TV and movies have long been considered an inappropriate topic of conversation in many conservative circles and religious organizations. Similarly, pornography is often considered to be a forbidden topic or at the very least an activity frowned upon. But, what does the Bible have to say about watching porn? The Bible, in Hebrews 13:4, states “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge”. This verse denotes that, although marriage is generally accepted, any type of sexual activity outside of marriage is wrong in God’s eyes. Additionally, much of what is present in today’s pornography is considered immoral and thus, viewing it would certainly be judged by God.
Many viewers subscribe to the theory that watching porn is a sin because it is a form of lustful behavior. The Bible in Matthew 5:28 states, “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” This verse clearly warns people against lustful behavior, which can occur upon viewing pornography. Additionally, many experts and religious leaders believe that porn is a gateway to much more sin, with its roots deeply embedded into other areas such as fornication and adultery.
Despite the fact that watching porn is considered a sin in the eyes of God, some people do not think it is wrong. This is largely due to the fact that porn can sometimes be seen as a way to explore and express one’s sexuality in a relatively harmless way. Other people might use it as an outlet for their dreams and fantasies. However, it is important to note that God’s view on porn is still the same and one should take that into consideration when engaging in such activities.
Unfortunately, viewing porn can have many consequences on one’s mental and physical health. Research has shown that viewing pornography can lead to an increase in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Such symptoms can lead to a degree of isolation, making it difficult to form relationships with other people in the real world. In addition, excessive porn consumption can also lead to an increase in unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. It is important to be aware of the potential dangers that come with viewing pornography in order to make a responsible decision when it comes to engaging in such activity.
So it appears that the Bible has a clear view on watching porn, viewing it as a sin. Although society’s views may differ from this, it is important to remain mindful of what God’s word has to say about it. Ultimately, respecting God’s law should be the priority for any person who contains a strong faith.
Genders Affected by Porn
One of the biggest misconceptions about pornography is that it only affects the people that are consuming it. It has been widely reported that men make up the majority of the audience when it comes to porn, however, that is no longer the case. Research suggests that women are increasingly consuming more adult content, meaning that this misconception is no longer true.
Alongside this, there have been studies to show a correlation between watching porn and a decline in overall sexual satisfaction. These studies have concluded that, on average, those who watch more porn have a lower level of enjoyment when it comes to their sexual activity. It is of course difficult to draw a definite conclusion from one study however, the implications of such could be far-reaching.
Finally, due to the widespread consumption of pornography, there have been many reports of people being unable to engage in sexual relationships in the same way they would have before. Experts have warned that, due to the unrealistic expectations that porn places on its viewers, someone may subconsciously feel that their own sexual experiences are inadequate or not good enough.
The Causes of Watching Porn
There are a number of potential causes for why someone would go on to watch porn. Firstly, many people turn to it as a distraction from the daily stresses of life. Without thinking too deeply into the consequences, watching porn can be seen as an escape from whatever they might be feeling or going through. It is an outlet where they can focus on something else and forget their worries, if only briefly.
Additionally, a lack of education or dereliction of duty by parents could be a contributing factor as well. If someone is not raised with a clear understanding of what the Bible and religion has said on the topic, they might be inclined to look elsewhere for negative factors or influences. As such, a juvenile or immature approach to tackling the subject could have substantial effects on future decisions regarding pornography.
Finally, the convenience and accessibility of porn could be a source of enticement, with many platforms providing users with as much content as they want for a low cost or for free. As such, it is unsurprising that it has become increasingly popular throughout the years, with more people struggling to control their urges and addiction to porn.
The Impact of Watching Porn on Mental Health
It is widely accepted that consuming porn in any capacity can be detrimental to one’s mental health. One of the most damaging effects can be an unrealistic perception of sex. When viewers are constantly exposed to an idealized version of what sex should look like, they can have a hard time connecting with their partner or potential partners in the real world. Furthermore, it can lead to feelings of disappointment or inadequacy, as it can be difficult to match up to this impossible standard.
Additionally, watching porn too much can also lead to an increased risk of depression and/or anxiety. Experts theorize that this is due to the dopamine rush that comes from consuming pornography, which later leads to a “crash” in mood. This crash can cause withdrawal symptoms, making it that much more difficult for porn viewers to quit.
Finally, watching porn can potentially have a negative influence on a viewer’s sexual desires. Some individuals find themselves only desiring what they have seen in pornography, making it difficult to maintain regular sexual activity with a partner.
The Negative Effects of Watching Porn
Due to the overexposure to a certain type of sexual practice, many people struggle to maintain healthy sexual relationships. Thinkaboutit.org reports that couples that watch porn together have been found to have a higher rate of divorce than those who don’t. Additionally, the website states that in the United States, pornography is a leading cause of sexual dysfunction, with Pornhub reporting over 1700 searches for porn every second.
Furthermore, there has been much evidence to suggest that pornography has led to an increase in aggressive behavior and violence, due to the violence and misogamy seen in some pornographic films. The website Stopviolence.com reports “pornography creates an environment of misogyny that supports and encourages sexual violence and degrades women”. As such, it is important to bear in mind the potential consequences of viewing such material, especially as some studies have shown that an excessive amount of porn consumption can lead to higher levels of violence and aggression.
Lastly, watching pornography can have a detrimental effect on the viewer’s perception of the opposite sex. Many people have become desensitized to the explicit content that is prevalent in pornographic films. This can lead to the viewer being more accepting of what is seen in pornography, which may include degrading and objectifying women, potentially leading to a false impression of how women should be treated or viewed.
Pornography and the Law
In certain countries, the consumption of pornography can be a criminal offence. In the United Kingdom, it is illegal to persistently make, possess or distribute indecent images or videos. This can include anything which is considered to be obscene or likely to cause harm to the public. Furthermore, if found guilty of this offence, the perpetrator can be subject to prison sentences of up to 3 years as well as other punishments.
Additionally, in the United States, the distribution, creation or possession of child pornography is a criminal offence. The punishments for this will depend on state laws and can range from anything from 10 to 30 years in prison, depending on the severity of the crime. Furthermore, the punishment is likely to be higher if the perpetrator is found guilty of multiple charges.
Finally, if someone is found to be in possession of pornographic material which depicts animals, they can also be subject to substantial punishments in the UK and US. Animal cruelty laws vary state to state, with many applying similar punishments as those given to those convicted of crimes against children.
Can Watching Porn Be Stopped?
Due to the potential dangers of watching pornography, a number of initiatives have been set up to help combat such behavior. Firstly, the UK charity, Safer Internet Day offers a range of resources and advice to those who may be struggling with an addiction to pornography. Additionally, the US media literacy organization, Media Education Foundation offers a range of interactive activities and workshops aimed at helping people understand and manage their relationship with pornography.
Moreover, there are a number of websites which offer filters and parental controls to help parents manage what their children can and cannot access on the web. These filters allow parents to select which content can be viewed by their children and can even be tailored depending on the age of the child.
Furthermore, there has been an increasing number of websites and apps offering support to those struggling with an addiction to porn. In the UK, the online platform Buster has been set up to provide resources to those seeking help in regards to a porn addiction.
Finally, if you are concerned about your own or someone else’s porn consumption, a professional therapist or health professional can often be of assistance. It is important to remember that you are not alone; there are many people out there who can help you tackle a pornography addiction and move forward in a positive manner.
