Spiritual Pollution

“In a recent conference, Elder Boyd K. Packer said, ‘As we test the moral environment, we find the pollution index is spiraling upward’ (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, p. 91; or Ensign, May 1992, 66). The Apostle Paul foresaw ‘that in the last days perilous times shall come’ (2 Timothy 3:1). And speaking of the last days, the prophet Moroni declared, ‘Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great pollutions upon the face of the earth’ (Mormon 8:31). “Sadly, the effects of this great pollution are perhaps most evident in the mass media, films, television, and popular music. Of this, Senator Robert D. Byrd said, ‘If we in this nation continue to sow the images of murder, violence, drug abuse, . . . perversion, [and] pornography . . . before the eyes of millions of children, year after year and day after day, we should not be surprised if the foundations of our society rot away as if from leprosy’ (in Michael Medved, Hollywood vs. America [New York: Harper Perennial, 1992], p. 194). “. . . In most areas of the mass media there seems to be a declaration of war against almost everything the majority treasures most: the family, religion, and patriotism. Marriage is degraded, while premarital and extramarital relations are encouraged and glamorized. Profanity and the foulest of vulgar gutter language bombard the ears of all who listen. . . . Human life itself is trivialized by the constant barrage of violence and killings” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 12; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 11)." (Book of Mormon Institute Manual)

I completely agree with this! I know that what we watch and listen to does have an effect on us and can change us. I know that we have to really seek after virtuous things. They can be hard to find. But I also believe that there is no shortage of good media. Even as the adversary is increasing the amount and intensity of spiritual pollution, Heavenly Father is increasing the amount and intensity of beautiful things. And we have time on our side - we can reach back into time and find media that is wholesome. I LOVE the Andy Griffith Show for that self-same reason. Even in our media today, there are soul-striking songs yet to be found and books that can expand my mind. (As for movies...I've basically decided that it's not worth it to go to the theaters anymore, because it has basically all become junk food or toxic.) I am sure that things will continue to slide downhill, and when my children start to choose for themselves the media they'll watch, I want them to have a testimony of the power of media for good or ill, and to have grown up with a strong foundation of virtuous things. Again, I bring up John Bytheway's marinade analogy - saying that you're not affected by what you surround yourself with is like saying a piece of chicken is not affected by the marinade it's surrounded by. Luckily, we get to choose our marinade. We do not, however, get to choose to not be affected by it. I hope to make my home a refuge from the storm, full of good books and music and conversations, a place where people can be uplifted and strengthened.