How Big of a Problem is Pornography in Our Society?

[Joshua Nichols]

How many people do you know that struggle with pornography addiction?  I think most of us know one or two or at least know of someone or a family that has been impacted by the addiction.  But did you know that 90% of boys and 60% of girls have been exposed to pornography by the time they are 18 yrs old, according to covenanteyes.com?  And did you know the younger you are at exposure, the more likely you are to develop a problem with viewing porn?  The reality is that a good portion of people you know are struggling with pornography addiction.  People you interact with everday at work, at school, and yes, even at church.  They are your employers, co-workers, friends, family members, ministers, and heroes.  And it's not just a "guy problem" anymore; more and more girls are developing porn addiction. Although the church is getting better at recognizing this epidemic, we still have a long way to go. My encouragement to you is not take this issue lightly, as it is portrayed in the media; this is a problem that gets its strength in darkness.  We need to educate our kids about the dangers of such material.  We need to educate each other as parents, teachers, and caretakers about being attuned and involved in our kids' lives and activities (including activity on the internet).  We also need to encourage our church leadership to not turn a blind eye to this epidemic, but to work at being part of the solution. 

 

When it comes to pornography addiciton, there is not any clear cut advice that I can give to overcome the addiction other than don't waste anymore time trying overcome it by yourself and seek professional help.  However, below I've listed some resources that may be helpful. 

 

I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on this matter.

 

www.CovenantEyes.com - an accountablity software.  In my opinion this software is more effective than any net nanny.  It records all your internet activity and sends a weekly or bi-monthly report to your accountabililty partner(s).  It helps eliminate the anonymity of the addiction.

 

www.GrowthClimate.com - the author of this site is a relationship expert with expertise in pornography addiction.  He has written a very good book called Treating Pornography Addiction that I would highly recommend.  Go to the website and click on "test center" and take the FREE online pornography addiction assessment.  There is also an assessment for those who believe they know someone with a porn addiction.

 

Celebrate Recovery - a Christian-based 12-step program.  The link will direct you to Memorial Road Church of Christ's CR program in Oklahoma City.  However, CR is all over the globe, so research a program in your area.

 

www.BethsedaWorkshops.org - workshops developed for overcoming sexual addiciton.  There seems to be something here for everyone who has been impacted by sexual addiction.

 

 

[Bill Bowman]

Thank you for helping us see that we are in an epidemic when it comes to porn.  That includes any job that uses a computer.  There is an excellent Series out called "The Mouse Trap."  Lou Butterfield of Searcy, Arkansas spent $75,000 putting together 18 hours of DVD''s from top counselors in the field, as well as men and women who are recovering addicts of porn.  Also included in this series is a workbook which helps the addict still further.  Lou can be contacted at 501-368-0157 or e mail [e-mail].