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Over Half of Christians View Porn. How Should the Church Respond?

Photo from Andras Vas via Unsplash

Over Half of Christians View Porn. How Should the Church Respond?

By Movieguide® Contributor

A new study from Barna has some startling findings about pornography use amongst Christians. 

Barna’s report stated that “54% of practicing Christians report viewing pornography, compared to 68% of non-Christians, a difference of 14 percentage points.” 

“Many Christians also hold conflicting beliefs about pornography,” the study continued. “62% agree a person can regularly view pornography and live a sexually healthy life.” 

“It’s just not a big deal to them…there’s no sense of urgency whatsoever,” Sean McDowell, a professor at Biola University and host of the “Think Biblically” podcast, told Christianity Today. “I think this is an example where people are taking their cues far more from the culture and the ideas around us than Scripture and their Christian worldview.”

McDowell’s comments echo what many already know — much of today’s movies and television include pornographic content, like GAME OF THRONES. 

READ MORE: GAME OF THRONES IS SO GRAPHIC, PORN WEBSITES ARE STEALING THE CONTENT

As this type of material has become more widespread in the media, public attitudes towards pornographic content have changed. 

Barna also looked into whether or not porn users are aided in any way to help them avoid this content.

“Despite its widespread nature, the vast majority of porn users (84%) say no one is helping them avoid pornography, and half say no one knows about their habit,” the study stated. “Just 10 percent of U.S. Christians and churched adults say their church offers programming to help those struggling with pornography. Meanwhile, over half (58%) say it’s important to them that their church is addressing topics like pornography.”

Nick Stumbo, executive director of Pure Desire Ministries, has been working to close this gap and help porn users rid themselves of this material. 

“Pornography is an intensifying problem confronting both our culture and churches,” he said. “The data reveals that this issue is more widespread today than ever before, affecting people across all ages, genders, social statuses, and religious beliefs. We want to see the church become the safest place possible for anyone struggling with porn use or dealing with betrayal.”