Last week, we introduced the subject of pornography as being the most accessible drug. It is a drug that is already in each of our homes and most all of our pockets. I have been calling pornography a drug, but what is it that makes this the case? Pornography is not generally categorized in this way, but in truth, it is exactly what pornography is. Researchers have found that the brain activity triggered by viewing pornography is very similar to the brain activity triggered by drug use.[1] Because of this similar brain activity, pornography “can become as addictive as cocaine or heroin.”[2] Pornography is a dangerous drug.
Not only is pornography dangerous because of its highly addictive nature, but it is dangerous because of its effects. For some, the effects are seen in their relationships. Despite pornography often being consumed in secret, the results are seen in public. Without even addressing the issues of immodesty or lewdness, pornography leads to relationship problems. The use of pornography corrupts one’s view of the sexual relationship as designed by God. Some argue that pornography is beneficial for one’s marriage and that it helps to spice things up, but in truth “that’s the devil talking.”[3] One’s thoughts when viewing pornography are placed on the content being viewed – not on their spouse. It can easily lead to jealousy and problems as one spouse may not look like those in the videos or pictures, and it can cause one’s spouse to feel inadequate to be able to meet and satisfy one’s needs. “Pornography puts a wall within the marriage that should never be there. It creates dissatisfaction … and a deep hurt and betrayal.”[4]
[1] “Brain activity in sex addiction mirrors that of drug addiction,” University of Cambridge, July 11, 2014, https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/brain-activity-in-sex-addiction-mirrors-that-of-drug-addiction.
[2] Norman Geisler, “Pornography,” Christian Ethics (Baker Academic: Grand Rapids, 2010), 383.
[3] Don Blackwell, The Truth About Moral Issues (Maxwell, TX: World Video Bible School, 2014), 83.
[4] Ibid., 83.
By: Preston McElyea