Pornography is sweeping the world like a tidal wave of destructive evil. “Imagine a drug so powerful it can destroy a family simply by distorting a man’s perception of his wife. Picture an addiction so lethal it has the potential to render an entire generation incapable of forming lasting marriages and so widespread that it produces more annual revenue — $97 billion worldwide in 2006 — than all of the leading technology companies combined. Consider a narcotic so insidious that it evades serious scientific study and legislative action for decades, thriving instead under the ever-expanding banner of the First Amendment. According to an online statistics firm, an estimated 40 million people use this drug on a regular basis…” (National Review: “Getting Serious on Pornography,” March 31, 2010, by an anonymous author whose married had been destroyed)
Those statistics are almost three years old, and things have gotten tragically worse. Up to now I’ve only recommended books that I’ve personally read, but frankly, this book makes me shaky just thinking about it (and so I’m not recommending it unless you’re personally trapped in porn). However, I have it on good authority that The Porn Trap is an excellent resource and has had a major role in helping at least one addict with a long history recognize and deal with porn addiction. If you are indulging in porn or have a loved one who is, then—even if you’ve yet to understand “What’s the big deal?”— please consider getting this book to the right person in your life. You can get a copy for under $10 on Amazon.
If you Google “overcoming pornography addiction” there are also many resources out there. One of the best I noticed is an article adapted from Steve Arterburn called “10 Steps to Overcoming Pornography Addiction.” It’s really well worth reading and gives Scripture verses to encourage you on every point, which includes recognizing that the problem exists, acknowledging that it’s wrong, accepting complete responsibility instead of trying to blame anyone else, becoming accountable, recognizing the need for God’s help, studying God’s Word concerning sexual purity, destroying all pornography in your possession, fleeing temptation, taking the time it takes to actually work through recovery, and taking it one day at a time. (It seems like a very solid, specifically Christian version of AA’s 12-step program, although not as detailed. AA has lots of good resources available too, although I think porn requires specialized treatment.)
Sorry to write on such a dreary topic, but Wednesday is my day for addressing current events, and pornography is outstripping even drugs and alcohol in its insidious ability to destroy homes and pervert all that is healthy and beautiful about marital love. Don’t be fooled. There’s no such thing as “innocent” or “casual” porn use as “harmless” entertainment. It’s a vicious, addictive evil that literally alters a person’s brain function (I’m not kidding; it’s a proven fact), distorts a person’s viewpoint, objectifies the sexual partner, robs people of true intimacy, and eventually replaces the desire for normal, joyful sex with an insatiable desire for perversion. Pornography is worth avoiding at all costs. Some 30% of American women are now getting addicted too, and I’m guessing it’s from wondering what in the world is so appealing to their husbands. It’s too powerful to explore; nobody is beyond being tempted by evil, so if you’ve avoided it so far: Praise God, and please keep up the good work! If you’ve been drawn into the porn trap already, please do whatever you need to do to GET OUT before it destroys you and those you love most dearly.
“I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.” (Romans 16:19)
Sounds like a book that could help a lot of people.