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How about the Bible and pornography?


Introduction. The word "pornography" is not in the Bible. However, there are biblical principles that certainly make pornography a concern. Pornography is defined as, "Obscene literature, art, or photography...Greek, pornograph (os), writing or writer about harlots" (RHCD, pg. 1033). The term appears to visually (grapho) involve fornication (proneia).

The Bible and pornography. Pornography is a multi-million dollar business. In all of its forms, pornography appeals to the baser and spiritually illegal desires of man. In short, pornography is designed to sexually excite. Such visual excitement is forbidden. Hear Jesus: "But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matt. 5: 28). Jesus then proceeded to urge the exercise of any needed effort to overcome such lust (Vs. 29 ff.).

Pornographic stimulation promotes internal corruption. As we observed, Jesus said, "hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Adultery begins in the heart before there is the overt act. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornication, murders," Jesus explained (Mk. 7: 21-23). Pornography is more responsible for ruined marriages, out of wedlock births, and the spread of venereal disease than any other influence, I am convinced. Pornography has pervaded every aspect and outlet of our culture in America.

The solution for pornographic influence is simple. In the first place, we need to be careful what we read and watch in moves and on television. Pornography is involved in the succinct warning, "Flee fornication" (1 Cor. 6: 18). In addition to the avoidance of pornography, the Christian is to control his thinking (2 Cor. 10: 5). "...Whatsoever things are pure...if there be any virtue," wrote Paul, "think on these thinks" (Phili. 4: 8). Pure thoughts will displace the impure (pornography).
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