Pornography is extremely prevalent in the world today. It’s more popular and accessible than ever before. Just because it’s available, however, does not make it right. Many Christians struggle with the morality of pornography. Is it something that can be used? What does the Bible say about it? The truth is if you want to please God you should know that He views pornography negatively.
Perhaps more than anything else, it’s harmful because Satan has been successful in twisting and demolishing the true meaning of sex. Satan has taken sex, which is a gift from God, and replaced it with lust, adultery, rape and pornography. Sexual deviance can be a very slippery slope for people, and increases their wickedness and immorality if they allow it into their lives.
The Bible does not directly mention pornography, cybersex or related activities. However it is very clear about how God feels about actions that promote sex outside of marriage and distorted views on sex. It conflicts with many of God’s core principles for Christianity.
For instance, the Bible pointedly states that when a married man “keeps on looking at a woman” to whom he is not married, nurturing a desire to have sex with her, it can lead to adultery. The principle behind this Bible statement would apply to anyone, married or single, who “keeps on looking” at pornographic images with the desire to engage in sexual immorality. Such behavior is clearly offensive to God. Images of these immoral sexual acts can trigger worse thoughts, and lead to sinful actions.
Some people doubt that there is a significant link between pornography and real acts of sexually offensive behavior; however that does not make the use of pornography itself moral. The Bible says in Colossians 3:5 “Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite.” Rather than lessening wrong desires, pornography only inflames them despite if they are acted upon or not. This still makes the mind unclean, which is a sin in God’s eyes. Pornography is showing real instances of sexual deviance such as adultery which should be avoided. Watching this on screen does not keep the mind pure and focused on Christ.
Furthermore, the Bible says in Ephesians 5:3 “Let fornication and uncleanness of every sort or greediness not even be mentioned among you.” God doesn’t only want us to avoid watching these acts, He wants us to avoid reading or being around anyone that talks about them. We shouldn’t entertain ideas that are sinful in His eyes and try to steer clear of situations where it might be brought up. Because pornography is showing us real examples of immoral acts, it should not be watched.
Whether very explicit porn or “soft porn,” these depictions are a misuse of the sexual gift that God created for us to be used in a marriage. Rather than an act of married love, sex is reduced to an act of lust. In addition to the immoral things porn can lead to, it also can have a seriously negative effect on the Christian marriage. Research has shown that married men who use pornography feel less satisfied with their partner and less emotionally attached to their wives. Wives notice the difference and are typically upset and frustrated because of it. In addition, pornography viewing leads to a loss of interest in good family relations.
Viewing porn damages the mind and affects the relationships of the one who views it. The 7th amendment from God states “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14) which is more than just physical cheating on your spouse. The commandment means to protect the marriage and family unit. The only acceptable expression of sexual love should be in a marriage. When viewing porn, you are going directly against this commandment and are emotionally cheating on your spouse.
Luckily, we are given a way to be forgiven for our sins through Jesus Christ. The scripture states that all sin can be forgiven if we repent and ask Jesus to help us avoid the sin again (Acts 2:38-39, 2 Corinthians 7:10-11). If you want to live the Christian life, pornography should be avoided because it is a sin in God’s eyes. It is not a harmless act, like so many in society may claim it to be. It can ruin your marriage and hurt your relationship with God.
