Just a generation ago, many Christians assumed pornography was a fringe problem—something lurking in the shadows of society, far removed from faithful homes and church pews.
However, in an article published in Christianity Today, Maria Baer debunks that myth. “More Christians Are Watching Porn, But Fewer Think It’s a Problem” is the headline of Maria’s article.
She cites a major study by Barna and the ministry Pure Desire, revealing that 61 percent of Americans now say they view pornography at least occasionally.
Even more sobering, more than half of churchgoers who attended services in the last month admit they do the same.
The research also revealed that 67% of ministers report a history of viewing porn. And among self-professing Christians, 62% believe that one can regularly view porn and still live a sexually healthy life.
Ironically, however, the same research reveals that those who view pornography regularly are far more likely to report anxiety, depression, self-criticism, and feeling overwhelmed emotionally.
Maria writes that perhaps most alarming is the silence. Eighty-three percent of adults with a history of porn use say they have no one helping them avoid it. No conversation. No accountability. No healing community.
This is a topic we read little about among our brethren and hear even less. While some may feel this topic doesn’t belong in a Sunday morning sermon, like all other sins, it does need to be addressed and condemned.
Indeed, Jill Manning was right when she wrote, “Pornography is neither harmless nor helpful. It is a mood-altering, belief-changing, relationship-damaging, addiction-forming, socially-harmful, spiritually-deadening, life-crippling practice.”
Pornography not only corrupts the heart of the viewer, but it also strips away the God-given dignity of those being viewed, reducing human beings made in God’s image to objects for selfish gratification.
Long before smartphones, explicit websites, and internet addiction, Jesus addressed the sinful heart behind lust itself.
In Jesus’ great Sermon on the Mount, He declared:
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
The problem of lust is as old as mankind. Before the printed page, slick magazines, and internet websites designed to entice and lure us into lustful thoughts, God warned against the devious devices of the devil.
The wise man in the book of Proverbs repeatedly warned against being enticed by sexual lust (Prov. 6:25-29).
The apostle Paul admonished Christians to beware of sinful lusts in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6:
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
Paul often reminded his readers that it is God who ordained marriage between one man and one woman and placed sexual fulfillment within its boundaries (1 Cor. 7:1-5; Heb. 13:4). The Bible teaches that sexual relationships in marriage are for the procreation of the human race and the mutual blessing of both husband and wife.
Any deviation or perversion of that union is an affront to God, a sin against your spouse, as well as your own body (1 Cor. 6:18-20).
Author Russell Moore addressed the issue correctly and succinctly when he said, “Pornography is, like with all sin, a deadening of the senses and the searing of the conscience.” Then he added, “Pornography promises to address a real longing with a fake answer.”
The gospel and God’s purpose for our lives offer something purer, nobler, and holier than secrecy and shame.
The Good News is that no one is beyond God’s grace. Like all sins, pornography can be forgiven and overcome through repentance, accountability, spiritual renewal, and God’s transforming power.
Healing, however, begins when we admit the nature of our sin, are willing to repent and confess it to God, and allow ourselves to be guided by His Word.
Like some other sinful addictions, this may require professional help from a Christian counselor. At the very least, it calls for personal responsibility and accountability.
Preachers, pastors, elders, parents, and Christians can no longer ignore this terrible scourge Satan is inflicting on our culture and the church. It must be addressed. And defeated.
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (Jas. 5:16).
May the vow of the Psalmist become our desire:
“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes” (Ps. 101:3).
— Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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