Avoid that pornographic playground

Teaching pornographic abstinence in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Bibliographic Data

ID4763271
AuthorsJ E Sumerau (0000-0001-5903-0368, University of Tampa, corresponding author), R T Cragun (0000-0002-8217-5116, University of Tampa)
Year2015
Volume3
Issue2
Pages168-188
Publication date2015-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCritical Research on Religion (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2050-3032 • E-ISSN: 2050-3040
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/2050303214567669
OpenAlexW2046528855
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited30

In recent years, many studies have examined conservative Christian responses to shifting societal attitudes about sexuality. In this article we examine official discourse from the LDS Church found in General Conference talks and the official adult magazine of the Church, Ensign, to better understand how leaders of the religion have taught the members to abstain from the use of pornography. Using a grounded-theory approach, we noted a pattern to the lessons that included four elements: (1) avoiding dangerous associations, (2) taking personal responsibility, (3) maintaining inner purity, and (4) seeking spiritual treatment. This study extends previous research by examining how Mormon leaders taught their followers to interpret and protect themselves from pornography. As such, our analysis demonstrates the elaboration of religious teachings that may facilitate the negative reactions to pornography researchers have observed in survey and outcome-based research on members of conservative religions

Criminology · Epistemology · Human sexuality · Pornography · Psychoanalysis · Sociology · Gender Studies · Marriage and Sexual Relationships · Philosophy · Psychology · Sex work and related issues · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology