Standards from "For the Strength of Youth"

The search for current movies that are "of good report" and "praiseworthy" is often a frustrating task. Many movies have "just one objectionable part" or one "uncomfortable" scene or one "bad word." But if we are to follow the standards found in "For the Strength of Youth," even one objectionable part is enough to disqualify it from being "of good report or praiseworthy."

From the LDS Church's "For the Strength of Youth" booklet, under the category, "Entertainment and the Media," (p.17) we read:

"Whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you. Therefore, choose only entertainment and media that uplift you. Good entertainment will help you to have good thoughts and make righteous choices. It will allow you to enjoy yourself without losing the Spirit of the Lord.

"While much entertainment is good, some of it can lead you away from righteous living. ... Satan uses such entertainment to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal and exciting. It can mislead you into thinking that everyone is doing things that are wrong.

"Do not attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in entertainment that in any way presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable.

"Depictions of violence often glamorize vicious behavior. They offend the Spirit and make you less able to respond to others in a sensitive, caring way. They contradict the Savior’s message of love for one another.

"Have the courage to walk out of a movie or video party ... if what is being presented does not meet Heavenly Father’s standards. Do these things even if others do not. Let your friends and family know that you are committed to keeping God’s standards. You have the gift of the Holy Ghost, which will give you strength and help you make good choices."

There are a couple of websites that can help you pre-determine which movies you should avoid if you want to maintain your standards. They specifically list the content which people of faith and high moral standards might find objectionable. The Catholic Church maintains one website: http://www.usccb.org/. Focus on the Family maintains the other website: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/.