I plan to share more of McDowell’s information about the influence of the Internet and Internet porn on children and adolescents at a later date.

But for today, I want to share how porn tears at the very foundation of a healthy marriage. Check this out …

• 47% of Christian marriages report pornography as a problem
• Survey’s report that the Internet was a significant factor in 2/3 of divorces
• The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers reports that 68% of divorces involved one party meeting another over the Internet
• The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers reports that 56% involved one party having “an obsessive interest in pornographic websites”
• In 2001, over 50% of evangelical pastors admitted to having viewed pornography within the last year
• A survey conducted in 2006 reported that 50% of all Christian men are addicted to pornography
• The same 2006 survey reported that 20% of all Christian women are addicted to pornography
• More than 50% of those who engaged in “sexual internet interactions” had lost interest in sexual intercourse
• 40% of “sex addicts” lose their spouses
• 58% suffer considerable financial losses
• 33% lose their jobs due to issues related to their addiction
• Pornography use increases marital infidelity more than 300%
• Sex addicts are 23 times more likely to say, “Discovering online sexual material was the worst thing that has ever happened in my life”

Thankfully, my husband and I recognize the dangers of pornography. We are committed to remaining pure by not viewing porn of any kind—internet or not.

But I’ve counseled and witnessed many others who’ve not recognized the dangers or who’ve succumbed to the dangers and are now overpowered by the addiction to the point of devastation.

One of the biggest problems with pornography is that it depersonalizes or objectifies the person photographed or filmed. As we allow our minds to continuously think in these depersonalized ways, we lose the ability to connect with our mates in an intimate, loving manner.

Another problem is that pornography provides an intense jolt of euphoria that’s hard or next to impossible to replicate in a normal sexual experience—especially in marriage. This leaves the individual seeking more and more intensity, trying always to top the last orgasmic experience. It results in a never-ending need for more of what really isn’t true, healthy or God-honoring.

If you’re in a marriage where pornography is a problem, I would strongly suggest that you and/or your spouse seek good Christian counseling immediately. There are almost always specific experiences in childhood or adolescence that ignite this kind of problem, requiring a counselor to help you discover and resolve the issue.

I also want to provide some links to resources and websites that are helpful for this very important problem below …

Books:
Every Man’s Battle
Shattered Vows
Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction
The Game Plan
False Intimacy
Men’s Secret Wars
Living With Your Husband’s Secret Wars
What Are You Waiting For?
The Bare Facts

Videos:
Pixels and Porn
Why Does Sexual Sin Hurt So Much?
How Does the Gospel Conquer the Sin of Pornography

Webinar:
Covenant Eyes

Ministries:
pureintimacy.org
focusonthefamily.com
purelifeministries.org
purefreedom.org
covenanteyes.com

Internet Accountability Apps:
x3watch
Double Agent