Gospel Values Arts

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Gospel ValuesArts Entertainment

• R. Kevin Call
• Associate Dean / BYU-Idaho College of Performing
  Visual Arts
  
• This PowerPoint presentation available to
  download at
  
• www.byui.edu/perfandvisarts/FA-100/

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I teach them correct principles, and they govern
themselves. quoted by John Taylor
Millennial Star, 15 Nov. 1851

• Review gospel principles
• Application to Arts Entertainment
• A Two-Step Process

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The Principles
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I said we differed in mode of baptism, and the
gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
We considered that all other considerations were
contained in the gift of the Holy Ghost.
History of the Church, 442
5
And there was war in heaven.
And the great dragon was cast out into the earth,
and his angels were cast out with him. Woe to t
he inhabiters of the earth and of the sea!
The devil is come down unto you, having great wr
ath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short
time. And the dragon was wroth and went to make
war with those which keep the commandments of
God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Revelation 127, 9, 12, 17
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Two Initial Battle Plans

• Lords 1st Goal

• Satans 1st Goal

that they may always have my Spirit to be

with them.
that they will not have his Spirit to be wit
h them.

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When we undertake to cover our sins,in any
degree of unrighteousness, the Spirit of the
Lord is grieved.the heavens withdraw
themselves Ere before he is aware,he is
left unto himself.
Doctrine Covenants 12137-38
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When we undertake to cover our sins,in any
degree of unrighteousness, the Spirit of the
Lord is grieved.the heavens withdraw
themselves Ere before he is aware,he is
left unto himself.
Doctrine Covenants 12137-38
9
When we undertake to cover our sins,in any
degree of unrighteousness, the Spirit of the
Lord is grieved.the heavens withdraw
themselves Ere before he is aware,he is
left unto himself.
Doctrine Covenants 12137-38
10
When we undertake to cover our sins,in any
degree of unrighteousness, the Spirit of the
Lord is grieved.the heavens withdraw
themselves Ere before he is aware,he is
left unto himself.
Doctrine Covenants 12137-38
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to cover our sins

• Though your sins be as scarlet,
• they shall be as white as snow
• though they be red like crimson,
• they shall be as wool.
• 
  Isaiah 118

parallelism
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to cover our sins

• He that covereth his sins
• shall not prosper

whoso confesseth and forsaketh them
shall have mercy.
Proverbs 2813
antithetical parallelism
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to cover our sins

• the opposite of
• confesseth and forsaketh them

to deny and continue our sins

• denying what we actually did
• denying what we did is a sin

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any degree of unrighteousness

• I the Lord cannot look upon sin
• with the least degree of allowance
• he that repents not, from him shall be taken
• even the light which he has received
• for my Spirit shall not always
• strive with man.
• Doctrine Covenants 131-33
• emphasis added

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the heavens withdraw themselves

• He dwelleth not in unholy temples,
• neither can anything which is unclean
• be received into the kingdom of God.
• If ye have procrastinated your repentance,
• the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn
• from you.
• Alma 721 3435-36

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There is a line of demarcation, well defined,
between the Lords territory and the devils.
If you will stay on the Lords side of the line
, you will be under his influence and will have
no desire to do wrong
George Albert Smith quoted by Spencer W. Kimba
ll, The Miracle of Forgiveness
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but if you cross to the devils side of the line
one inch, you are in the tempters power.
He will work on you to get you just as far from
that line as he possibly can, knowing that he
can only succeed in destroying you by keeping you
away from the place where there is safety.
George Albert Smith quoted by Spencer W. Kimba
ll, The Miracle of Forgiveness
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If he is successful, you will not be able to th
ink or reason properly,

because you will have lost the Spirit of the
Lord.
George Albert Smith quoted by Spencer W. Kimba
ll, The Miracle of Forgiveness
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Where is the line?
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Where is the line?
no unclean thing be in his presence. Moses
657
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Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly
then shall thy confidence wax strong in the
presence of GodThe Holy Ghost shall be thy
constant companion.
Doctrine Covenants 12145-46
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When we undertake to cover our sins,in any
degree of unrighteousness, the Spirit of the
Lord is grieved.the heavens withdraw
themselves
Doctrine Covenants 12137-38
Ere he is aware,he is left unto himself .
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ere he is aware
Garth Hall BYU-Idaho Vice President Devotion
al Address
1990
theres something happening to you and it has
been very subtle and you havent recognized it
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I did not plan to speak to you about the hard
times that are ahead and they are real, and they
are coming. But as I prepared to come here
BYU-Idaho I was given a feeling of light and
confidence about you, that somehow the people I
would be speaking to today were special, brought
here and chosen because of your capacity to rise
spiritually higher than you yourself would think
even possible.
Henry B. Eyring Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
BYU-Idaho Devotional January 25, 2005
(emphasis added)
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As I was preparing to come, I was awakened, I
will even tell you the time of day, at 100 in
the morning. I had slept for only two or thre
e hours and I think the Holy Ghost did it by
telling me, Youre rested, which didnt seem
reasonable at that hour. It is time to go.
So, I got up. In a period of five hours, when I
planned to talk about quite a different thing, I
wrote what I now give to you. I was surprised
Henry B. Eyring Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
BYU-Idaho Devotional January 25, 2005
(emphasis added)

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My purpose today is to share with you what I
have learned over the years about getting and
keeping the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
It isnt easy, but it is possible My praye
rs to receive the help of the Holy Ghost have
been strengthened by pondering the record of the
scriptures Just as pondering the scriptures
invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost, so
does doing the things we have been told to do and
doing them promptly
Henry B. Eyring Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
BYU-Idaho Devotional January 25, 2005
(emphasis added)

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All this has some practical applications for
each of us. One is that we can repent and be
cleansed to qualify for the gift of the Holy
Ghost You can set the bar for yourself a litt
le higher and then a little higher, again and
again As the challenges around us increase,
we must commit to do more to qualify for the
companionship of the Holy Ghost.
Henry B. Eyring Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
BYU-Idaho Devotional January 25, 2005
(emphasis added)

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Casual prayer wont be enough. Reading a few
verses of the scripture wont be enoughOne great
burst of effort wont be enough.
Only a steady, ever-increasing effort will allo
w the Lord to take us to higher ground
Set the bar a little higher for yourself Set i
t higher for yourself to be obedient in the thi
ngs He asks of you
Henry B. Eyring Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
BYU-Idaho Devotional January 25, 2005
(emphasis added)

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There will be some private things that you need
to repent of. There will be some things you need
to begin to do that you havent been doing. The
Holy Ghost will tell you what those are and tell
you all things that you must do.
And I have every confidence you will not be ove
rwhelmed, that Heavenly Father and the Savior
will lift you up, and the Holy Ghost will be your
companion in a more constant and powerful way.
Henry B. Eyring Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
BYU-Idaho Devotional January 25, 2005
(emphasis added)

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I, Mormon, speak unto you that are of the
church It is given unto you to judge. The
way to judge is as plain as the daylight is
from the dark night.
31
That which is evil inviteth and enticeth to
sin. That which is of God inviteth and
enticeth to do good continually. Take heed
that ye do not judge that which is evil to be
of God.
32
Now, see that ye do not judge wrongfully.
Search diligently in the light of Christ that
ye may know good from evil.

Moroni 72-19 (emphasis added)
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The Principles

• Gift of the Holy Ghost
• Line Between Lord Satans Side
• We Are to Judge Carefully

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The Application
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Our World of Art and Entertainment Choices
Posters Pictures
Statues Sculptures
Clothing Jewelry
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OUR WORLD OF ART ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES
CONTENT
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OUR WORLD OF ART ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES
Allows the Spirit
The Spirit can be present only if we are also w
orthy
Offends the Spirit
The Spirit will not be present
even if
we are otherwise worthy
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OUR WORLD OF ART ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES
MORMONS TEST
Invite and entice to do good continually (enco
urage, suggest, model, tempt, tease)

Invite and entice to sin, even just a little
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OUR WORLD OF ART ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES
STYLE
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OUR WORLD OF ART ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES
ARTISTIC
shows imaginative skill in execution and/or tec
hnique
PRAISEWORTHY GOOD REPORT
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OUR WORLD OF ART ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES
OSCARS GRAMMYS EMMYS TONYS
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OUR WORLD OF ART ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES
virtuous lovely
virtuous, lovely, of good report and praiseworth
y
praiseworthy, of good report BUT NOT
virtuous or lovely
none of the above
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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• Music is a powerful part of life. It can be an
  influence for good. Unworthy music may seem
  harmless, but it can have evil effects on your
  mind and spirit. Choose carefully the music you
  listen to. Dont listen to music that drives
  away the Spirit, encourages immorality, glorifies
  violence, or uses foul or offensive language.
• For the Strength of Youth
• Music and Dancing, p. 20

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• We must be true to the very best that is in us.
  But we live in a world of evil. There is a
  constant power, pulling us down, inviting us to
  partake of those things which are totally
  inconsistent with the divine priesthood which we
  hold.

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• It is interesting to observe how the father of
  lies, that wily son of the morning who was cast
  out of heaven, always has the means and capacity
  to entice, to invite, to gather to his ways those
  who are not strong and alert.

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• Very recently a certain movie picture was
  acclaimed the best of the year. I am told that it
  is laden with sex, that the use of profanity runs
  throughout. I have not seen it, nor do I
  anticipate doing so.
• President Gordon B. Hinckley
• General Conference Priesthood Session April 2003

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• Dont see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or
  participate in any entertainment that is immoral,
  suggestive, or pornographic.
  
• President Ezra Taft Benson
• General Conference April 1986

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• Young people know they should not watch R-rated
  movies, and yet time after time I hear them say,
  Well its only rated R because its violent.
  What differ-ence does it make? The fact is, a
  prophet of God has said not to go to R-rated
  movies. That ought to be good enough.

Cree-L Kofford First Quorum of the Seventy Ens
ign, July 1998
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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• Under Entertainment and the Media there is no
  specific mention of any rating system. This is
  not to be interpreted that the Church approves of
  R-rated or any other inappropriate movies.Those
  ratings that have been historically safe to use
  PG, PG-13 are not so anymore. Secondly, the
  rating system used in the United States does not
  apply to all parts of the world.
• Elder Cecil O. Samuelson, Jr.
• Ensign, January 2002

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• The Parents Television Council criticized TVs
  most popular comedy for being among the raciest
  in prime-time and for basing much of its humor
  on sexual references and situations. The show
  featured two unmarried characters having a baby
  in last seasons final episode.
• Associated Press,
  Aug. 25, 2002

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• Depictions of violence often glamorize vicious
  behavior. They offend the Spirit and make you
  less able to to respond to others in a sensitive
  caring way. They contradict the Saviors message
  of love for one another.
• For the Strength of Youth
• Entertainment and the Media, p. 18

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• I believe the entertainment industry cannot
  portray people gunned down in cold blood, in
  living color, and not have it affect the
  attitudes and thoughts of some of the people who
  see it.

M. Russell Ballard Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Ensign, Dec. 1996, 58.
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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• Violent video games might even be more harmful
  than violent TV programs. While television
  viewing is usually a passive activity, video game
  playing is highly interactive.The violence
  portrayed in these video games is almost
  continuous... Lamentably, the most popular video
  games are the violent ones.
• Its Only Violence,
  Ensign, June 2003

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inviteth and enticeth
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inviteth and enticeth
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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth
Herding Cats
4,800,000 _at_ minute (2005)
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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• O that cunning plan of the evil one!
  When men are learned they think they are wise,
  and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for
  they set it aside, supposing they know of
  themselves.and they shall perish.
• (Jacobs preaching) 2 Nephi 928
• (emphasis added)

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• And thus we see the power of the devil,
• which comes from the cunning plans
• which he hath devised to ensnare
• the hearts of men.
• (Mormons commentary) Alma 2813
  (emphasis added)
  

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• It wont affect me because I
  know what is right. I
  have a testimony!

ere you are aware
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OUR WORLD OF ART ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES
MAKING CHOICES
STEP 1
Allow the Spirit to be present
Offend the Spirit so that He must withdraw
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OUR WORLD OF ART ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES
MAKING CHOICES
STEP 2
Is it done well enough to be worth my time t
oday?
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OUR WORLD OF ART ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES
MAKING CHOICES
STEP 2
FINE ARTS 100 Visual Arts Theatre Film Music
Dance
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OUR WORLD OF ART ENTERTAINMENT CHOICES
virtuous lovely
virtuous, lovely, of good report and praiseworth
y
praiseworthy, of good report BUT NOT
virtuous or lovely
none of the above
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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• In order to keep the light and love of Christ
  burning in our hearts, we have to be careful in
  our choices of what we will watch and what we
  will readPlease be vigilant in your
  entertainment choices. Some of the things that
  are being shown in our theaters and broadcast to
  our homes via television and videos and over the
  Internet are insidious and dangerous.

M. Russell Ballard Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
When Shall These Things Be? Ensign, December 1
996

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• Rather than falling within the definition of
  things that are virtuous, lovely, or of good
  report or praiseworthy, they are more clearly
  described where the prophet Mormon teaches that
  whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and
  believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve
  not God is of the devil.

M. Russell Ballard Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
When Shall These Things Be? Ensign, December 1
996

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• The standard of the Churchis clearly outlined in
  the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. Those who
  choose anything that contains material that is
  contrary to the moral standards of the Church are
  placing themselves and their own wisdom above the
  counsel of Gods prophetsa course of action that
  would indeed be very unwise.

M. Russell Ballard Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
When Shall These Things Be? Ensign, December 1
996

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• As soon as people begin to think that they know
  better than God or His oracles, or that counsel
  given doesnt apply to themselves, they are
  stepping onto a slippery slope that has claimed
  far too many victims already. It takes faithreal
  faith, unequivocal and unreservedto accept and
  attempt to live prophetic counsel even when its
  not completely understood.

M. Russell Ballard Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
When Shall These Things Be? Ensign, December 1
996

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• Im aware that some members think they know
  better than members of the First Presidency and
  the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles do about this
  subject. And some will argue their case based on
  artistic merit, or on the fact that everyone is
  seeing it, or will insist they are not one of
  those people who will be influenced one way or
  the other by on-screen sex or violence.

M. Russell Ballard Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
When Shall These Things Be? Ensign, December 1
996

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• To them I have only one question
• Are you going to follow the true and living
  prophets or not?
  
• It really isnt any more complicated than that.

M. Russell Ballard Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
When Shall These Things Be? Ensign, December 1
996

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• Be clean. I can not emphasize that enough. Be
  clean. It is so very, very important, and you at
  your age are in such temptation all the time. It
  is thrown at you on television. It is thrown at
  you in videos. You do not have to rent them.

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grieved and withdrawinviteth and enticeth

• Dont do it. Just dont do it. Dont look at
  them. If somebody proposes that you sit around
  all night watching some of that sleazy stuff, you
  say, Its not for me. Stay away from it.
• President Gordon B. Hinckley
• Denver, CO youth meeting, Apr. 1996

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• The Prophet "very earnestly" said
• "Tell the people to be humble and faithful, and
  be sure to keep the spirit of the Lord Be
  careful and not turn away the small still voice.
  It will teach you what to do and where to go it
  will yield the fruits of the kingdom."
• Manuscript History of Brigham Young,
• 1846-1847, p. 529, (emphasis added).

Joseph Smith to Brigham Young
(In Vision Feb. 1847)

I teach them correct principles,
and they govern themselves.