NEWS ALERT: I must respond to a recent article/advertisement. The article/advertisement, of all things, was written for the Bible Study Magazine. Why that placement strikes me is that the ad for a DVD series tells readers that “churches often treat this issue [of porn] as a moral one, but fail to recognize it’s mainly a brain problem.” The ad goes on to say that “science sheds new light on biblical truth regarding strongholds of the mind.” Many people will read this advertisement and believe it represents the latest in scientific studies that will explain why their attempts to put away their sin have failed. More importantly, the promo immediately shifts the problem from a moral one to a physiological (brain) failure and struggle. So they are saying that the heart is not the source of our choices anymore; they say that the source is the brain. The Bible does not say that.
I am finding that the struggle with pornography in its many forms is like weight loss. People are always looking for the next great book or pill or DVD that will help them. And it sells. People are conscious that the battle is problematic, so they have their ups and downs. In their worst moments, they are like people overweight who reach for whatever seems to offer them new hope. But they are straying from the truth that is in actuality their hope, not some new fad.
Does the DVD series/advertised program that I’m referring to incorporate Bible? The ad says that they incorporate Bible: “This cinematic series will give them [those trying to help addicts] confidence that they can restore men using proven Bible-based principles.” Wait. This promotion of a Bible-based material is a just a gimmick. If you are truly dependent on the Word of God and the Spirit of God through the grace of God to change porn addicts, then you are on solid ground. But this promotional ad draws people in with the idea that they must change their brains. Once again, the article uses the terminology of the neurotransmitters being the bad guys. Neurotransmitters supposedly do things to our brain that will keep us in bondage according to the ad. False. Out of the heart come our choices (Matthew 15) according to the Word of God. The so-called imbalance of the neurotransmitter is a clinically unproven theory. Feel free to look at the scientific basis for these statements and watch for wording that says “we think” or “we believe that” this MAY be connected to the addiction struggle. Therein lies the problem of accepting these conclusions as fact.
One other comment. The advertisement is entirely focused on the struggle men have in this area. They are totally ignoring that fact that the 21st century church is being inundated by women addicted to pornography. I believe most studies show 30% or more of Christian women are battling this moral issue.
Do I want men and women to get help and to find answers to overcome porn by the steadfast counsel and discipleship within the church? Absolutely. And the help they find in the church body is what Paul told the Corinthian believers was sufficient to disciple them into new people who put away their old habits. And if you really want to change, winning the battle of soul purity, try reading and meditating on the goodness and greatness of God daily. Let that theology nourish and “heal” your soul. You can find Soul Purity material that will accomplish that process of renewing and healing here.
