Hi, so when I was 11/12 I watched pornography only for about 5months. At the time i knew it was bad but I didn’t understand how bad it was until I turned 12 and in church I learned just how bad it was. Since then I have indepthly prayed about forgiveness, do I still need to see the bishop? It’s been 3-4 years. Also, if I’ve watched porn can I still go on a mission?!?! Ps I have repented
One Response to “Hi, so when I was 11/12 I watched pornography only for…”
Leonardo Miranda
2016-01-10 19:55:30
A missionary hugging a bishop in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.
Hi brother or sister. I'm happy you posted your question here. I'm also very happy that this early childhood exposure to pornography didn't result in any kind of addiction. You're very lucky to have avoided that! Good news.
Clearly a 12 year old doesn't have the same understanding as a teenager or an adult. But 12 year olds do have some understanding. You yourself mentioned that you knew it was wrong. Plus, you'd already been baptized.
I recommend chatting with your bishop about this. Make it clear that this happened a long time ago, that you didn't fully understand what you were doing, and that you've repented completely. I suspect it will be a very easy conversation to have, since you've already repented.
Clearly a 12 year old doesn't have the same understanding as a teenager or an adult. But 12 year olds do have some understanding. You yourself mentioned that you knew it was wrong. Plus, you'd already been baptized.
I recommend chatting with your bishop about this. Make it clear that this happened a long time ago, that you didn't fully understand what you were doing, and that you've repented completely. I suspect it will be a very easy conversation to have, since you've already repented.
Hope this answer helps! All the best.