Pornography
Every day people fantasize about images they see on television, in magazines, and on the street. Could our society's obsession with pornography be paralyzing us? Could your own ability to build meaningful relationships, focus on an assignment, and maintain sexual purity be falling apart because of the pornographic and near pornographic images hurled by society? Many people decide anything that brings a pleasant feeling must be good, but they never consider the implications. (Taken with permission from Baylor University).
Pornography destroys men and women spiritually, relationally, emotionally, and biologically. The more a man or woman views pornography the less likely he/she will be inclined to seek out God and live a life of holiness. The guilt we feel when engaging in sexual sin makes us want to hide not only from God but also one another. Pornography often destroys relationships. Isolation in relationships brings loneliness and feelings of not being in control. This can lead to depression and other emotional problems. The consequences of pornography go beyond what is expected. Our brains are also being imprinted biologically. We learn through repeated exposure to stimuli. The more we look at pornography the more stimulation our brain requires to sustain its attention.
Questions
- Do you often find yourself preoccupied with sexual images you have viewed?
- Has your use of pornography ever caused any problems in your relationships?
- Do you isolate from others in order to view pornography?
- Have you made efforts to quit using pornography and failed?
- Do you ever feel bad about your use of pornography?
- Do you feel controlled by your use of pornography?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then it is recommended that you come to Student Care
Links to Additional Information on Pornography:
Breaking Pornography Addiction
Books on Pornography
Porn Again Christian- A frank discussion on pornography and masturbation for God’s men - Mark Driscoll
Exposing Pornography - Baylor University Counseling Center
Covenant Eyes - Internet Accountability and Filtering
Helpful Books to Help Break Porn Addiction
Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction- Patrick J. Carnes, Ph.D.
In the shadows of the Net: Breaking free of Compulsive Online Sexual Behavior- Patrick J. Carnes, Ph.D.
When Good Men are Tempted- Bill Perkins
Hope and Recovery: A Twelve Step Guide for Healing From Compulsive Sexual Behavior- Anonymous
The Centerfold Syndrome: How Men Can Overcome Objectification and Achieve Intimacy with Women- Gary R. Brooks
Don't Call It Love: Recovery From Sexual Addiction- Patrick J. Carnes, Ph.D.
Facing the Shadow: Starting Sexual and Relationship Recovery- Patrick J. Carnes, Ph. D
Sexual Anorexia: Overcoming Sexual Self-Hatred- Patrick J. Carnes, Ph. D
Every Young Man’s Battle- Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker
While these books and links are resources to use, Student Care at Liberty University is not endorsing these books and websites or the authors of the books or websites.
