Students urged to join fight against pornography

All must join in the fight against the modern "plague" of pornography, Mark Willes told LDS Business College students recently.

"Either you or somebody you know has this problem," Willes said. "The Lord is counting on you to help stem the tide of this plague."

Willes, who is president and CEO of Deseret Management Corp., discussed research findings regarding pornography and the negative effects it has on individuals. Much of this research was done for a mass media campaign — Out in the Light — that began earlier in the year with newspaper articles, radio programming and television segments to help fight pornography.

"Why is pornography so dangerous?" Willes asked during the college's weekly devotional. "Because it is highly addictive, and once you are addicted you can never get enough."

Quoting words of Elder M. Russell Ballard and Elder Quentin L. Cook, both of the Quorum of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Willes compared pornography to an awful "plague across the world trying to invade every home," and a "weapon of mass moral destruction."

It is through pornography addiction, Willes said, that people often turn their backs on careers, friends and family.

"Because pornography is evil, you lose the guidance and comfort of the spirit and bring blackness into your life," Willes said. "The Lord brings light and hope. The adversary — through pornography — brings darkness and despair."

After speaking of the destructive effects of pornography — to individuals and the people surrounding them — Willes encouraged students to fight against it, and if applicable, discontinue use.

"If your involvement with pornography is limited, prayer and priesthood leaders can most likely throw off the shackles," Willes said. "If your involvement with pornography is extensive, often you will need professional help to overcome that enormous challenge."

But, regardless of how much or little involvement an individual has, Willes said there is hope.

"We did find out that healing is possible. It is often difficult and challenging, but it does come," he said.

As part of resisting the negative effects of pornography, Willes gave students five actions they can do to "bind themselves to act" as they fight against "the plague" of pornography.