Internet Readings

At first I was pretty skeptical of this assignment, just more busy work. But when I saw that most if not all of our reading was either by a general authority or put out by the church (I LOVE BYU!), I knew it would be good. Elder Ballard's talk was so powerful. He was straight to the point and concise, completely right on. So many people outside the church say that these men that are our leaders are so out of touch, but just by reading that talk I knew that these men are the most on top of things out of anyone in the entire world. And let's think about the Proclamation on the Family that was put out 13 years ago and how much we refer to it now and how much insight it had into the evils we would face today. Amazing.
Anywho, Elder Ballard stressed so many times the effect that the media and pornography had on our families. He felt it was Satan's direct assault on the family, calling it a "pernicious evil" that is coming directly into our homes. I thought this quote was powerful:

"When he [Satan] wants to disrupt the work of the Lord, he doesn’t poison the world’s peanut butter supply, thus bringing the Church’s missionary system to its collective knees. He doesn’t send a plague of laryngitis to afflict the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He doesn’t legislate against green Jell-O and casseroles. When evil wants to strike out and disrupt the essence of God’s work, it attacks the family."

Elder Ballard also said that the choices we make in regards to media are reflective of the choices we make in life. If we decide to indulge in filthy material, it is most likely that our actions will begin to show that. This talk was given five years ago and I'm sure it has gotten even worse since then. (Let Our Voices Be Heard)

After reading Dr. Graham's article, Lisa and I talked about taking the time as parents and teachers to know what's out there. Keep up to date with the technology your kids are using. You won't know how to help your students make good choices if you are completely ignorant to the choices that are available. Of course, that doesn't mean to go out there and immerse yourself in the evils of the media and the internet, but being able to guide your kids in what and how much they do on the internet is beneficial to all. I also loved how Dr. Graham said that as parents and teachers we can show our kids what good things you can do with technology like creating a family blog or recording a family video and posting it on the internet. My favorite part of the article was when he talked about creating a nurturing environment where TV and the internet are not the only sources of entertainment or family time. (Technology and a House of Learning)

For our fourth article we read "Rated A" by Marvin J. Ashton. The thing that intrigued us most about this article was the fact that it was written in 1977. Again, he was dead on. I love having leaders who are so in tune with the Spirit. Elder Ashton said this:

"A person who becomes involved in obscenity soon acquires distorted views of personal conduct. He becomes unable to relate to others in a normal, healthy way. Like most other habits, an addictive effect begins to take hold of him. A diet of violence or pornography dulls the senses, and future exposures need to be rougher and more extreme. Soon the person is desensitized and is unable to react in a sensitive, caring, responsible manner, especially to those in his own home and family. "

1977. How much more prevalent is this today? The principles that were discussed in these articles I have been taught before, but what a reminder! Especially going into a profession where I'm dealing with children and trying to guide their decision making. And not only that, as a parent in an age of growing media and technology, it is imperative for me to understand the dangers and evils that persist. But now I also know how to use technology for good, uplifting activities. The use of technology in spreading the gospel is the best example of the benefits of technology.