Question of the Day

When Kenneth and Gloria started their journey of faith they had questions too—lots of them! So, we've compiled the most frequently asked questions by people like you—people who earnestly desire to find God's answers to the practical, real-life challenges of everyday living. We have a new question every day, so check back often!

What’s wrong with pornography
What’s wrong with pornography?
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Many people don’t realize how devastating pornography is to those who view it. Just as the devil intended, it causes untold damage to a person—spirit, soul and body. That’s to say nothing of the hurt it causes the loved ones of those who view it. It can lead to divorce, mental problems and even physical issues.

The devil has tried to convince people that pornography is just “harmless fun.” It can be difficult to talk about, but here is what pornography really is:

1. Pornography is a perversion of God’s gift of sexual intimacy within a marriage. Anything that involves people outside the bonds of marriage in sexual intimacy is sin—including people on magazine pages or in videos (Romans 3:14; I John 2:16; Matthew 5:27-30) Pornography cripples one’s ability to see sex in a healthy and biblical light. “Pornography encourages people to treat one another as objects or pleasure-giving machines,” says Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, which has published numerous articles on the effects of pornography.

2. Pornography is addictive. Research shows that viewing pornography releases chemicals into the body similar to those of illegal drugs. As the brain continues to associate a release of pleasure-inducing hormones with the images being viewed, addiction eventually occurs. This has also been found to lead to erectile dysfunction in men.

3. Pornography use can lead to sexual crimes. Research reveals that 77% of child molesters of boys and 87% of child molesters of girls admitted imitating the sexual behavior they had seen modeled in pornography. Rape rates are highest in states which have high sales of sex magazines and little enforcement of pornography laws.

These are just some of the dangerous consequences of engaging in pornography use. The Bible is clear that the lust of the flesh left unchecked will bring sin and its consequences—death (James 1:14-15). 

While the safest and best course of action is to avoid pornography altogether, if you have become trapped in the web of pornography use, do not allow yourself to become buried in discouragement or shame. Jesus is the Deliverer! He wants to help you and heal your mind—He wants you to be free.

Learn how to stop viewing pornography HERE.