Dear Thalia,

Fortunately, man is endowed with the Spirit of Christ, which some people call a conscience. This Spirit gives all men the ability to know the difference between right and wrong. In the words of President Joseph F. Smith, "There is a spirit in man; and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. It is this inspiration from God, proceeding throughout all his creations, that enlighteneth the children of men; and it is nothing more nor less than the spirit of Christ that enlighteneth the mind, that quickeneth the under standing, and that prompteth the children of men to do that which is good and to eschew that which is evil; which quickens the conscience of man and gives him intelligence to judge between good and evil, light and darkness, right and wrong" (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p.66.)

Now, you know that watching R-rated movies is not the thing to do. You just said that you always thought we are not supposed to watch them. What more do you need than that personal revelation from God to give you guidance in such matters? The Lord has given the following counsel in Doctrine & Covenants 58:26-28, "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto them selves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward."

So if there never had been a word from Church Authorities on the subject, there would still not be the slightest license to indulge in that which is unwholesome and degrading. Nevertheless, we have received direct and specific counsel from the Brethren in this matter. From President Ezra Taft Benson, "We counsel you, young men, not to pollute your minds with such degrading matter, for the mind through which this filth passes is never the same after wards. Don't see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or participate in any entertainment that is immoral, suggestive, or pornographic. Don't listen to music that is degrading" (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.222).

And from a summary of the October, 1993 General Conference, we have the words of Elder H. Burke Peterson, "And again I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ and lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing." (Moro. 10:30.) "Satan, the very devil and father of all lies, has slowly and slyly lowered the social norms of morality to a tragic and destructive level. In magazines and books, on CD's and tapes, on our television and theater screens is portrayed more and more often a lifestyle that might even rival the excesses of those who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah. The screens, music, printed materials, etc., are filled with a profusion of sex, nudity and vulgarity. Have the courage to turn it off in your living room. Throw the tapes and publications in the garbage can, for that is where we keep garbage. I know it is hard counsel we give when we say that movies that are R-rated and many with PG-13 ratings are produced by satanic influences. Our standards should not be dictated by the rating system (Church News, The Conference Issues, October 9, 1993, p.16).

Now as to whether not watching R-rated movies is just a guideline or a commandment, does it really make any difference? I would think that any word from the Lord or from his appointed servants should be taken in a most serious manner. Supporting the point that Section 89 was binding on the members of the Church, on April 7, 1869, Brigham Young had this to say on that subject, "I know that some say the revelations upon these points are not given by way of commandment. Very well, but we are commanded to observe every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Discourse of Brigham Young, pp 182-83).

We live in a particularly dangerous age. Through the cunning of Satan, many things that are offensive in the sight of the Lord have become socially acceptable, and those whose high standards of conduct do not permit them to participate are branded a bigots or as prejudiced against 'civil' liberties. The day has fully come that was spoken of by Isaiah, in which he charged,   "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20).

Gramps

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