Shocking new data shows a majority of practicing Christians, including pastors, admit to viewing pornography. Beyond that, a large share say they are comfortable with the habit. These findings come from a new report from Barna titled "Beyond the Porn Phenomenon." Even though practicing Christians were still found to view pornography less frequently than non-Christians, the gap between the two groups was only 14 percentage points. Christian Post reporter, Leonardo Blair, writes that some 54% of Christians reported viewing pornography compared with 68% of non-Christians."
In my process of trying to figure out data in reports like this, I always start with discerning what the root of the idea is and where it comes from. Now, science has taught us to search for the facts; what facts are involved, and what are the results of those facts based on consistency. Do the facts reveal the same results, repeatedly, and if so, then you have data that can be true. So, let's look at pornography. What is the root of this practice? The number of people who use pornography is growing, and the reasons may vary, but the bottom line is the same. Pornography is an artificial means of sexual gratification designed to appeal to the sexual desires within us. People who see this as normal behavior excuse the devastating effects pornography has on our understanding of sexual relationships. For example:
Pornography consumption triggers an addiction response (like drugs do), desensitizing the brain to dopamine and creating a dependency. (From Canopy Research)
Studies have found that pornography consumption impairs judgment and impulse control. It rewires a brain region responsible for executive functions like decision-making, impulse control, and morality.
Porn consumers report greater depressive symptoms, anxiety, lower quality of life, and poorer overall mental health compared to those who don't watch porn.
Pornography users are more likely to perpetrate and be victims of violent sexual acts. Furthermore, people who watch porn are more likely to objectify women.
Okay, research or science has told us that the facts that are consistent in the results. Who is affected by pornography the most? The studies show porn use and porn addiction rates show a marked difference between men and women in the United States. Males report higher rates of porn addiction and pornography use in all categories: Porn addiction: 11% of men, 3% of women. Porn use (viewing online): 69% of men, 40% of women.
Obviously, it is easier today with the internet to gain access to porn. If we turn now to a more spiritual approach to pornography, we find that the Bible is clear about sexual purity, and the heightened distortions of sexual activity in the last days.
The Apostle Paul said that life on planet earth will continue to become more traumatic in time. He described the last days as an era of pleasure without self-control. When the social norms of society are challenged repeatedly, there comes an acceptance of that challenge. Homosexuality challenged the social norms of our day a decade or two ago, and today gay relationships are accepted as normal, and pornography is on that same track of acceptance. Eventually, there will be no moral code for behavior. Abortion is another example of the abnormal becoming normal, and the killing of life is accepted and defined as 'reproductive health.'
The Bible tells us of a different matrix … a standard of health and protection for the human mind, body, and spirit. It starts with the basis of what is morally right according to how humans were created to live. That standard gives strength to living in community with respect for everyone in that community. Morality doesn't murder, doesn't commit adultery, doesn't steal, lie, and doesn't covet or desire other people's property or persons. Simple provisions for the well-being of human relationships. Morals matter, and when you decide to violate them, you are violating what keeps us safe from one another. God placed these moral principles into the Ten Commandments and the Bible literature throughout its writings supports these principles.
Pornography violates the practice of good mental, emotional, and spiritual health found in morality. We cannot expect results from pornography that are safe or healthy for anyone. Our society has lost its moral compass and that means it has no direction to process good human interaction with others. Pornography is not the cause of human depravity, but it is a symptom of moral decay that will never turn around without help from God. God is the author of morality, and as the creator of human life, He knows what makes humans succeed with each other, and it is based on morals.
Morals do matter. If you destroy the morals of a society, you destroy that society. History has clear facts on this and it has never changed. America beware.
Challenging the Culture with Truth … Larry Kutzler