It’s a far-reaching problem: X-rated internet sites are generating $10 to $20 billion a year ensnaring men in pornography. Forbidden images are so accessible that thousands of Christian men who would never visit a strip club or an adult bookstore find themselves staring at pornographic pictures in their offices or homes. Getting caught may mean losing their wives, jobs, and ministries. Many men feel isolated and alone—ashamed to tell anyone their secret—and separated from God.
Church leaders can offer their members a growing number of Christian resources to help end the addiction and isolation. Within community, men can make the connections they need to become healthy.
Internet pornography is especially destructive because it’s so accessible, affordable, and anonymous.
Pastors are no less vulnerable than other men to being tempted by the internet’s anonymity. Among respondents to a 2001 Christianity Today survey:
Because pastors are in a position of authority, most feel they can’t confide in anyone. Few are inclined to seek professional help on their own.
There’s a growing belief that viewing pornography can be as addictive as using cocaine. Whereas cocaine mimics the body’s natural chemicals, however, viewing pornography actually causes the brain to release two that, combined, produce a strong compulsion to repeat the behavior that generated them:
Dependent on these chemical boosts, the body craves more, and the mind seeks temporary escape in tantalizing, exciting thoughts. But, as with drug addiction, euphoria is soon replaced by other intense feelings:
Hopelessness can cause the person to seek the source of pleasure again—blocking out thoughts of God, family, commitment, or consequences.
Recovery from addiction can be very difficult. Overcoming denial about the compulsive cycle and admitting the problem is the first step.
People who work with men struggling with sexual addictions agree that accountability is a strong motivational factor to change behavior. Most Bible-based treatment programs for Christian men involve some combination of the following:
Each man’s needs dictate which strategies are necessary to help him heal by dealing with the emotions that drew him to pornography in the first place.
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2024 Brotherhood Mutual
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2024 Brotherhood Mutual