In this seminar, the big idea is that pornography is pervasive, not victimless and a choice made by many before our brains make good decisions. Here’s a quick recap of each point and then links to some resources:

Pervasive – meaning it’s very accessible and everywhere

25% of all searches and 12% of all websites are porn related. Average age of exposure is 11 years old (was 12 a couple years ago). 67% of young men and 49% of young women believe it is a worthy form of sexual expression.

Not Victimless – most believe they aren’t hurting anyone

56% of all divorces cite porn as a reason. 4.5 million people are enslaved yearly in sex slavery. There is a connection to not only some porn being made by those enslaved, but that the industry itself is financing some realms of the sex trade. Consuming porn makes it more likely that you divorce and more likely to have decreased performance. Drugs are consumed more often than not before scenes are filmed (79% marijuana, 50% ecstasy) and scenes are often physically (88%) or verbally (49%) abusive. People are being hurt in making it, you are being hurt by consuming it. In fact, the brain itself is being rewired, as is being documented more and more (check fightthenewdrug.org for more).

Choice – we are hooked, but it doesn’t start that way

Brain development leads us to understand the consequences of our choices/actions between 18-22 years old. This is why teenagers do such stupid things! Sorry, had to say it. If the average age of exposure is 11, that means we are getting exposed and hooked before we understand the weight of what we are messing with!

The beautiful thing about Jesus is that He can restore/fix all things! Even if you feel “hooked,” there are ways to get unhooked! He loves you (so do we!), there is hope and it is never too late.

Some ideas to get started in seeking help:

Memorize scripture: Job 31:1, Psalm 119:11, Psalm 101:3, Matthew 5:28, 1 Corinthians 6:13, 2 Timothy 2:22 are good places to start.
Check out xxxchurch.com, covenanteyes.com or fightthenewdrug.org
Books that might help: Hooked, Redemption, Fallen, Every Young Man’s Battle, Every Young Woman’s Battle
Tell someone you trust and start letting them keep you accountable!