Dear Editor:
Tuesday I read a letter to the editor published by our illustrious campus newspaper, The Daily Universe. The author of the letter was defending the viewing of a recently released rated-R movie and then challenged us all to go back and find out what church leaders have actually said about watching rated-R movies. So I did.
In 1986, and well after he became president of the Church, President Ezra Taft Benson stated from the pulpit in General Conference, “don’t see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or participate in any entertainment that is immoral, suggestive, or pornographic.”
If you are one of those on this campus who hold to the false notion that none of the Brethren — or at least none of the important brethren — have ever expressly placed rated-R movies beyond the bounds of acceptable behavior, please feel free to follow in my footsteps and look up the report of the April 1986 General Conference.
Of course we need to use our own judgement in deciding what types of entertainment are worthy or worthwhile, for it is a slothful servant who needs to be commanded in all things. However, it is a stupid servant who lacks the courage or understanding to at least follow the guidelines that are expressly spelled out.
Michael Davidson
El Paso, Texas
