Keywords

pornography, spirituality, religion, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Abstract

Like other spiritually sincere youth, Caleb struggles with pornography use. At first, he was repulsed by it, but he found himself drawn back to it. The arousal was preoccupying and pleasurable. Pornography use became a habit. He still wanted to go on a mission, marry in the temple, be a worthy father. Repeatedly, he resolved to stop using pornography. He felt anger and shame every time he fell short. Caleb became discouraged and felt like he could never change. He felt that he didn’t deserve God’s or anyone else’s love and forgiveness because of all his broken promises.

Original Publication Citation

Butler, M. H., & Smith, G. L. (2018). Navigating the teen years: The adolescent brain and Christ’s atonement. Family Connections BYU School of Family Life Alumni Magazine, Winter, 23-28.