In what sense are pornographic images and videos idolatrous? Is there any connection with the actual worship of idols in biblical times? And to what degree does such activity set the table for dining with the devil?
In 2003, I had the wonderful privilege of sitting at a roundtable discussion with Dr. Stephen Seamands. His book Wounds that Heal: Bringing Our Hurts to the Cross had just hit the market and so our topic for the day was how inner healing prayer was empowered by the atoning work of Christ on the cross.
At a certain point he brought up the subject of idolatry. As the son of missionaries in India, Seamands had seen firsthand the worship of Hindu gods and goddesses. Wanting to reveal my brilliance, I made the observation that actual physical idols were likely not as dangerous as the idols we adopt here in the States, such as wealth, power, sex.
He quickly disagreed. Fashioning images to represent the spiritual realm not only corrupts our worldview, he believed, but it was also Satan’s way of taking what God has created and using it for evil.
Images
Each day I read from the Psalms. Recently a few verses jumped out which I hadn’t noticed before. Could this be applied to viewing porn? And if so, what is going on in the spiritual realm?
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
7 All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;
worship him, all you gods! Psalm 97:6—7 ESV
Interesting. “All worshipers of images . . . “ What might these "images” have been? Throughout the Middle East in ancient times, images ofAshtoreth and Ishtar were found as statues and bas relief. Their Greek counterparts Aphrodite and Venus likewise had carvings, paintings, and statues scattered throughout the Roman Empire. Partial nudity for these fertility goddesses was the norm.
Psalm 97:6 reminds us of Romans 1 where Paul declares the glory of God is evident in the created world.
20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. . . . 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Romans 1:20—23 ESV (Italics mine.)
Note also Psalm 97:7. The psalmist decries the shame of “All worshipers of images . . . who make their boast in worthless idols.” Is it too much of a stretch to connect dots between worship of ancient nude statues and gazing at the racy images so easily accessible on phones, tablets, and laptops? Going gaga over created things rather than giving allegiance to our Creator is certainly sinful.
Ancient idolators sought false gods for their provision and protection, while reveling in the sexual excesses that accompanied the worship. Porn patrons of all sorts are looking to false sources to meet needs and soothe the flesh.
If porn absorption is akin to worshiping pagan gods, at what point do we reach engagement with darkness as found in 1 Corinthians 10? Note the following:
14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? 1 Cor. 10:14—22 ESV (Emphasis added by me.)
Each of the italicized/bold words above are derived from the Greek word koinonia. That term, as you may know, is often translated as “fellowship” or “sharing.” The incredible worship we experience with our “participation” in the blood and body of Christ is here starkly contrasted with the unknowing fellowship with demons experienced with food offered to idols. Wow.
Our beloved brothers and sisters who unknowingly bow their hearts before online images are in some way fellowshipping with darkness. Perhaps, as Seamands taught, it may be less demonic than kneeling in an Indian temple. But certainly we must recognize the ground we are giving to the enemy by fixing our gaze on porn or entangling our hearts with cam girls and AI generated filth.
Overcoming addiction to porn is not so easy. How we need the grace of God!
Porn in the Church
A few months ago, several colleagues pointed me to recent research from the Barna Group. Their findings may surprise you. Nearly 20% of pastors report being currently addicted to porn; two thirds have engaged with it at some point in their lives. And yet, only 33% believe it is a prevalent problem in their congregation.
Note the following from their report:
. . . overall, most U.S. pastors don’t see porn use as a problem for their congregants, revealing a profound disconnect between pastoral perception and actual behavior.
Contrary to most pastors’ assessments of their congregations, 75 percent of Christian men and 40 percent of Christian women report porn consumption on some level. And while practicing faith does correlate with less porn use, we see that over half of practicing Christians (54%) report viewing pornography (compared to 68% of non-Christians). (Emphasis theirs.)
Obsession and addiction are far more prevalent with Gen Z. Viewing violent porn has practically become normalized for them. As is often said in this blog, the Church must choose to prioritize the teaching of a theology of sexuality, model compassion for the addicted, abused, and confused, communicate clearly and consistently with our youth, and implement robust and Spirit-led support systems for those wanting freedom.
Listening to a podcast, I heard a denominational leader state we no longer needed to talk about sexuality (i.e. argue about LGBTQ issues). But it was clear he simply wanted to “get on with the business of the Church.” Addressing sexual issues, however, is a key issue in making disciples. It is the business of the Church! Paul did not look the other way as Corinthian believers supped with the devil. We most certainly cannot keep addiction to porn a closeted matter.