More than ever, we live in an over-sexualized world. Daily we are bombarded with sexual content from the media, advertising, video games, internet, and movies. Reports of sexual misconduct are regularly in the news. Misconduct that takes place in our communities, amidst those we love, amongst us, not some distant world. It’s not unusual for friends and family members to share their stories of sexual assault and harassment.
So many, including myself, have faced atrocities. I can tell you about the times I experienced sexual harassment as a kid by older men, being “cat-called” and inappropriately grabbed. I can tell you about the time I was stalked by a pedophile in a rest stop bathroom, and couldn’t escape his voyeuristic behavior. I can tell you about the many men and women I love who have been raped or sexually abused, and how porn played a key role in the abuser’s life.
So many people are hurting and struggling. I have long been devastated and sick to my stomach about the cycles of sexual exploitation that continue daily. For years now I’ve been writing, speaking, and leading healing groups on the topic of working through hurts and overcoming compulsive behaviors. Our world needs hope, healing, and change. Our world needs Jesus and His culture-altering message.
The Problem: A Pornified Culture
The world is one tap away from hardcore pornography through tablets and smartphones. Why is this such a problem? Some of the truths about porn:
> Porn has become the primary sex educator for many people (including teens and pre-teens).
> Porn is directly responsible for fueling the use and abuse of others, as people become desensitized and begin to view others as mere commodities.
> Porn teaches that sexual pleasure is to be taken, not given.
> Similar to a drug, tolerance builds up in the brain after repeatedly viewing pornography. This often leads to the desire for more explicit and taboo forms of porn, the desire to act out scenarios, sexual aggression, and demeaning others through words and actions. Currently, one in three women and one in six men experience sexual assault in their lifetime. This is tragic and heartbreaking!
>Porn fuels sexual harassment, sexual abuse, misogyny, and systemic sexism.
> Pornography is strongly interlinked with the human trafficking industry globally. Many performers on film are victims of sex trafficking themselves, coerced into participation in sexual acts.
The Solution: Jesus & His Healing Design
Amid the challenges of our over-sexualized world, the need is greater than ever for sharing Jesus’ love and message of healing!
Jesus has a lot to say about sex, healing, and thriving:
> God designed sex within a certain context for deep connection and maximum satisfaction.
(Matthew 19:4-6)
> Jesus came to heal our brokenness and to bind up our wounds. (Psalm 147:3)
> Jesus came to seek and save the lost. (Luke 19:10)
> Jesus came to set the captive free. (Luke 4:18)
> Jesus came to bring us an abundant, thriving life right here and now. (John 10:10)
We need a greater vision for sex – God’s vision for sex. And to share with others how they can be healed and set free from their experiences and struggles. Sadly, so many people are lost and trying to live with no universal truth or standard. They experience the damaging effects of that lifestyle, including sexual brokenness. But through Jesus’ design, we can truly thrive and heal, experience maximum satisfaction, and be protected from hurting others or being hurt.
Can We Turn the Tide on the Sexual Epidemic?
Yes! Jesus’ message of sexual wholeness meets one of the greatest needs of our day, offering light where darkness abounds! At Josh McDowell Ministry we’re working hard to disciple people in their faith and guide them into sexual wholeness. We define “sexual wholeness” as God’s thriving design for sex and sexuality.
The situation can seem overwhelming and hopeless. But there are solutions. We can start by asking these important questions:
> Are we helping people to understand how Jesus heals the brokenhearted in practical ways?
> Are we taking drastic measures in our churches and families to address these issues with both preventative and restorative means?
> Are we seeking help ourselves, getting healthy, and changing the systems that perpetuate sexual
brokenness?
> Are we teaching God’s design for sexual wholeness?
> Are we inviting others to know this Jesus who can make them whole as well?
We care deeply that all experience healing, come to understand God’s design for sexual wholeness, and learn the best preventative and restorative solutions to pornography use. Stay with us as we continue this critical conversation!
Helpful Resources:
> Josh McDowell Ministry Sex & Relationships resource page
> https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/NISVS-StateReportBook.pdf
> https://fightthenewdrug.org/why-consuming-porn-is-an-escalating-behavior/#24
> https://www.culturereframed.org/researched-harms/
> https://www.huffingtonpost.com/johnhenry-westen/want-to-stop-sex-traffick_b_6563338.html
