Today’s entry is a follow up to a recent post, Porn again? Christian?Though I have not been following stats lately, this one topic generated many comments both on Facebook and on Toward God.  It seems to be an issue that is argued among people and one that greatly effects both individuals personally and the Church at large.

     The statistics are staggering and probably under stated as some of those who have commented have suggested, but whatever in fact they are is only a sign of how much we have accepted the message put to us by the world. Our worldview as Christians has been changed and continues to change, as the world challenges our position and beliefs in many areas.  Instead of us standing up for the truth and for what is right, we gradually have lost what made us distinctive.  We in many ways are no longer salt and light in the world. In many ways we have adopted other “truths” instead of holding fast to our beliefs.  How we see ourselves before God and others has somehow changed. Our values have been shaped by the culture and world around us, so that what we believed to be sin in the past no longer carries the same weight.

     The way in which we view one another as people feeds into the trap of pornography.  We have objectified others and changed the value and worth that God gave us as his creation. We have done this in different ways that are not related to pornography, and that paves the way toward this more base view of humanity.  Somehow it tells us that this is ok, we have bought into the lie.

     Men seem to be more afflicted with the problem of pornography but at an alarming rate women too are succumbing to this problem.  While we could say “the devil made me do it”, it is more than that.  Our very flesh can drive us to “fall” in many ways. Something that may be a one time thing, can continue and grow into something way out of control.  It can have major impacts upon our lives, hinder us as people, and make us ineffective.  Casting a cloud of shame and guilt that we may try to keep hidden from others and at the same time changing us as believers and creating a false worldview.

     When this gets out of control it is an addiction.  Though some question that this problem can be called an addiction it certainly fits the profile.  One website lists some of the common causes of Internet pornography addiction.  The list includes: low self esteem, sexual frustrations, escapism from problems, depression, and boredom. Obviously, this is just what’s on the surface and there can certainly be deeper issues associated with the addiction.

     So how do we as a church turn the tide?  How do we pave the way for healing in this area?  The Church needs to be a safe place to share, a place to be real, acknowledging all of our brokenness and need for God’s grace  It needs to be a place where individuals can find accountability and be brought back to the truth of God’s word.  There are twelve step programs and organizations to assist with the movement towards wholeness and spiritual health, but it begins with people being willing to break the silence and reach out.

 any thoughts on this? How might we as a church facilitate this healing?  What do you think?

Picture:  Eye of the Beholder, by Annia316

Tagged as: Pornography