In a world where technology brings everything to our fingertips, it’s time to pause and consider the profound impact it’s having on our most sacred and personal experiences. A decade ago, the number of American men aged 18-30 who hadn’t had sexual intercourse in the last year was 10%. Today, it’s a staggering 28%. The question that looms over us is, why are young men having less sex than any previous generation, even when their biological drives are at their peak? The answer, startlingly, points to our highly sexualized, “pornified” culture.
The advent of easily accessible porn has a far-reaching influence. Even icons like John Mayer and Billie Eilish have opened up about the detrimental impact porn has had on their ability to form meaningful sexual connections. While young men increasingly find virtual encounters “good enough,” even going so far as to struggle with Porn Induced Erectile Dysfunction (PIED), the other side of the coin reveals an alarming rise in adultery and hookups among married couples. This issue transcends gender, age, and even spiritual belief systems.
A Challenge to the Faithful
As heartbreaking as it may be, the Christian community is not exempt from this pandemic of porn. A study by the Freedom Fight surveying over 1,300 practicing Christian college students revealed alarming statistics. The study found that 89% of Christian men and 51% of Christian women watch porn occasionally. Astonishingly, 51% of these men identified as addicted to porn. These aren’t just numbers; these are potential future leaders of our churches, homes, and communities.
The Spiritual Warfare
The Bible explicitly warns us that “fleshly lusts wage war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). The assault on our spiritual growth, our marriages, and even our service to the Kingdom is measurable. The grim reality is that pornography is not only hijacking our personal lives but also waging a war against our spiritual well-being.
Yet, There Is Hope
The silver lining in this dark cloud is that there’s a way out—a path toward revival and growth. If we are going to conquer this addiction, we must strategically outgrow it. This involves committing to personal holiness, renewing our minds, building authentic relationships, and processing emotions healthily. Most importantly, it involves living out of an identity rooted in Christ.
Through holistic, biblically-based, and scientifically-informed solutions, freedom is within reach. Our faith in Christ is not merely about freedom from sin but also about transformation that lasts.
The challenge before us is significant, but so is the opportunity. As we navigate this complex issue, let us remember that we are not fighting alone. Let us arm ourselves with God’s truth, for it has the power to set us free and, in doing so, change us forever.
