
Pornography, Sexuality, and the Church

Posted July 20th, 2010 by Pete Scazzero

The Statistics Are Staggering:

66% of Internet-using men between the ages of 18-34 look at online porn at least once a month (1)
55% of pastors admitted to participating with porn online. (2)
Over 40% of women on line are involved in problematic cyber behavior. (3)
The largest consumer of Internet pornography is the 12 to 17 year old age group. (4)
90% of male teens 15-17 years old will view pornography this month. 34% of them will become addicts.

Since meeting Ted Roberts, founder of Pure Desire Ministries www.puredesire.org a few months ago, I have been conducting an informal survey with pastors, leaders, and others to determine if above statistics are true. Sadly I am now convinced they are.

I spent time with Ted Roberts in person this past weekend. I was challenged and sobered once again at the enormous challenge we are confronting in our sexually charged and addicted culture – both outside and inside the church. In particular, it was shocking and painful to listen to trends among teens and young people.

We are in a crisis and it is only growing worse.

What most impressed about his approach is that it moves beyond the “try harder” to quit sexual addiction. It actually addresses the issues of damaged neuro-pathways of the brain and the gut-wrenching shame that accompanies sexual addiction. Combined with the power of the Holy Spirit, Roberts is bringing together an approach to freedom that is serious, long-term and church based. Check out his website and books Pure Desire and Sexy Christians.

How severe do you believe the problem to be in the church and culture? And what do you believe it will take to address this?

4 Comments

Is pornography primarily a problem because it is perceived to be a “worse sin” than other sins? Or is it a problem because some opinion leaders insist that pornography can lead to an addiction just like drugs and alcohol? If the former, why is pornography thought to be a “worse sin” than say, tax evasion or failing to help a brother or sister in need — given that no hierarchy of sins is ever presented in Scripture. But if primarily the latter does the current great concern stem from a belief that the effects of pornographic addition are worse than alcohol or drug addiction? If so, what are the worse effects and why are they thought to be worse?

If neither of the above are thought to be so then does the concern arise primarily because the pornographic industry growth rate is so high relative to alcohol and drug use, or the other 7 deadly sins’ industries?

If none of the above are true then what is the primary concern and what are thought to be the most deleterious effects to people who make pornographic material and view it?

Is there any concrete evidence that the deleterious effects of pornography upon church leaders is any worse than the deleterious effects of other sins, whether they be lying, stealing, gluttony, slothfulness, failing to love an enemy, showing no charity to the least of one of His brothers or sisters, etc.?

Several studies have revealed that some to many adults don’t engage in enough sex, either because they’re very busy, very anxious or stressed, don’t particularly enjoy sex with other homo sapiens, would rather eat chocolate or just hang with friends, and/or because their libidos have been greatly diminished, perhaps for the reasons just given and/or environmental toxins. Some governments have actually urged their adult citizens to work less and go home earlier and have sex with their spouse or significant other more frequently, for the exercise benefit, calorie burning, stress and anxiety release, the pleasure, and to increase both the likelihood of marital longevity and procreation.

Does pornography perhaps supplant authentic sex with other humans; perchance being perceived as providing a more favorable cost/benefit return than sex with a complaining, ungrateful, selfish, manipulative, and now unattractive partner whose willingness-timing occurs with decreasing frequency over time.

Besides the deleterious effects are there any positive effects perceived by pornographic purveyors, such as monetary gain from stealing, maintaining a sense of pride when deciding against repenting and/or forgiving, saving face rather than humbling oneself and asking for forgiveness? In short, besides the titillation and the choice to experience orgasm virtually when and where one chooses without the sometimes perceived “hassles” of post-coitus relations, are there any other perceived benefits that propel an increasing number of people to produce and view pornography?

Posted by: William J. Green // July 20th, 2010 at 6:06 pm

Churches who are involved in helping porn addict individuals are indeed admirable. Though some people may say that it is only natural for the church to be involved, still the thought of it is already something to be recognized. Individuals who are porn addicts are now given hope to gain back again their normal before the addiction.

Posted by: Gregory Underwood // August 3rd, 2010 at 4:30 am

FYI- I realize this issue often extends beyond standard 12 step recovery models. But, when done by the book, the Holy Spirit is doing amazing work in the lives of many Pastors through “CPR” (Celebrate Pastors Recovery). We utilize the Celebrate Recovery 12 step guides and, again, have seen a genuine healing of hearts and lives. It all fits like a glove with what Pete writes about in “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.” You can read a little more about CPR and indicate further interest at cprpastors.com Thank you, Pete, for a great work!

Posted by: Hess Hester // August 5th, 2010 at 3:28 pm

Hi,
Sexual addiction is a growing epidemic and it is attracting younger and younger viewers. I could talk about the many books I have read and research I have done on the topic, including the medical evidence that the human brain responds to views pornography as it does to heroin. What I will share is that my family and I are in the throws of sexual addiction. My husband was molested as a child and introduced to pornography at a young age (dad’s hidden magazines). It became a tool to escape the fear and pain he felt. It was a trusted friend something familiar…but it has destroyed his life. We have four children, our oldest 2 are girls and he does not know how to communicate love to them. He sees people as it not thou. He wants to be free but constantly falls back. The pain he is running from feels to great for him to deal with so he self-medicates with porn.
I will say that i have had 4 kids and I’m not 18 any longer but I do take care of myself. If you saw our family we look picture perfect on the outside. My husband is handsome, our children are beautiful and many stop and look but on the inside we have been falling apart for some time. It is a blessing to see this issue being address. Our girls long for the closeness of a loving father, our boys long for allowance into his heart…these are the dangers of pornography. As well as this is generational…I do not want our children to struggle with this addiction.
No sin is bigger or smaller than another, this addiction compromises our walk with God, personal integrity, and value as a human being. It offers a temporary release but demands to be fed way more than one can keep up with. I pray that the church will continue to address this issue and minister to the men, women and children dealing with the affects of this addiction.

Posted by: g // August 20th, 2010 at 11:13 pm