12 things that tempt men to peruse porn

Charles Stone June 29, 2024

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As I've researched the issues caused by porn, I am shocked not just at its moral consequences, but at its social costs, damage to marriages, and what it does to our brains. In my research, I learned that these 12 personal issues may increase the temptation to watch porn.

These issues may tempt you to view porn (adapted from Wired for Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain by William Struthers):

1. The allure of the forbidden: curiosity about a woman's naked body.
2. Fantasy: dissatisfaction with the current world and a desire to participate in another.
3. The pleasure of surrender: giving in to sexual release through images on a screen.
4. Desire to see women in ecstasy.
5. The female body becoming an altar at which a man worships.
6. Controlling personality: a desire to manipulate the environment to gain a sense of security.
7. Unhealthy introversion: a loner type who isolates himself from social interaction with others.
8. High anxiety: easily stressed from family, work, or expectations others place on him.
9. Narcissism: a need to be admired by others around him; needs lots of admiration.
10. Low self-esteem: sense of inadequacy around other men or women; needs lots of affirmation.
11. Depression.
12. Distractability: difficulty keeping focused or controlling impulses; constantly wanting to move to something more interesting.

If some of these issues are often true of you, find a wise accountability partner to help you conquer porn and/or avoid its lure. If you do have a problem with it, you can't solve it by going solo.

As Christians, we must remember this promise for God's Word.

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence (2 Peter 1.3)

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Charles Stone coaches and equips pastors and teams to effectively navigate the unique challenges ministry brings. By blending biblical principles with cutting-edge brain-based practices he helps them enhance their leadership abilities, elevate their preaching/ teaching skills, and prioritize self-care. A pastor for over 42 years, he has served as a lead pastor, associate pastor, and church planter. He published seven books, and over 300 of his articles have appeared on various Christian leadership websites. He holds four earned academic degrees, including a D.Min. and a Ph.D. Learn More »

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