The third in a series of 15 blogs answering anticipated (or actual) objections to material set forth in A Way of Escape, i.e., the third in a series of 15 blogs answering anticipated FAQs.
OBJECTION #3 (of 15)
“Using the words ‘Christian’ and ‘porn addiction’ in the same sentence. True Christians have repented of their sins. You should be ashamed of yourself!”
RESPONSE
I thought the same thing when I was saved back in 1989. But back then, if you wanted to purchase pornographic material on the seedy side of town, you had to: (i) really go way out of your way, (ii) make a not insignificant financial outlay, and (iii) run the risk of being seen.
THE THREE As OF THE INTERNET
Fast forward to today, and the “three As of the Internet.” With only a few keystrokes and mouse clicks (Accessibility), websites featuring high-definition video clips of any type of sexual behavior may be freely accessed (Affordability) in the privacy of one’s own home (Anonymity). And when the brain begins to develop a tolerance, other more novel/hardcore websites—with constantly updated content—are always just a few more clicks away.
In this, the Internet Age, we are dealing with temptation at likely the highest and most dangerous level in human history. How bad has it gotten? As far back as 2010, one Christian author and commentator expressed it this way:
... when I meet a young man, even a young husband, I pretty much assume he is or was into pornography [1].
MALE EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN SEX ADDICTS: IN THE MAJORITY!
A strong statement. But so often, a true statement. If surveys are anywhere near accurate, it is a true statement in the majority of cases. A 2017 study involving over 3000 evangelicals revealed that:
60-70% of men, 50-58% of pastors, and 20-30% of women in evangelical churches suffer from some form of sexual addiction [2].
If surveys are anywhere near accurate, the male evangelical Christian not suffering from some form of sexual addiction is in the minority. A sobering thought.
I’VE QUIT THE SHAME GAME. I’M NOW IN THE PRAISE GAME
I’ve quit the Shame Game. I’m now in the Praise Game. As in praising the Holy Spirit, the One who longs to set all of the similarly afflicted free. My shame has been replaced with Holy Spirit power for righteous living. As of this writing (January 2024), this sexually healthy, single Christian male has not “acted out” sexually for 100% of days in the most recent 58 months. My shame is 58 months in the rearview mirror. All praise and credit to the Holy Spirit, and His inner-working power to deliver believers from lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
God is so gracious! Through it all I have come to better know the Mind and Workings of the Holy Spirit. In ways most in the Church have missed. What the wicked one meant for evil against me, God has turned to something very good (Genesis 50:20). Dear reader, He longs to do the same for you.
A GAME-CHANGING BOOK HAS ARRIVED
In A Way of Escape, readers learn how to quit the Shame Game. And step up their Praise Game. Readers learn how to step up the degree to which they “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). They learn how to build a library of Spirit-anointed, flesh-diffusing apps. Apps that are uniquely fitted to them, and their unique Spirit-filling triggers (Ephesians 5:18b-19).
The still-struggling now have another option. The still-struggling now have fresh hope for discovering that long-sought-after way of escape from sin and temptation (I Corinthians 10:13). A way that—because it is wholly Spirit-powered—does not require enlisting the aid of an accountability partner or group. Truly, a game-changer!
THANK YOU, HOLY SPIRIT!
REFERENCES
1. Challies, T., Sexual Detox: A Guide for Guys Who Are Sick of Porn, First Printing, Cruciform Press, Adelphi, MD, page 23, 2010.
2. Wiles, J., and T. Wiles, Conquer Series: The Battle Plan for Purity (Study Guide, Volume 1), Second Printing, KingdomWorks Studios, Stuart, FL, page 21, 2017.
