Pornography - addictive and damaging

Pornography is increasingly pervasive in our world today. From advertisements with scantily clad figures in magazines and on huge billboards, to magazines and movies and now the internet, pornography seems to surround us and the temptations are much more confronting.

As Christians, we need to understand why it is wrong, what we can do to avoid the temptations and also know how to help others who are caught up in it.

Pornography is also known to lead some people to commit abusive acts against others - see our section on the left under 'topics'.

Research on the effects of pornography

Research into the effects of pornography shows the harm it does...

Here are several research projects that document the harm done by pornography.

Pornography Harms
To find out about that harm done by pornography, visit the new website Pornography Harms.
The website provides accurate, peer-reviewed research about the harm done by pornography.

Protect Kids - 'Harms of Porn and Resources'
This group is concerned about the safety of children in cyberspace.
This page highlights the dangers and harm done by pornography - Click here. 

The Witherspoon Instiutute
Pornography has become more graphic and violent over the years, according to a study released by the Witherspoon Institute in March 2010. 
The Institute's report, from a Consultation on the issue held in 2008, is called "The Social Costs of Pornography Consultation".
The collection of papers is available in book form (via Amazon US$30), a DVD ($9.95 at Amazon) as well as a 'Summary of Findings and Recommendations' ($5 at Amazon).

They have set up a special website for this report: "The Social Costs of Pornography Consultation".
See a report on the study by Focus on the Family - click here for video report.
Click here for an overview of the major Findings and Recommendations of the Report.

Report on the harm of pornography by Dr Patrick Fagan
Dr Patrick Fagan has written a detailed report on the harm of pornography:
THE EFFECTS of PORNOGRAPHY on INDIVIDUALS, MARRIAGE, FAMILY and COMMUNITY
- Read the Executive Summary and download the full report. Click here.

Great Resource for young people:
The Fight DVD
'The Fight' is a 30 day devotional journey for Christian guys which looks at the issues of porn, purity and developing passion for God. [Suitable for girls as well.]
Produced by Adrian Rowse of Roundabout Ministries.
Copies of the DVD can be purchased online - click here.
Adrian regularly runs 'Fight Nights' - live events for young Christian guys around Australia.

Just a couple of feedback comments from Adrian's website:
"The Fight is brilliant. There are obviously lots of other resources that explore similar themes - but I say in all seriousness that this is the best I've seen. The Fight will facilitate life change, and direct people towards paths of ongoing safety and healing. I loved the blend of common sense and biblical truth". Adam

"I just wanted to write and tell you that I think your DVD resource "The Fight" is absolutely fantastic!!!! It is so Biblical and encouraging and helpful as it teaches guys to get plugged into the word of God, while seeking accountability from fellow Christians and attacking sin face-on." Emma: 'beyondegypt' ministry leader, nsw, australia

Articles:

It's all about Sex
Article by Jeff Syrios - Printed in our May 2002AD Journal, this article was written for the American Family Association's 'Pornography Awareness Week' in 2001.

Lust Busters
An article with seven practical steps to help deal with an addiction to pornography.

Pornography - Dangerous to Viewers and Society
A new study has found that viewing pornography is harmful to the viewer and society. In a meta-analysis (a statistical integration of all existing scientific data), researchers from the National Foundation for Family Research and Education (NFFRE) in Canada have found that using pornographic materials leads to several behavioural, psychological and social problems.
This article is attached below.

The Effects of Pornography on Individuals, Marriage, Family and Community by Patrick F. Fagan, PhD.
This research paper documents the harm that pornography does to marriages and family.
Co-published by Family Research Council and MARRI in April 2010.
This link goes to the Executive Summary - the whole report can be downloaded at the link.
Also a report of the summary of the research - click here.

Resources from SALT SHAKERS

Affair of the Mind (Book)
A woman's story of how her husband was addicted to pornography and their struggle to overcome the effects of this addiction.
We no longer stock this book, in which Laurie Hall describes how her husband's addiction to pornography destroyed their marriage.
However it is available in Australia at Christian Bookworld or Fishpond or at Amazon.

Pornography's Victims (Book)
Compelling stories from people who have been affected by pornography.
Cost $11 plus $4 postage.

Pamphlets:
* What the Bible says about Pornography
* The Power of the Picture
*** 75 cents each plus $1 postage. (A$)

Websites

These websites, from Focus on the Family and the American Family Association, deal with many of the problems caused by pornography and offer practical help as well as feature articles.

Pure Intimacy
This excellent website, from Focus on the Family, helps those who are struggling with online sexual temptation as well as those who love someone who is struggling with online sexual temptation.

American Family Association
AFA has a number of webpages to help those affected by various aspects of pornography. Visit their website and explore their pages on pornography. There are feature articles, practical help and also resources under the heading 'Porn Resources'.

Help for Porn Addicts - Truth Miners
Are you seeking help? This Christian site provides some help...  including information about filtering and accountability software.