A youth boiling with hormones ... may ruin his life before he matures sufficiently to understand that sex is a river of fire that must be banked and cooled by a hundred restraints if it is not to consume in chaos both the individual and the group. — Will and Ariel Durant, "The Lessons of History"

If the most dangerous trap ever invented were set for young single men, it wouldn't be so different than what they face every day on the Internet.

The international flood of unregulated Internet pornography affects all ages — especially young men in the prime of life, say experts. Sex is also marketed in many products, trivialized by talk show hosts, exemplified in sad examples of irresponsible movie stars, sports figures and a former U. S. president. Presented in distorted ways by the popular media, examples of casual sex lead more and more young women to respond with immodest dress and aggressive behavior.

Compounding this, many parents and leaders are frankly unaware of what goes on. One bishop of long experience said he has meticulously kept track of where events of immorality occur among youth. In 95 percent of the cases, it is in their homes — after midnight — while the parents are asleep, he said. Those who habitually view pornography typically begin while in high school or earlier.

The Book of Mormon's Captain Moroni, in a threatening situation and reflecting on those who would perish, said, "Yea, and it even shall be ourselves if we do not stand fast in the faith of Christ."

He realized that if his people were to survive and keep their liberty, they would need to unite in determined defense "in memory of our God, our religion and freedom, and our peace, our wives and our children" (Alma 46:12).

Leaders today see this united front beginning to form as they — and parents — become aware of the proportions of the problem and bring it into the light. "My belief is that (pornography addiction) can be overcome ... with the Atonement," said Bishop Patrick J. O'Loughlin of the Cambridge University (Student Single) Ward.

"As the members of the Church are able to rise above it and see it for what it is,... as that is understood, we'll overcome it."

In the Church, many young men fill honorable missions during which they uphold high standards of chastity. At an age when hormonal drives are fully matured, these exemplary young men return to a world saturated with sex. Many who completely avoided this temptation during their missions slip after returning. This has created a much greater problem than most people realize, say bishops.

Yet the bishops also spoke as one in their faith that "the good shall overcome the bad" through the Atonement of Christ. Recovery, however, can be a difficult, lifelong process.

In the words of Bishop Bruce T. Jones of the Salt Lake University 31st (Student Single) Ward, "There will be many people who succeed in their battle against it and they will be excellent leaders in the Church.

"By and large, people will make good choices. They will gird up their loins, put on their defenses and battle it and win. I am confident there will be great leaders that come out of people who have been inflicted with pornographic actions and addictions.

"They will struggle. The adversary will definitely fight them. They should expect that. Satan knows that if he destroys young people, he destroys all they will impact in their future lives. This is a battlefront. Ultimately this has to do with self-mastery. That's what the choice is about."

It is a battle, said Bishop Hemaloto Katoa of the BYU 45th (Student Single) Ward. "We need to be willing to take the time and effort — we all need to be willing to go into the deep water.

"It is an embarrassing topic. Satan wants to keep it off the table, but we want to get it on the table ... and involve parents and loved ones ... and solicit help.

"Let them feel the love of the Atonement. ... Whatever the transgression, ultimately it will be covered. Ultimately, we will win."

Bishop Philip S. Low of the Purdue University (Student Single) Ward, a biochemist, said, "It is a habit that can be overcome. We have seen significant successes, but it is a growing problem ... rampant in all age groups."

There is hope even for the very entrenched, said Michael Gardner, LDS Family Services program specialist who counsels older men. He explained that a certain amount of sexuality is healthy, but when pornography fuels that normal and healthy drive, "it makes the problem so much worse."

He said the guilt and shame young males experience can stop normal social development and drive them to isolation. An addiction can form within a month.

"All addictions thrive in secrecy," said Brother Gardner. Views of sexuality become distorted, and women become objectified.

"(Pornographers) have taken something meant to be sacred and it has become sullied and dirty." Selfish behavior follows. "I have never heard of a case where someone says pornography helped," he said.

Yet "there is hope," he said. "This is overcomable. I have seen great successes of people who were very entrenched, then getting out. It won't be easy, but through the power of the Atonement, it can be overcome."

Next: When they don't reform: Wives of pornography addicts.

E-mail to: jhart@desnews.com