Pornography
Pornography is "the depiction of
erotic behavior (as in pictures and
writing) intended to cause sexual excitement" (Webster), or in the terms of
the Longford Report[1],
"that which exploits and dehumanizes sex, so that human beings are treated as
things and women, in particular, as
sex objects".
Pornography is not a problem related only to adult bookstores, but
it has infiltrated our whole society, being found in the local newsstands, movie
theaters, rock music, videos, dial-a-porn, and many other places. Pornography
has and can infiltrate your home and is available to every member of your family
regardless of age through cable, direct TV and the Internet.
Some of the dangers of pornography are:
1. It is addictive, progressive, and never satisfies its subject, driving on to endless quests for new sexual experiences. In Proverbs 3:20, we are told "...nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied." It desensitizes us, allowing for greater evils.
2. It presents an unreal view of human sexuality that does real damage to the normal husband/wife sexual relationships.
3. It is the breeding ground for sex crimes. A Michigan State Police Force's study showed that over 48% of sex crimes committed over a 2O-year period were pornography related. 87% of child molesters admit to regular use of pornography.
4. It is used by pedophiles to soften children's defenses again sexual exploitation. With over 200 monthly magazines catering to pedophiles, we can understand why the sexual abuse of children is on the increase. The Children’s Legal Fund reports that that a child is sexually molested every 47 seconds in the United States and as many as 90% of the abused children questioned revealed that they were shown adult hard-core pornography prior to molestation.
5. It is destroying society. Kenneth Kantzer wrote, "But the morally sensitive person recognizes that in the long run pornography is more devastating to society than theft. Stealing robs us of things; pornography robs us of character. Stealing destroys property; pornography destroys our humanity."
6. Its outlets, such as adult bookstores[2], become magnets for other sex-related problems like prostitution, homosexuality, narcotics, street crimes, etc. Places like Boston's combat zone serves as a perfect example of the magnitude these problems could become.
7. It often directs acts of violence against women everywhere, with violent pornography contributing to the so-called "rape myth", leading men to believe that women really want to be abused even though they deny it.
8. It pollutes the mind, turning it into a cesspool of evil thoughts.
Pornography is one of the signs of the corruptness of society and people of that
society. It is a perverseness of what God intended to be good and honorable
within the bounds of marriage. Pornography is sin and stimulates men and women
to other sinful actions.
Our options regarding pornography are two. One is to deal with the problem in
society. Some thoughts for actions would include picketing, boycotts (especially
of the corner newsstand that is so dependent upon our business), become informed
by joining such groups as the National Federation of Decency, Morality in Media,
Citizens for Decency Through Law, and others so as to keep yourself in formed
as to problems and tactics one can use to fight pornography.
Other ways would be through local groups like the P. T. A. or church groups,
or join in the "Dear Manager" card campaign as an individual.
Secondly, we need to deal with pornography in our own personal lives. Too
often we think of only "hard core" pornography and allow ourselves to be
deceived with "soft porn". How can you deal with this problem in your own life?
1. By being sure of your personal relationship with Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and by being sure you have presented your body as a living sacrifice. (John 3:16; Romans 12:1,2)
2. Covenant with God about the use of your eyes, realizing that they are the window to your mind. (Job 31:1; Psalm 101:3)
3. Consecrate your mind because you realize "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 28:7) Jesus tells us that all that defiles a man comes from within his heart (Mark 7:21-23).
4. Commit yourself to Bible memorization. The Bible tells us on what to think (Philippians 4:6-8), how to cleanse our way (Psalm 119:9), and how to prevent being drawn away (Psalm 119:11, 2 Corinthians 10:5).
5. Counteract Satan's strategy in your life by learning to stay away from places where pornography can be found - places like movie theaters, cable TV, adult bookstores, certain newsstands, etc. We are to yield our minds as instruments of righteousness, not of unrighteousness (Romans 6:13).
6. Place the appropriate filters on your TV and computer to keep the children in your home from viewing pornographic material and to prevent unwanted material and advertisements from being viewed on your computer.
7. Avoid keeping company with those who would participate in pornography of any sort, realizing God has called His people to act and speak in a manner than allows people to know they are different because of their commitment to Jesus Christ. Paul told us in 1 Corinthians 15:33 not to be “…deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (KJV) or “Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits." (NKJV)
Pornography is not a harmless adult pleasure, but an evil that is destroying
millions in the sea of sensuality. Many of those being destroyed are children
and teenagers as they experience the effects of pornography in the lives of
loved ones and friends. The Townsville Bulletin reported that in an interview of
600 American males and females of junior high school age and above, 91% of the
males and 82% of the females admitted having been exposed to X-rated, hard core
pornography. Of these two-thirds of the males and forty percent of the females
reported wanting to try out some of the sexual behaviors they had witnessed.
Among high school students, 31% of males and 18% of the females admitted
actually doing some of the sexual activities they had been exposed to within a
few days of their exposure.
Pornography is subtle and, through its subtlety, many lives are headed for
shipwreck. We need to beware of the danger and obey God's Word if we are going
to pass through life without being shipwrecked. [Originally published in the
News Herald, Perkasie, PA 1988, revised October 2005]
Below are some sites to visit for more information on the devastating effects of pornography. While we cannot endorse everything on these sites, we find the helpful and informative. If you come across a web site that offers valuable anti-pornography information, please contact us.
Bible.com
American Family Association
Morality in Media
Anti-Child Porn Organization -
Site for reporting child porn sites on the internet
