Pornography is having an enormous effect across all churches. Approximately 70% of males and 20% of females are regular uses. The average age of first exposure is 11-12 years. The reality for most churches is that these high rates of use come with serious negative impacts. It affects families, staff, young adults, youth, marriages, relationships, ministries, evangelism, and spiritual health.
Resist Ministries exists to support the community in reducing pornography’s harms across personal lives, marriages, ministries, churches, and schools. By combining evidence-based findings with practical steps, the site aims to limit damage today and safeguard the next generation from pornography’s ongoing impact.
Pornography itself is any sexual media intended to arouse. While definitions vary, its origins trace back to the Greek words ‘pornea’ (sexual immorality) and ‘graphē’ (writings). In today’s internet age, pornography includes explicit images and videos as well as erotic art, literature, pop videos, and advertising – basically anything designed to trigger sexual arousal, even if the arousal response is personal and varies between individuals.
Though many believe pornography is harmless or even beneficial — offering stress relief, sexual empowerment, or education — international research paints a different picture. Pornography causes widespread harm to users, relationships, society, and especially spiritual health. Its negative effects are profound, which is why we support the resisting of porn’s influence in our lives, churches, schools, or broader society.