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The Playboy philosophy and the roots of deception
The late Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy magazine, once said, “A good life is a life lived by your own rules… I have one of the best jobs in the world. I get to do what I want, when I want. That’s a good way to live.”
Hefner, however, was tragically deceived by wealth, fame, and perversion. His misguided attempt to fill the God-shaped hole in his heart with selfish ambition aligned with the infamous phrase, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law,” coined by Satanist Aleister Crowley. Crowley’s teachings on sexual liberation and sex magic claimed that ‘sexual energy’ could be harnessed to fulfill one’s own corrupt, fleshly desires—opening the door to spiritual darkness. This is not a good way to live!
Hefner’s worldview profoundly influenced the normalization of sexual sin in society. Between it and Hustler magazine, over 1 billion magazines were sold. Despite its shameful and covert beginnings, it has led literally millions down a hellish path of wickedness. And now, with the rise of the internet—and the rise of perverse AI-generated images and videos—society is plunging even deeper into an already depraved virtual world of sexual deviancy.
The destructive power of online pornography
As someone who had personally struggled with this addiction for years, I can’t emphasize the importance of highlighting this phenomenon after seeing its destructive power. Online pornography has, without a doubt, wreaked havoc on potentially billions of lives—affecting both children and adults across secular and Christian communities alike. It has shattered countless marriages and families, triggered spiritual identity crises, contributed to the rise of gender confusion, and has fueled a modern global epidemic called porn addiction.
To illustrate the sheer scale of its influence, pornography is a massive industry, surpassing even the totality of the music, sports, fashion, and video game industries in the U.S.—a staggering thought. Its gross income is hard to pinpoint, but it is estimated that the U.S. pornography industry generates up to $97 billion annually (to put this amount into perspective, that could feed about 80.8 million families in Africa for one year, assuming $100/month in basic food costs).
PornHub, one of the top 10 most visited porn sites on the internet (Warning, do not search out this site), reported that over 6.8 billion hours of video were watched on its website in 2021. The site is currently estimated to be worth between a staggering $1 and $2 billion, with that figure rising steadily. While this site is huge, it is just scratching the surface of porn on the internet. Research shows that up to 30% of all internet traffic is pornographic content. It is without question that this has led to an increase of marital affairs, divorces, and many millions of unborn children have been killed through abortion as a result of unwanted pregnancies, proving the scripture true that “…when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, brings forth death” (James 1:14-15).
One cannot engage in online porn without contributing to the exploitation of children through the sex trafficking industry. Estimates suggest that over 1 million children are exploited by the global commercial sex trade each year, according to organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF. In the context of online exploitation, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reports tens of millions of images and videos involving child sexual abuse are circulated annually, a great percentage of which are tied to the porn industry. For the follower of Christ, this should be reason enough to distance themselves from sexual sin once and for all.
Millions of Christians are addicted
Sadly, it can be assumed that millions of professing Christians worldwide—both men and women—are living double lives, ensnared in the destructive cycle of addiction. They conceal their struggles in secrecy, grappling silently alongside secular society, often right under the noses of their families and church communities. A 2024 report by Barna and Pure Desire Mi
nistries revealed a study with troubling findings. They indicate that around 54% of practicing Christians in the United States consume pornography at least occasionally. According to the Barna Group’s 2024 study, 49% of practicing “Christians” (quotes added by the author) who view pornography said they are “comfortable” with their usage. The stipulation that this is a male-only topic is false—women are also silently engaging. Conservative polls suggest that 25% of women and 54% of men admit to falling into it, though the numbers for both groups are likely higher.
In the Western world—including the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia—approximately 750 million individuals identify as Christians. If the general statistics align, it would amount to 504 million Christians engaged in pornography to some degree. This is deeply tragic—especially considering certain passages like, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.… Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:8–12), which is quite the opposite. Tragically, many professing believers remain ensnared by “the lust of the flesh” and “the pride of life,” as described in 1 John 2:16, and in turn are giving Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, a black eye.
Sex-Addiction Help Groups Nearly Empty
Due to the cultural stipulations and degree of shame involved with this type of addiction, professing Christians worldwide are apparently unable or unwilling to seek help. The vast majority of Christians on a global scale are in a desperate condition of a habitual cycle of addiction, whether they are aware of it or not.
As a representation of the broader Church in the United States, Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch, California—recognized as one of the largest and fastest-growing churches in the nation—attracts approximately 9,000 worshipers each week. It offers a range of ministries to support its congregation, including a well-publicized recovery group for men struggling with sex addiction called Men at the Well. While the group has witnessed significant transformations in men committed to their recovery, weekly attendance averages a mere 35.
Given the widespread impact of pornography, this low turnout is a sobering reminder of the state of the body of Christ, and how few are actually turning to the churches who offer programs addressing it.
Porn Is Like A Drug
Research also shows that pornography also leads to mental and physical dependence and can be addictive as street drugs like heroin and cocaine. This is due to an incredible release of dopamine in the brain when viewing porn, a key chemical involved in reward and pleasure. Scientific studies have shown that, like substance addiction, the brain’s reward system is hijacked by overstimulation, leading to changes in brain chemistry and neural pathways that reinforce compulsive behavior.
JAMA Psychiatry and Psychological Science has found that frequent pornography use can lead to addiction-like symptoms, including dependence and withdrawal. For the Christian, this means pornography, like substance abuse, is a double-edged sword, affecting both the spiritual and physical self. However, research shows that our God-designed brain can heal itself through the way we think, a process neuroscientists call neuroplasticity. Remarkably, the brain reshapes itself through repeated thought patterns, actions, and prayer—confirming what Paul says in Philippians 4:8: “Think about these things… and the God of peace will be with you”. Addicts or those who allow Satan a foothold very often lack an internal sense of peace due to compromising the truth that brought them to Christ, which very often leads to the natural consequence of guilt, shame, feelings of inadequacy and a stricken conscience—just to name a few.
Pastors Caught In a Web of Addiction
Since pornography is generally a taboo topic in today’s churches, it is rarely mentioned from the pulpit. Many who are considered “outstanding” members of Christian churches—including pastors, elders and laypeople—trusted leaders within the flock of Jesus Christ, are not only remaining silent about this issue but are also caught in its grip themselves. In fact, it has been estimated that 18% of pastors currently struggle with porn. Given that there are over 500,000 pastors in the United States, this would mean that 90,000 of them may have a porn problem. These individuals, though holding positions of leadership, can biblically be considered disqualified from their roles. Those who conceal their addiction and refuse to turn from it can be considered wolves in sheep’s clothing, false shepherds enslaved by sexual sin, walking in darkness and fleecing the flock instead of protecting it (Ezekiel 34:1–4).
Consider the case of 29-year-old Jose Saez Jr., pastor of Iglesia Cristiana Alumbrando El Camino in Brentwood, New York, who in March 2025 pleaded guilty to possessing sexually explicit images and videos of young boys, engaging in inappropriate online conversations and sharing explicit content. Saez admitted to molesting and preying on boys directly from his own congregation. Edward Wilds III, a 44-year-old youth pastor in Australia, was arrested in April of 2023 for downloading child pornography using the church’s own Wi-Fi. Investigators discovered approximately 54,000 pornographic images, some involving children. These are just a few examples of which are too many to list here.
Tragic Consequences
This begs the question: If so many pastors and elders are ensnared, how can congregations trust their leaders to guide them toward freedom? Jesus has strong words for people like this, as He warned: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6). Romans 8:8 also warns, “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God”, and in another place, “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).
For the professing believer, pastor or lay person, the bible couldn’t be more clear; continuing in sexual sin short of repentance can result in disqualification in regard to final salvation. The Bible is very clear on what will happen to the unrepentant in this uncompromising passage:
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10)
Truly, let us not be deceived. There is a spiritual enemy at work through the trap of pornography—Satan. The Bible communicates strongly that there is a very real spiritual battle for our souls. While God desires reconciliation with us, the devil’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy us by using temptations like pornography, masturbation, and lust to keep us shackled to sin and in shame and despair, and staying useless and ineffective members of the Body of Christ. Sexual sin is one of Satan’s most effective tools.
Calling On Those Who Want Freedom From Porn
We must face the burning question asked by Jesus, “Will the Son of man find faith on the earth?” The facts indeed look grim for the whole of the church, however many hundreds of thousands of individuals have been set free from the grip of porn and have stepped up to live the life that God wants them to, free from the bondage of sexual sin that once held them captive. Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” (John 8:36). If you are currently engaged in watching (or reading) pornographic material, now is the time to repent and run from it. The Bible tells us we are in great need of redemption and holiness, which is a requirement for salvation:
The Lord requires everyone, everywhere, to turn from darkness to light through repentant faith, to believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection, and to seek forgiveness for our sins from our Maker and Righteous Judge, God Almighty, for “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” (2 Timothy 2:19). Anything placed before God is idolatry, which God hates.
Today is the day of salvation. Ask, seek, and knock, and the door will be opened to you. It is God’s will that you escape judgment through faith in Christ and in sanctification. We have a choice—we can either live to fulfill the desires of the flesh, or we can turn from sin and experience freedom from guilt and shame by seeking the Father’s will—not our own. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses.
If you are guilty of this sin, God is able to change your life. James 4:7-10 says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
Breaking Free and Finding Freedom
If you find yourself caught in this sin, it’s essential to face the reality that you need help beyond yourself. Bring the issue into the light. As someone who personally struggled with this for many years—even as a Christian—I can attest that freedom is possible. The following are the ways in which I was able to overcome this sin:
I gave my life over the will of the Father to the best of my ability. Short of the Holy Spirit living in you, you may be able to stop, but you will not have true freedom. Accountability is a powerful tool in the journey toward freedom. Seek out a strong, mature believer you trust. Confess your sins regularly and commit to being accountable to them—even daily if needed.
Many local churches offer support groups, including Christian-based addiction programs, which can be incredibly helpful. I also recommend a Christ-centered resource like Falling Forward by Craig Lockwood, or Building for Freedom by Troy Haas, a very insightful workbook which played a significant role in my healing process. I went through this in the mornings which took about a quarter of my time with the Lord.
While these tools are surely valuable, I cannot overstate the necessity of immersing yourself in the Bible. Begin reading and meditating on Scripture every single day, ideally first thing in the morning. Ask yourself: Do I truly want to be free? If so, you must be willing to read and study it like you have never done before. A great commitment adjust your schedule to wake up an hour earlier than usual to make time with the Lord. Begin journaling during this time, recording your thoughts, feelings, and the truths God reveals to you through His Word. This practice will deepen your understanding and is instrumental in changing the way you think. These practices will transform your mind, strengthen your heart, and reawaken emotions you thought were long gone. Many people have been set free in this way (you can do it too).
Note: If you need direction, as a starting point, read Proverbs chapters 1 through 7. These chapters offer practical wisdom and speak directly to this issue. Then begin reading through the entire Bible by starting in both Genesis and Matthew, while also regularly returning to Proverbs and Psalms for continued insight and encouragement. Memorize passages of the bible that speak to you and that you can use when you are tempted such as 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:12, 2 and 2 Peter 1:3
Remove the Tools That Make It Easy To Fall
React radically by removing anything that causes you to fall sexually. The most common gateway is your smartphone. Plainly stated, these are terrible devices to own if you struggle with porn. If it is a source of temptation, you must get rid of it (as I chose to do). Switch to a device without internet access—such as a call-and-text-only flip phone—or an administrator-controlled phone like Bark by Galaxy or Gabb, both of which have no browser or apps that provide access to the internet.
If you must have a desktop in your living space, install accountability software such as EverAccountable or Covenant Eyes. The bottom line is this. Whatever else is causing you to fall—change it, remove it, BURN IT. It is not worth sacrificing your soul for temporary pleasures. Living free of guilt and shame and a clear conscience is truly living.
For a conglomeration of carefully assembled scriptures on sexual sin as a shotgun of passage, please visit my page All-Bible Exhortation and Warnings on Sexual Temptation and Sexual Sin | The Harder Truths. God bless you as you embark on your journey toward freedom!
Website: Thehardertruths.net. Greg can be reached at gregcoopersblog@gmail.com
References:
- CBN News, “Many Christians Admit to Porn Use—Some Are Comfortable With It”
- The Guardian, “What Internet Porn Tells Us About Ourselves”
- International Labour Organization (ILO), Child Labour and Trafficking
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), CyberTipline Data
- WebMD, “What Is Neuroplasticity?”
- Barna Group, “Over Half of Practicing Christians Admit They Use Pornography”
Note: Percentages noted in this article are deducted based on general research and are not definitive.