By Joe Dana
Last week BYU NewsNet explored the ways that mere pictures can trap bright and capable people into addiction. Despite our sincere efforts, one aspect of the pornography issue was left out: The solution.
But a considerable amount of readers reminded me of that. Hearing the inspirational stories of people rising above the filth is another part of the story.
For example, Heart t'' Heart is an organization that uses a combination of Book of Mormon teachings and a 12-step program to help others fight addiction. The group has grown to 46 registered groups in Utah and across the West and even in Japan. It helps people with all kinds of addictions, from compulsive eating disorders to pornography. Heart t'' Heart has two branches in Orem, Utah. One of the group''s organizers is a BYU graduate who has been clean from Internet pornography for a year and a half.
'I want more than anything else to help others find peace,' he said.
Another solution is Technology. LDSfilter.com is one program that sifts any websites related to sexual content. A BYU student, who admits his will is weaker than his impulses, wrote to me and said it is helping him avoid temptation and save his marriage.
There is a filmmaker from Los Angeles that produced a powerful documentary, 'A drug called pornography.' Through thousands of interviews across the U.S. he shows the addiction, not just the lifestyle. Information on the video can be downloaded off the Internet by searching its title name. A young reader in California said it helped him understand the addiction a lot better.
The most powerful and prevalent solution, however, is best detailed by a counselor I interviewed for our series. He said I failed to tell the whole story, which is also full of hope. The licensed psychologist puts a lot of confidence in the couples he sees. He is a skilled therapist. But he also said there is real, literal power of healing and recovery through the Atonement in Jesus Christ. This is also part of the story, perhaps the most important part of all.
Every person interviewed during our research all expressed their faith in the divine mission of Jesus Christ, whether they fight on the front lines against pornography, or feel its hurtful effects in marriage. While counselors and other resources give them understanding, it is clear that the real triumph of the problem is fought with scriptures, temple attendance, prayer and a bishop''s help. Their stories contained these elements over and over.
As one put it, the key to overcoming pornography addiction is in one word. 'Submit,' he said.
Another said pride is the real addiction. 'You can''t believe you are ever above it. Like the scriptures say, you are nothing without the Lord,' he said.
In our secular modern society, BYU students say the solution to moral problems begins with faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ.