A Biblical Response to Pornography in the Church
- April Gaddis
- Jun 14
- 5 min read
Join Monique for a candid conversation with Joe Dallas, a pastoral counselor and author, as they tackle the sensitive issue of pornography from a biblical perspective. Explore why pornography thrives in culture and the church, its impact on men, women, teens, and marriages, and how believers can find hope and healing. Learn practical, gospel-centered strategies for parents, spouses, and church leaders to address sexual temptation with honesty and accountability.
In tonight’s episode, we brought back our friend and colleague, Joe Dallas. Joe is an author, conference speaker, and ordained pastoral counselor. He directs a Biblical counseling ministry for those dealing with sexual and relational struggles. Joe’s personal experience, biblical wisdom, and longevity in ministry, bring much-needed clarity and encouragement in the area of sexuality. Please be sure to share this episode with your pastor, small group, and friends!
Interview Highlights:
Q. Who are you, and what is your background?
Joe shares his personal history of struggling with sexual promiscuity, homosexuality, and pornography, repenting in 1984. He emphasizes he has “no stones to throw” due to his own past. Since 1987, he has served as a biblical counselor, initially doubting the need for such work in the church but discovering a significant population of believers struggling with sexual sin. He underscores the urgency of addressing these issues biblically, citing the confusion exemplified by the Paula White clip, and highlights the need for clear teaching to combat the “uncertain sound” from church leadership (referencing 1 Corinthians 14:8).
Q. How do we define sexual purity biblically?
Sexual purity is defined as sexual expression aligned with God’s created intent. This includes not just erotic behavior but broader gender expression (e.g., embracing maleness or femaleness). Purity is not merely about abstaining from sin but protecting a sacred treasure. The Fall (Genesis 3) marred God’s good design, introducing lust and distortion, yet sexuality remains sacred. Joe warns against idolatrous tendencies in sexual sin, such as worshiping beauty in pornography, and stresses returning to scripture (Romans 3:4) to align with God’s protective design.
Q. Why has pornography become such a dominant force, even among Christians?
Accessibility, enabled by the internet, is a key factor, likened to placing cocaine dispensers in homes. However, Joe argues a deeper issue is a mentality of entitlement over discipleship. Christians often view their bodies as their own, ignoring stewardship (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This, coupled with a loss of porn’s shock value in a culture desensitized to sexual sin, and secrecy in the church, fuels its growth. He also highlights the harm to those in the porn industry, particularly women, based on an interview with a former producer.
Q. Has the church done enough to confront pornography, and if not, why?
The church has not done enough, often offering irrelevant advice (e.g., telling teens not to view porn without context). Joe cites a lack of biblical teaching on the human condition—old nature vs. new nature (Romans 7)—leaving believers unprepared for temptation. Leaders’ own struggles with porn, as suggested by Ezekiel 18:12, contribute to silence from the pulpit. Additionally, some leaders may feel resigned, assuming people will sin regardless, or react against purity culture, dismissing abstinence and self-control. This failure leaves believers uneducated and ashamed.
Q. What should the biblical response from church leadership be to address pornography?
Joe advocates for a three-pronged approach: “Get real, get involved, move forward.” Churches should openly acknowledge the problem, creating safe spaces for confession without public shaming. Leaders must preach grace alongside standards, expecting temptation as normal but urging accountability (Hebrews 3:13). Engagement within the church body, not just proximity, fosters mutual exhortation and vulnerability. He contrasts superficial church attendance with true body ministry, recalling the Jesus movement’s communal strength in the 1970s as a model.
Q. Do women struggle with pornography, or is it primarily a men’s issue?
Women struggle significantly with pornography, though it’s less acknowledged due to shame and stereotypes (e.g., the Madonna-prostitute syndrome). Joe notes cultural indicators like male strippers and Playgirl magazine, and biblical examples of sexual women (e.g., Potiphar’s wife, Proverbs 7). He observes women being introduced to porn by husbands or turning to it due to sexual abandonment by spouses addicted to porn. Romance novels and “porn light” media also contribute. Churches fail to offer support groups for women, increasing shame and isolation.
Q. How should parents talk to teens about pornography in a gospel-centered, realistic way?
Parents should start with general principles early, teaching children that their household serves Jesus and lives counterculturally (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). This sets a foundation before addressing specifics. Conversations should be woven into daily life, not confined to a single “talk,” using news or casual discussions to highlight consequences of sin. Parents must model vulnerability, admitting their own temptations, and emphasize responsibility over purity. Joe suggests creating a conversational home environment, engaging before external influences (e.g., school, social media) shape teens’ views.
Q. What should a spouse do if their partner confesses porn use or addiction?
Confession is a step, but the betrayed spouse should expect deep hurt, as porn use implies “you weren’t enough.” The offending spouse must commit to a verifiable action plan: removing access (e.g., internet filters), seeking guidance, and establishing accountability. Trust, distinct from forgiveness, requires time and consistency to rebuild, like repairing credit. The betrayed spouse should avoid self-righteousness or holding the sin over their partner, as this hinders teamwork. Both must address personal sins (e.g., a wife’s critical behavior) to strengthen the marriage, though the porn use is solely the user’s responsibility.
Q. What words of hope do you have for believers ashamed or trapped by porn addiction?
Joe encourages believers not to surrender, likening their situation to lepers refusing to “sit here until we die” (2 Kings 7:3-4). Despite repeated failures, God’s purposes remain active. Repentance, prayer, confession, accountability, and body ministry (James 5:16) are effective. Joe testifies that embracing these principles after years of struggle made him stronger and happier. The cumulative dissatisfaction with sin can motivate lasting change, aligning believers with a fulfilling life.
Resources:
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Connect with the Guest:
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