We live at a time when technology can be used to
replicate reality, to augment reality, and to
create virtual reality.
Today, I raise an apostolic voice of warning about the
potentially stifling, suffocating, suppressing, and
constraining impact of some kinds of cyberspace
interactions and experiences upon our souls, such as
experimenting with actions contrary to God's commandments
or enticing us to think or do things we would not otherwise
think or do it because it's only a game.
The concerns I raise are not new.
They apply equally to other types of media such as
television, movies, and music.
Sadly, some young men and women in the Church today
ignore things as they really are.
A young man or woman may waste countless hours, postpone, or
forfeit vocational or academic achievement and ultimately
sacrifice cherished human relationships because of
digital distractions, diversions, and detours that
have no lasting value.
Please understand, I am not suggesting all technology is
inherently bad.
It is not.
Nor am I saying we should not use its many capabilities in
appropriate ways to learn, to communicate, to lift and
brighten lives, and to build the Church.
I offer two questions for consideration in your personal
pondering and prayerful studying.
Question number one, does the use of various technologies
and media invite or impede the constant companionship of the
Holy Ghost in your life?
Question number two, does the time you spend using various
technologies and media enlarge or restrict your capacity to
live, to love, and to serve in meaningful ways?
I testify that God lives and is our Heavenly Father.
He is the author of the plan of salvation.
Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer whose body was
bruised, broken, and torn for us as He
offered the atoning sacrifice.
He is resurrected.
He lives and He stands at the head of His Church in these
latter days.
My beloved brothers and sisters, to be encircled about
eternally in the arms of His love will be a real and not a
virtual experience.