R Rated Movies

Someone asked me at a football game a few month back, why LDS members (or as you might remember.. "Mormons") don't watch R rated movies. The easiest answer is because the prophet told us not to, and so in the effort to be obedient, we follow his counsel.

But many of us also know that in trying to answer this question to those inquiring... this sometimes doesn't feel like enough of a response or explanation. I was thinking about it today while I was driving, and my thought process went something like this:

Sometimes I am tempted to watch R rated movies. But then I remember how I am already affected by the themes and content that are presented in the PG13 movies that I do allow myself to watch. Movies influence us. Perhaps we don't always see it... but I do. Why would you watch movies presenting themes of sex and violence and language... When you have made a commitment not to break the law of chastity? When you have vowed not to have sex before marriage? When you do not believe in being a violent being? When you are training yourself to avoid the foul language you already hear so much in your every day surroundings?

Everyone's heard the question "My average day at highschool would be rated higher than that movie, why not see it?" Or something along those lines... But I present the following analogy: I may step in a pile of dog crap every day of my life. I don't enjoy it, but I get use to it because it's part of my daily routine. However, does this mean I would opt to swim in it every weekend as well?

We all choose role models. I don't know about you, but I make sure that my role models are examples of people who represent what I want to be one day. If my goal in life is to become like Christ... why would I choose to immerse myself in media that supports sex, drugs, and foul language?

I don't watch R rated movies because I know that the themes presented in them do not support the person I am trying to be. Their inappropriate content makes me feel uncomfortable with myself because I know that by watching them I would be untrue to myself. By this principle... it stands to reason that I don't even watch some PG13 movies because the same is true. It's not about the rating. It's about the content. It's about what that content represents... and it's about whether or not I have the will to control the petty desires of the natural man.

So, when your friends come up to you and ask "Why don't you watch R rated movies?" You need to ask yourself.. "Why don't I watch R rated movies?" Because the answer that matters most is the reason that keeps you going strong in your resolve. And for those of you that may be the person asking that question, instead of the one being asked...

Remember, that these people are your friends. No matter their reason, it is their choice. I believe one of the most important qualities in friendship is being able to respect and honor the values our friends embrace. If they believe in something, with all their heart... you have to respect that. Doesn't mean you have to agree... and it doesn't mean they are going to judge you for not living your life by the same principles..

It just means that as friends... we love each other for every piece that completes the puzzle of who we are. Every piece.