Culture-at-large has made “porn” into a synonym with “good” and “desirable,” and in this way it enters the public vocabulary. Is it any wonder early Catholic leaders referred to the common tongue as “vulgar,” and the first translations out of their sacred Latin as the “Vulgate?”
Every General Conference a major theme is that of our attempts to lead spiritual existence in the midst of “The World.” As we hear the warnings of our leaders we are readily reminded of the growing disparity between our standards of living and those of so many people in culture around us. While sometimes we stand to be confused by the shifting boundaries, a place where we should be able to easily see the chasm that divides us from culture-at-large is pornography.
The parts of culture that use the term lightly, even using it as a term of praise, are painfully unaware of the damages caused by pornography. As pointed out by Linda Reeves in the first session in April 2014, people
need to know the dangers of pornography and how it overtakes lives, causing loss of the Spirit, distorted feelings, deceit, damaged relationships, loss of self-control, and nearly total consumption of time, thought, and energy.
These damages are readily observable in culture around us, and Reeves reiterates the teachings of many wise leaders as to helpful remedies and protections. Her suggestions actually emphasize language, and I believe there is a powerful principle in this. She speaks of testimony and the need to use our language to testify and speak of Christ. She also speaks of the need to immerse ourselves in the language of the scriptures, which contain the Word of God. As she ends, she adds to this list song and prayer, further possible tools of pure and powerful language. Just as the corrosive influence of pornography is being virally transmitted through largely unsuspecting and careless speech, some of the most powerful spiritual antibodies are to be found as we employ godly language.