In a poll of 1,000 respondents, 50 percent of Christian men and 20 percent of Christian women were found to be addicted to pornography. Conducted by ChristaNet.com, a popular Christian marketplace website, the poll asked visitors about their personal sexual conduct.Realizing that web polls aren't as representative as phone polls, this is still an extraordinary finding. Half of all Christian men and 20% of all Christian women were found to be addicted to pornography. Addicted. We're not talking mildly interested or occasionally participating, we're talking addicted.
What to make of it? Perhaps what many have said before - that today's Gospel message preached by today's churches is so watered down as to be largely inconsequential..."if it feels good do it" wrapped in Biblical passages. But perhaps it is something else - the inability of Christian churches to develop an open environment for talking about sexual issues. This is truly staggering stuff.
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I didn't realize how big a problem it was until my church had a "men only" Bible study that focused exclusively on pornography and how to fight it. I was literally shocked at how many men showed up. I also found that men are looking for competent blogs that address men's issues, not just pornography, but all areas of Christian life. I've recently started my own blog. Check it out at confidently-christian.blogspot.com
I enjoy your posts here. Keep up the good work!
Blessings....
Thanks for the opportunity to write some thoughts. I have struggled with pornography off and on since I was about 12. In the past few years I have experienced some great time of freedom but I am not (sinless) as if I will ever be before I am with Christ. I am now 38 and I have learned many things in my struggle. I am not as strong as I thought I was, I am alot worse than I think I am, and GOD's Grace is alot greater than I could ever imagine. I have a beautiful wife and a 2 yr. old daughter. My heart is broken over my sin and I have other Christian brothers with whom I am accountable to in this area. We confess our sins and pray for each other. I believe that God does not leave us (or take His Spirit from us) because we sin. I do believe that we need to honestly turn from our sin and run to Jesus. This is the ONLY way to grow in faith and obedience. The only cure for addiction to pornography is brokeness, confession and repentance. Interestingly enough, we can't "DO" any of these in our own strength, they are all gifts from God. The aforementioned stats don't suprise me in the least. Until we realize how "bankrupt" we really are in our suburban(Jesus came to make us fat, happy and comfortable) spirituality, we will never cease being addicted to the next thing the world, flesh and/or the Devil send our way. Run to Jesus, He is the answer!
My brother was introduced to porn by the neighbor kid at age 8. Over 20 years later it hurts him and his marriage- and he has tried to get free. I agree that the real issue is the church's failure to explain the worship and spiritual aspects of sexuality in the congregational setting. I am so glad to have some sources to share with him, and good stats to help "wake up" the leaders who can make a difference in my local congregation. Here are some things I have shared:
According to the XXX church: The porn industry is a $97 BILLION industry- larger than the revenues of Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Ebay, Yahoo!, Apple, Netflix, and Earthlink combined.11,000 porn video titles were released last year in Hollywood verses 400 movie releases from Hollywood. One-quarter of total daily search engine requests are for pornographic material (68 million), where 40 million Americans are regular visitors. 70% of American hits on Internet sex sites occur between 9-5 on business computers. The largest porn viewing age group in the U.S. is ages 12-17!
(their website for more info is: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/219129/the_internets_1_christian_porn_site.html?page=2
I also would recommend a short video about why porn is not "just a piece of paper, or a picture on a screen...." it's a great way to begin sharing info with people (men and women) who may be having a problem, and not really in touch with why it is destructive. Check out David Eckman on porn. http://iquestions.com/video/view/392?over18=1
I am the wife of a porn addict. I am unable to fully describe the way this hurts me and tears me apart. My heart and my mind are sometimes separated. I am unable to understand why? My self-esteem is destroyed. I cannot trust him, I am ashamed and I hate myself for still being in love with him. Why leave your wife ready and willing to fulfill your needs to be with a computer screen and yourself? I feel betrayed by my body for wanting him and because of my love for God and my husband and my children revenge is not an option. It would not satisfy anyway cause it wouldn't give me what I want, HIM.
I am a 27 year old christian wed for 7 months (yep thats all) to a man who I thought was more of a Christian and good man than he is. Tonight by accident I found that he has been looking at porn sits pics for months all while I am sleeping (we work opposite shifts). I am soooo upset and angry i want to throw his computer out the window. Lastnight i was cuddling and comming on to him and he said no honey I'm just not feeling sexual lately. This has been going on for a while and he actually tried blaming it on me. Well now I realize that not only was he lying to me he was watching all this sick stuff when he will barely touch my body at all. I am hurt and destroyed beyond belief. I am ashamed. Can't wait for him to get home tonight. Please keep us in your prayers we are gonna need it.
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