#1: Pornography does not effect me…
Myth #1: Pornography does not effect me or impact those around you.
One may say that viewing pornography does not effect me, but what they really mean is that it does not effect me negatively. Many defenders of pornography (usually based on the First Amendment, which protects the freedom of speech) also assert that the use of pornography can serve as either a formal or informal guide to sexuality and sexual fulfillment, and it even has served as such for quite some time. Thus may argue that they learned sexual techniques in order to satisfy their partner through pornography. And one may even argue that pornography prevents them from acting out sexually (i.e., date rape, etc.). We know, however, that this is not the case! While it may teach one sexual techniques, bring out some erotic pleasure in a person or their partner, prevent one from acting out sexually in a negative manner, pornography escalates into something negative over time.
We all know that media of all sorts effect people. Anyone who knows anything about propaganda and advertising knows this. Common sense even tells you this. However, it has been shown that pornography effects people negatively. Regardless of what the porn defenders say, the evidence has been mounting since the 1970’s about the adverse effects of pornography on society (see here or here). Regardless of its effect on society, pornography has many documented harmful effects on the individual. These negative effects are spiritual, psychological, sociological, and even physiological. Pornography is addictive resulting in behavior indicative of addicts and its harmful effects on others, especially those closest to the addict. Spouses of pornography users and even pornography users themselves admit to the detrimental effects of pornography on one’s intimate relationship(s) and/or marriage. Recently, researchers have found that pornography and its accompanying sexual activity (usually masturbation) create a type of natural chemical dependency. Pornography and the sexual “high” arouses the body to release powerful hormones, stimulants, neurotransmitters, and other natural chemicals into the bloodstream which result in excitement, release/relief, and pleasure. These sensations and chemical releases are usually habitualized because of the feelings that accompany them; feelings of manhood or womanhood (regardless of its deception), or control, or power. And finally, spiritually speaking one’s relationship with God is hindered when one practices pornography use. Almost all (if not all) twelve step programs recognize that there is a greater power and that we are not in control in the first two steps.
So instead of believing the myth that pornography does not effect us (or anyone else for that matter), we need to believe that our actions have consequences, and these consequences (especially in regards to pornography) are usually negative. Failure to recognize this simple fact is extremely short-sighted and selfish. Phil 2:3 tells us, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.”
First, pornography causes adverse effects on the user. The user experiences immense pleasure, joy, comfort, omniscience, omnipotence, and control. However, that usually subsides into guilt, shame, loneliness, or even into a depressive state. Spiritually and socially, the person feels closed off, secluded, isolated, and alone. If the person is from a Judeo-Christian background, they feel an immense amount of guilt and shame, which usually leads them back into pornography again to relieve the pain and experience the brief ecstasy.
Second, pornography causes adverse effects on those around us. If you talk to any person married to a pornography addict, they will testify to you concerning their grieve and extremely deep hurt. Also, the awful internal, psychological, physiological, and spiritual effects that pornography has on a person include a lack or a reduction of self-control, time management, patience, love, joy, peace, and gentleness (cf. Gal 5:19-23). So a porn user will be less patient, less loving, less joyous (and often angry for no apparent reason), and less peaceful.
Third, pornography has an adverse effect on the user at the judgment seat of Christ. One day we will be called in for an accounting of all our actions. While it will be worse for those who enticed the addicts, we all have to stand before the all-knowing, completely righteous Judge. There is no thought or action that is withheld or hidden from Him (Lk 8:17; 1 Cor 4:5; Heb 4:12-13).
In conclusion, the porn user must no longer believe that “Pornography does not effect us.” Instead, he/she needs to recognize and consider that pornography has malicious effects not only on “me” but others as well. As the clique goes, “Pornography destroys.”
