so much both in conversation and in news media. We,
with a positive approach, need to center our efforts on living and
teaching the gospel, thereby eliminating the cause and improving
conditions. Every man, including the rebellious, who is honest with
himself must admit that what he is ultimately seeking is happiness
and a better way of life. - N.
Eldon Tanner, “Conference Report,” April 1970, General Priesthood
Meeting, p.61