Is It Wrong To Look At Pornography?
Is it wrong to look at pornography? Some would say that there is nothing wrong with looking at pornography if you don't actually commit fornication (have a sexual relationship outside of marriage), but the Bible does speak to this issue as well. Did you know that the Greek word which we translate as fornication is "porneia"? In fact the word pornography literally means graphic fornication and is a graphic display of sexual immorality.
Why is pornography wrong? Because
God created woman for the man and instituted marriage as the place for the
sexual union to take place (Genesis
Jesus says: "You have heard
that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to
you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed
adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew
The Bible says: "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor course jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God" (Ephesians 5:3-5). Again, pornography certainly can be included under "filthiness," "foolish talking," and "course jesting." It also is "covetousness," for it is lusting for and desiring a sexual encounter that God does not permit.
Rather than viewing those things
which would lead us into sinful thoughts and desires, the Bible urges us to
"abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul" (1 Peter
A sad effect of viewing pornography is that it can be very addictive, especially to men. Even among Christians, many men struggle with a sinful addiction to pornography, whether in magazines, movies, or on the world wide web. And, viewing pornography and reading the accompanying literature can cause men to view women as sexual objects rather than persons created by God. Instead of loving and cherishing his wife, a man may think about and fantasize over some image he has seen. He may even compare and evaluate his wife on the basis of images which are stuck in his mind. Often too, pornography leads to other sinful acts such as masturbation, homosexuality, fornication, and adultery. Many cases of rape and sexual abuse have been closely connected to the viewing of pornography. Why play with fire? In one way or another, you'll be burned!
Finally, if you are a viewer of pornography, admit your sinfulness. God did not create women (or men) to be displayed as objects of sexual desire. Nor did He create you to look at and lust after images. Admit your sin and turn to God for forgiveness. Jesus Christ, by His innocent sufferings and death upon the cross, paid in full for all your sins. In Him, you will find forgiveness and new life. But, don't stop there. Also seek God's help to amend your life. Devote yourself to Bible study and prayer. Do your best to remove the opportunities to view pornography, whether that be shutting off certain TV channels, putting a filter or monitor on your Internet, and staying out of the magazine aisles. Another good suggestion is to find one or two trusted friends with whom you can discuss your addiction and seek their help in checking or monitoring your progress as well as holding you up in their daily prayers. The Bible says: "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed...." (James 4:16).
[Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1994 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]
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