No, the Bible does not explicitly forbid pornography but tens of scriptures can be used to prove that pornography is a sin. I have discussed this topic in two other articles here and here. Even before we address the sinfulness of porn and what the Bible says about it, let’s look at some statistics. In 2019, a popular porn site (which I will not name here because I do not believe in promoting Satan and his tactics), revealed that it received 42 billion visitors annually! Let’s just pause right there. The world’s population is about 8.1 billion (as of 2024), yet a porn site receives 42 billion visitors! The figures show that 80,000 people visit the depravity-facilitating site every minute. Pornography is so addictive that affected individuals rationalize it and do not see why anyone would consider it a sin. After all, the performers are consenting adults, aren’t they? The argument may be acceptable to everyone else, but a believer must search the scriptures to know the truth. Here are my 7 reasons why I believe the bible forbids porn
- Pornography is a sin because it involves sexual immorality.
In 1 Corinthians 6:9-20, the Bible expressly requires us to flee from sexual immorality. Now, I know what one might think. “But watching porn does not mean I am engaging in any immorality if I am all alone.” That’s true, but here’s my rebuttal. Would you comfortably sit, watch, and celebrate as a murderer kills people- one after another? You, would not. By the same token, finding pleasure in watching porn is akin to supporting sexual immorality because the film scenes are real! A porn consumer breaks the law (of God) by helping wicked people thrive and is as guilty as a cab driver who knowingly transports a terrorist.
- Watching porn is a sin because it amounts to sponsoring evil.
Whether you watch it in a theater, tablet, or smartphone, all porn involves a financial cost. By repeatedly watching pornography, a Christian promotes what the Lord considers evil. This behavior amounts to approving what God disapproves. As a believer, we’re called as co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Why then would we want to be on the enemy’s side? Before consuming any pornographic material, ask yourself this question: “Would Jesus join me in watching porn if He were physically present here?”
- Porn is a sin because it objectifies women.
Although pornography hurts all participants, women are the most affected. The acts female pornstars are forced to perform on their male counterparts are simply outrageous. A sane person even wonders how authorities believe porn is harmless. Objectifying any person is against the Bible, which beseeches us to esteem others more than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-5). Therefore, a believer who sits down to watch as a fellow human being is objectified participates in a sin. Remember that the porn industry, like any other, thrives due to demand. If no one watches porn, the industry will just collapse.
- Pornography is a sin because it leads to self-denigration
If only we comprehended our real value in our Father, we’d just abandon the many sinful habits we retain. Peter says that we were redeemed with imperishable things, better than gold and silver (1 Peter 1:18). We are valuable in the eyes of our Father, and He is concerned with every part of our lives, including the area of sexual pleasure. Involvement in pornography, therefore, reduces us to something our Father did not envision.
- Pornography goes against our new nature in Christ
No believer should EVER struggle with pornography or any other sin. The Bible repeatedly shows that sin is no longer a problem to us. Let’s see a few verses. In Romans 6:14, Paul tells us that sin should never dominate our lives. In Ephesians 4:24, the Bible (using NLT) states that we must display a new nature. If you read the preceding verses in this latter chapter, you will observe that the context is about overcoming sin. Pornography does not conform to our new nature and must be avoided.
- Porn is a sin because it contributes to premature death and poor mental health.
As believers, we should never be part of anything that leads people to the path of destruction. Unfortunately, involvement in pornography has claimed the lives of many actors and actresses. Some of the porn stars who committed suicide in recent times were as young as 24! Imagine a life lost at that age!
- Porn is a sin because it involves greed, lust, and selfishness.
Everyone engaged in porn, including the consumer, is driven by ill motives. Filmmakers involved in this demonic practice are selfish because all they want is to make money without caring about the adverse health effects actors endure. For example, a 2012 study showed that STIs prevalence among porn stars in Los Angeles was higher than among prostitutes in Nevada! On their part, porn stars want some quick bucks. One scholarly study identified money as one of the motivations driving people to join the porn industry. Consumers turn to porn to satisfy their lustful desires, which are prohibited in Romans 13:14. In essence, pornography unites greedy and loose characters.
Conclusion
Every Bible-believing Christian should stay away from pornography, no matter the reasons the enemy might use to justify the vice. We must always remember that the Bible determines our values, not the worldly beliefs perpetuated by the media. Even a seemingly harmless sin like porn is serious to the Father and must be avoided.
References
Ballard Brief. (2023, August 15). Pornography use among young adults in the United States. https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/pornography-use-among-young-adults-in-the-united-states
Griffith, J. D., Hayworth, M., Adams, L. T., Mitchell, S., & Hart, C. (2012). Characteristics of pornography film actors: Self-report versus perceptions of college students. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 42(4), 637-647. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-012-0033-5
Lin, R. (2012, October 31). L.A. porn stars have more STDs than Nevada prostitutes. AIDS Healthcare Foundation. https://www.aidshealth.org/2012/10/l-a-porn-stars-have-more-stds-than-nevada-prostitutes/
Pryer, E. (2024, February 21). Cancer, overdoses & falls – Sophie Anderson & the porn stars who died young. The Sun. https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/24966669/deadly-infections-overdoses-and-suicides-the-growing-list-of-porn-stars-who-died-too-young-like-sophie-anderson/
