I used to think that members of the church weren’t supposed to watch R-rated movies.
No way. Of the devil. Not allowed.
There were some church leaders who gave this advice to avoid R-rated movies, and it kind of grew into a cultural fact.
But within the past decade or so, Church leaders have really moved away from calling out specific movie ratings.
The “For the Strength of the Youth” pamphlet currently says: “Do not attend, view, or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way.”
Not a single sentence about the rating of a movie.
In fact, the church as a whole has started moving away from strict structure.
Eliminating an hour of church, getting rid of Personal Progress, eliminating home and visiting teaching…
Less rules and checkboxes from the church.
This is what my mind was immediately drawn to when Christ appeared to the Nephites.
He is telling the Nephites that the strict, prescriptive Law of Moses is gone.
But here’s the important shift –
In place of these lower, specific commands and counsel, we are instead given a higher law to self-administer.
Instead of not killing, we shouldn’t even be angry.
Instead of not commuting adultry, we shouldn’t even lust in our minds.
Instead of loving your neighbor, love your enemy too.
And that’s what we’ve seen as a religious people in recent years.
Instead of sitting and passively listening to a lesson for an hour, make your own plan and teach your family.
Instead of visiting your assigned sister every month, figure out what she actually needs and do it.
Instead of just avoiding R-rated movies, figure out how to avoid the evil influences of Satan in any way possible.
Restrictions being taken away isn’t a free pass – it’s a call to a higher way to live.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
8 Responses
hYour insights into the holy scriptures have added SO MUCH to my study! Thank you so much for always sharing!
Thank you!
Your insights are so good. Enjoy reading and pondering them. Thanks for all you do.
I’m glad you enjoy them.
Great concept. Heavenly Father is trusting us with more and more responsibility. Re: movies– I always told my kids that they needed to avoid “dog poop” movies. If I had made a really good dinner that looked and smelled great, but then told my family that there was “just a little” dog poop in the food, they wouldn’t touch it! We need to be as careful with our mind and emotions as we are with our stomachs!
That’s such a great idea about the “dog poop” movies. I’m sure your kids will always remember that!
Thank you for your insightful article. I appreciate it.
I love this and how I wish we could all see this. We are asked to make our OWN choices. It’s like being 18 and saying I’m going to….yes it happens but also the consequences fall on us as well. No matter what was taught to us, what we believe or what we do there comes a time to LIVE a higher law and that is our agency. It’s why we are here to see if we can do what the father asks.