A new study is showing that the majority of Christians are consuming porn in some capacity- and the most also feel comfortable with their porn consumption. The study, entitled “Beyond the Porn Phenomenon,” was conducted by Barna in partnership with Pure Desire ministries. The study surveyed 2,976 U.S. adults from Oct. 20-30, 2023. The study also surveyed 462 U.S. senior Protestant pastors and 205 U.S. Christian youth leaders. Participants were asked about their porn consumption and habits, as well as what sort of resources they were using to help quit.

According to the study, 54 percent of practicing Christians reported consuming porn in some capacity, compared to 68 percent of non-Christians. Among pastors, 18 percent stated they currently struggled with porn, while 67 percent had a history of porn use. More specifically, 75 percent of Christian men and 40 percent of Christian women reported using porn in some capacity. The reasons for consuming porn between Christians and non-Christians did not vary significantly. “Nonpracticing Christians and non-Christians are more likely than practicing Christians to use porn because they are bored or because they find it entertaining. Perhaps more interesting, however, are other motivations that don’t differ significantly across the faith groups: Christians and non-Christians are just as likely to chalk up their porn use to being curious, looking for sex tips or relieving stress and anxiety,” the study noted.

Porn consumption also did not seem to be a concern for Christians regarding their own sexual health, despite studies that have shown how pornography consumption rewires the brain. The majority (55 percent) stated that a person can regularly view pornography and “live a sexually healthy life.” Forty-eight percent also agreed that watching pornography could improve a person’s sex life. Forty-nine percent of self-identified Christians stated they were comfortable with their porn consumption while 21 percent wished to completely abstain. Among younger Christians aged 18-38, 53 percent have sent a nude image of themselves, typically to a boyfriend or girlfriend (87 percent).

Barna first conducted the study in 2016, with porn use growing in that time amongst Christians and non-Christians alike. When asked about seeking help for their porn use, 82 percent of Christians stated “no one” was helping. Only 10 percent of Christians and churched adults stated their church had programming to help with pornography struggles. “Ultimately, the church is meant to be a source of hope for people facing all sorts of challenges in life, including struggles with pornography,” the report noted. “By addressing this issue head-on with care, understanding and practical support, churches can fulfill their role as places of healing and restoration. Even small steps toward openness and support can make a significant impact in the lives of those struggling.”