From Deseret News archives:

Transcript: National Press Club Q&A with President Gordon B. Hinckley

Published: Monday, March 27, 2000 8:16 a.m. MST
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A. I don't know much about it. I'm an old man unable to learn, evidently. My grandchildren could tell you all about it, but I am not up to speed to the degree that they are. I don't think that the Internet has contributed greatly to immorality. We're already pretty well sunk down into a morass of immorality, (laughter) but regret anything that leads people to live below good standards, good values, virtue in their lives, causes them to sink down into this lowly business where they make no contribution and do very little and bring only harm to themselves. Now, as for the Internet, it is a great boon. (laughter) As I said, we are getting 8 million hits a day on our family history work.

Jack Cushman: An old man with a big Web page. (laughter and applause)

Q. Why is the church growing so quickly?

A. It is growing because it has a commission to go in the world and teach the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. We consider that a divine commission, and we are pursuing that very aggressively and at the same time, while in that process, we think we are doing good. We think we are improving people's lives. We think that we are causing them to stand taller, straighter and be better people, and when all is said and done that is purpose of any religion. We are trying to do our part and trying to do it in a very aggressive, but practical and hard-headed, way, if you please, so that we build on a strong foundation for the future.

Q. How should members of the church respond to efforts of some other religious groups to convert them to other beliefs and religions?

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A. Well, I say this: We don't downgrade any religion. We recognize the good they all do. I say to those of other faiths: 'You bring all the good that you have and let us see if we can add to it.' Now that's our attitude reduced to a very short statement, and it works.

Q. How does one keep family ties strong when church obligations keep one so busy?

A. We must have a member of the church here. That could only come out of a member of the church. I'm glad you're working hard, but keep it up, but do not neglect your families. That is No. 1. You're responsible for your own household. Those children are God's children for whom you have a very serious and sacred responsibility. Do not neglect them. If you are too busy in your church activities to take care of your family, then perhaps we had better find something else for you to do.

Q. When you watch television and see what is portrayed there, and in films, do you feel you are losing the crusade or the war?

Recent comments

A kind man; a good man...
A wise man.
Thank you for sharing this.

Joe | April 7, 2008 at 8:59 a.m.

Wonderful. I have learned a great deal about the LDS church from this...

Derek | Dec. 24, 2007 at 3:19 p.m.

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