Do you see it? Let's look closer...
There it is. Right there in the middle... yep, you can read: xxxchurch.com - #1 Christian Porn Site. Huh.
To say I was taken aback is a serious understatement. At first I was shocked, then I was trying to figure out how that is justified. I figured, yeah, there probably are people out there who have found a way (in their heads only, mind you) to justify the use of pornography as acceptable to God somehow. I don't doubt that. God loves us all just the way we are right? God made us in His image and if we enjoy porn then God does too, right? Yeah... go ahead and believe that if you want. I finally decided just to move on despite wondering what on earth audio porn would be anyhow (ew); I tweeted about it and let it go.
It wasn't until this morning that I actually started talking to big-man about it and we both got curious. I was really apprehensive about going to the site. It's not that I'm a prude. Well, I guess I am a little, but it wasn't always that way...
I didn't make a decision for Jesus until I was 29 years old. I'd been in three long term relationships by then, lived with two partners, random encounters with others and have seen probably as much porn as the next person. I'm not saying this to glorify the sinful experiences of my past, but just to share that I'm not as crunchy as some of the Christians you might meet in your lifetime. But clicking on a site that would most definitely be offensive and could quite possibly challenge my beliefs was a bit of an uneasy proposition.
So this morning big-man and I decided to have a peek. It was like looking at something gross with one hand covering my face and fingers spreading open slowly, slowly to reveal whatever it was that was on the other side. What we found was one of the most raw, real ministry efforts we've ever seen. The site was created by a group of Christians looking to reach out to those people who use porn whether recreationally or addictively.
One of the most lofty goals they have is to open a church on the strip in Las Vegas. They have some compelling stats on the sex trade in Vegas to back up their reasons too. Sobering stuff. They're even looking for missionaries to help with their efforts in las vegas. That would certainly be challenging - I have not received that calling, but perhaps you have?
Pornography and other sexual sin can ruin relationships. It eats away at the core of what God intended for sexuality. I don't care if it's pornography, pre-marital sex, homosexuality, beastiality, incest, voyeurism, pedophilia, homosexuality or withholding sex from your spouse (yep, that's a sin too... are you guilty?), God calls it sin. Sin is sin, and you can be a Christian and fall to any of the above.
Just watch these confessions or check out any of the testimonials on this site for a glimpse into the lives of those who have suffered... like this one: Confesions of a beautiful, wonderful, interesting human being.
So yeah, God uses pornography. God uses porn like he uses any other struggle we face... to draw us to himself by showing us how much we need him; how broken we are; how far we are from how He intended humanity to live. Are you guilty?
5 comments:
Just read your post, glad to see you checked further. They have been on the cutting edge of redeeming those who have been addicted or have been actually involved in the porn industry for a few years now. They use xxxchurch to attract those who are looking for it. God has used them greatly. There are great stories out of their movement. You can read more about them by googling Relevant magazine. They are always talking to the guys at xxxchurch. Then even have a "causes" button on facebook and a twitter account.
I'm glad you were courageous enough to look further (what a risk, I know). But know God can use that to help you get the word about. Thanks
Brett
This is an ignorant question coming from somebody who has only read, maybe, 10% of the Bible. Where does it categorize pornography as a sin?
It is founded on the concept that all lust for anyone other than one's spouse is sin. This is from the book of Matthew, chapter 5, verses 27 & 28 - the words of Jesus: "27 You have heard that it was said, 'you shall not commit adultery'; 28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Now, that's not to say that only pornography causes people to lust, but it certainly is what it was created for.
Very interesting perspective.
It's not a problem for me. (I have plenty of other problems, though!!)
And to Darren - at least one aspect of the sin involved is making another person an object, rather than treating them with real love.
By the way, Ms. I'm Seeking Balance, I got to your blog via Chris Brogan's. I like what you're writing.
Ah, right, I am familiar with that verse. That would seem to prohibit pornography. Though that does seem like one of the many interpretive calls that modern humans must make regarding the Bible.
Not to get too visceral, but it follows that masturbation--something health professionals consider healthy and normal--is almost certainly a sin as well. Ah well, nobody said being a Christian was easy.
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