Be A Man #5: Porn & Manhood
It’s time we finally address that massive, awkward elephant in the room: pornography. For too long, porn has been swept under the rug in our churches, our families, and even in our own minds. But ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. In fact, as the research shows, avoiding honest conversations about porn only makes its grip stronger and its consequences more damaging. So, let’s step into the light and talk about what porn really does to us—to our brains, our relationships, our communities, and our spiritual lives.
Why We Need to Talk About Porn
Porn is everywhere. It’s not just a “problem” for the “weak” or the “sinful”—it’s a reality for millions of people, including many who sit in our pews, lead our ministries, and serve our communities. The statistics are staggering: studies suggest that a significant majority of men and a growing number of women have viewed pornography in the past month. Among young people, the numbers are even higher. This isn’t a fringe issue; it’s a cultural epidemic.
Porn isn’t harmless. It’s not just “entertainment.” It’s not something you can “take or leave.” For many, it becomes a compulsive habit that rewires the brain and hijacks the reward system, leading to addiction. The consequences are real: strained marriages, emotional isolation, shame, and a diminished capacity for real intimacy. The church has often responded with silence or shame, but that only makes things worse. It’s time we talk about porn—not to condemn, but to understand, to heal, and ultimately, to offer hope.
