Porn consumption remains a global menace and, with Satan working harder, things could get worse. In fact, research shows that viewership of X-rated movies has increased since the 1980s. Today, 60.2% of women and 91.5% of men confess to having deliberately watched a porn movie in the last year. This same study shows even a more worrying trend: porn consumption among those between 10 and 17 years stands at 15%. I have already explained that the Bible forbids pornography and went further to provide the biblical principles to overcome the vice. Some believers wonder if porn is a sin, with some arguing that the practice is acceptable since people can learn a few sex styles by watching pornography. Now it is time to expose the demonic force behind pornography.
Why do people watch pornography?
To relieve stress
Satan has deceived people into believing that watching porn is the best way to overcome stress. A study of people who view pornography reveals that 62% perceive this behavior as necessary for stress relief. I do not know (and frankly I do not care) how many studies affirm porn as a stress reliever. For us believers, our way of managing stress is not as per the world’s standards. Romans 10:2 requires us to be transformed by the Word of God and not conform to worldly patterns. Porn is a sin and cannot be a solution for any stress we may experience.
To deal with loneliness-
Some porn consumers are not necessarily addicted; they just have a lonely life. The lack of friends or social support drives some individuals to develop harmful habits. However, we must remember that there is no excuse for sin.
For sexual satisfaction
Since porn involves sexual stimulation, some people use it to gratify their needs. While this habit offers short-term satisfaction, God did not envisage it as the best way to enjoy a sex life. Instead, God wants us to have quality intimacy with our spouses.
Is pornography really harmful?
Pornography has many adverse psychological, social, and physical effects. Research confirms that exposure to pornography leads to depression, sexual dysfunction, poor social relationships, and many others. While these consequences are dire enough, let’s now turn to the spiritual harm caused by pornography. First, porn distracts consumers from God. The time spent viewing porn would lead to unimaginable spiritual growth. Obviously, no one can combine devotion to God and porn. Second, porn distorts the spiritual significance of sex.
Is pornography demonic?
Porn is more demonic than you could ever imagine. Sadly, Satan has always tried to portray pornography as harmless. As a result, many people are unperturbed by porn consumption. For example, 78% of Americans do not care if watching pornography will culminate in an addiction. It takes discernment and theological literacy to expose the demonic aspects of porn.
Porn is demonic because it inspires sinful behavior
I do not believe that porn is educative or helpful in any way. All I know is that watching porn culminates in weird sexual appetites, masturbation, and poor perception of women or men as sex objects. God does not expect us to see the very people He purchased with imperishable valuables (1 Peter 1:18) to be viewed or used as items. Sadly, Satan has always tried to portray porn as necessary for learning about sex. How can the Father of evil teach us about the goodness of something he did not create? God created sex, and we can only enjoy it by approaching it the way He designed it.
Pornography is demonic because it dismisses the weight of sin.
While writing this article, I was shocked to read about married porn stars! I do not even want to tell you to imagine such a scenario. All porn stars are either married or unmarried. If married to different partners (other than their on-set partners, such actors engage in adultery). Even if unmarried, porn stars commit fornication. Yet, society sees nothing wrong with such sins! As a believer, you must take your stance and distance yourself from anyone and anything that dismisses sin as harmless. We know that our Savior paid a hefty price to redeem us from sin. We cannot join the world in handling sin casually; it would be a hurtful insult to our Lord.
Porn is demonic because it distorts God’s position and plan of sex
Judging by the scriptures, God wants sex to be between two individuals who love and care for each other. There are no other settings in which sexual activity should happen. In Hebrews 13:1-6 (MSG), the Bible is very clear: “Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex.” Compare this text with the scenes shown in a porn film. Does any of the scenes promote the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband? Is there any porn film that “draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex? Do you now see why porn is demonic?
How can I overcome porn addiction?
Overcoming any destructive habit requires specific actions, such as identifying the triggers, reducing repetitiveness (frequency), and ignoring the perceived rewards. According to Psychology, addiction occurs when an activity is deemed pleasurable. A believer grappling with this habit is even more privileged to exercise spiritual authority. For more on how to live a liberated life in this area, see Breaking Free from Porn.
Will God forgive me for watching porn?
People who struggle with porn experience the burden of guilt. Believers can particularly face condemnation, as the enemy tries to frustrate them. Some might feel as though they have committed an unforgivable sin. Like any other sin, watching porn weakens our daily fellowship with God. Let me clarify. Our Father’s heart does not change when we sin; no, it is our feelings of helplessness and guilt that discourage us from interacting with Him. Even in Eden, God did not withdraw; Adam and Eve did. Likewise, God is eager to forgive anyone struggling with porn, but there needs to be true repentance. Such an individual must be willing to change their mind toward this habit. Therefore, no one should argue anymore on whether porn is a sin.
