Addiction: "The devotion or surrendering of oneself to something habitually or obsessively; persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful" - Merriam Webster Dictionary
Our culture is addicted to pornography.
Did you know: 53% of Christian men consume pornography? 33% of women consume pornography? 47% of Christians say pornography is a major problem in their home? With stats like these, how could you not know?
Let's dig deeper:
53% of pastors have visited porn sites in the past year. 4 in 10 looked at pornography today. This shows pornographic addiction can seep its way into any home, even in the Christian community. This means that, statistically, if you get even a small group of fellow Christians together, porn is an issue for at least one person you know. It may even be you.
Pornography is the sin we don't talk about. We hide it, we sweep it under the rug. 30% of afflicted Christians have never talked to anyone about their addiction. Pornography is prevalent, damaging, and yet often overlooked. Many people are afraid to admit they have a sinful addiction of any kind, especially when they believe they are alone in their struggle. Awareness is key.
Brian Mc Ginness wasn't a pastor, but he was addicted to pornography. He tried to fight it, but soon it was "taking over" his life. "I would find ways to arrange my schedule to view porn", he says.
At a church event, Brian witnessed another man telling his own story of pornography addiction. Brian could relate, and sought help after the event. He even came clean to his wife. "I was done with this controlling my life." Brian now works for XXXChurch, an online community helping men and women break the chains of pornographic addiction.
XXXChurch has resources for everyone. The site is broken down into categories (teens, parents, men, women, couples and pastors). Available resources include books, videos, and programs, all designed to deal directly with pornographic addiction.
XXXChurch also has a program called X3 Watch. X3 Watch is accountability software that sends reports to your accountability partners and lets them know if you have visited any questionable sites. Additionally, the site features a 30 day program called X3 Pure that is an online class, complete with videos and filtering software.
Remember, God looks at the heart. He defines adultery as looking lustfully (Matthew 5:27-28). It's not a harmless habit, it's a destructive sin.
The Bible says "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
So let's start being honest about pornography.
If you or someone you know wants help breaking the cycle of pornographic addiction, please talk to your pastor or go to http://www.xxxchurch.com.
--
Special thanks to my gorgeous wife Jana, who helped me write this.
Thanks also to Brian Mc Ginness of XXXChurch, who answered all my questions without hesitation. His openness and honesty in shedding light on this topic is greatly appreciated.
Our culture is addicted to pornography.
Did you know: 53% of Christian men consume pornography? 33% of women consume pornography? 47% of Christians say pornography is a major problem in their home? With stats like these, how could you not know?
Let's dig deeper:
53% of pastors have visited porn sites in the past year. 4 in 10 looked at pornography today. This shows pornographic addiction can seep its way into any home, even in the Christian community. This means that, statistically, if you get even a small group of fellow Christians together, porn is an issue for at least one person you know. It may even be you.
Pornography is the sin we don't talk about. We hide it, we sweep it under the rug. 30% of afflicted Christians have never talked to anyone about their addiction. Pornography is prevalent, damaging, and yet often overlooked. Many people are afraid to admit they have a sinful addiction of any kind, especially when they believe they are alone in their struggle. Awareness is key.
Brian Mc Ginness wasn't a pastor, but he was addicted to pornography. He tried to fight it, but soon it was "taking over" his life. "I would find ways to arrange my schedule to view porn", he says.
At a church event, Brian witnessed another man telling his own story of pornography addiction. Brian could relate, and sought help after the event. He even came clean to his wife. "I was done with this controlling my life." Brian now works for XXXChurch, an online community helping men and women break the chains of pornographic addiction.
XXXChurch has resources for everyone. The site is broken down into categories (teens, parents, men, women, couples and pastors). Available resources include books, videos, and programs, all designed to deal directly with pornographic addiction.
XXXChurch also has a program called X3 Watch. X3 Watch is accountability software that sends reports to your accountability partners and lets them know if you have visited any questionable sites. Additionally, the site features a 30 day program called X3 Pure that is an online class, complete with videos and filtering software.
Remember, God looks at the heart. He defines adultery as looking lustfully (Matthew 5:27-28). It's not a harmless habit, it's a destructive sin.
The Bible says "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
So let's start being honest about pornography.
If you or someone you know wants help breaking the cycle of pornographic addiction, please talk to your pastor or go to http://www.xxxchurch.com.
--
Special thanks to my gorgeous wife Jana, who helped me write this.
Thanks also to Brian Mc Ginness of XXXChurch, who answered all my questions without hesitation. His openness and honesty in shedding light on this topic is greatly appreciated.
Good one!
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