Vaughan Roberts, The Porn Problem (The Good Book Company, 2018)
Porn is a problem. It’s a problem in the world, a problem in the church, and a problem for many individual Christians. Vaughan Roberts’ pocket-size (90 page) book, is an accessible Christian engagement with this reality, full of biblical truth and helpful wisdom.
Vaughan starts by outlining the realities of porn. He highlights how widespread porn use is, among both men and women, and the need for us to get a right perspective on it, a point that he notes is now being acknowledged by many people who have no religious faith.
Vaughan is also refreshingly honest about the reality that porn use is common among Christians, as many of us will know, whether pastorally or personally or both. He lays down an important challenge to churches: if we want to help people make progress in the battle against sin, we must be communities where we speak openly about struggles like porn and where honesty and vulnerability are encouraged.
The opening chapter closes with these encouraging words which sum up much of the overall message of the book:
‘The Bible has wonderful news for those who are beginning to feel they will never find victory in the fight against porn. The gospel of Jesus Christ offers complete forgiveness and also a new power by the Holy Spirit to enable us to fight sin and grow in holiness’ (p.18).
Vaughan then explains why porn use is a sinful, not just by giving some biblical proof texts but by helping us to understand God’s beautiful plan for sexuality. And even those who don’t share this Christian understanding of sex should recognise that porn isn’t good. In the next chapter, Vaughan outlines eight reasons why porn, though it might seem appealing, is actually ugly and destructive.
This ugliness of porn is often recognised by those who access it. And yet, while many users of porn would like to stop, they find themselves unable to do so. Vaughan helps us to understand that the real issue isn’t porn but the sinful human heart. Often behind porn usage is an understandable desire – a desire to be loved or to feel that you’re in control – but sin uses these desires to lead us into and ultimately leave us enslaved by sinful habits, such as porn. If the true problem is in our hearts, then the heart is where the true solution must be applied, and that’s exactly what happens through the gospel. ‘Christ brings freedom, not slavery; and that includes freedom from the guilt and grip of porn’ (p.49).
The book finishes with two chapters aimed at helping readers to apply the understanding that Vaughan has outlined up to that point. The first, ‘Living Porn Free’, offers practical advice for those themselves struggling with porn, while the final chapter, ‘Helping Others’, answers questions that might be asked by others, including spouses, parents, and pastors.
What I most value about this book is that, though it is short, Vaughan doesn’t offer trite or simplistic answers.
What I most value about this book is that, though it is short, Vaughan doesn’t offer trite or simplistic answers. He doesn’t just help us to understand that porn is sinful, but also why, and he helps us to see that the solution for those who are struggling with porn can’t just be surface level (such as accountability software or content filters, as helpful as these can be), but must go right to the heart. It’s a book that faces the depth of the porn problem, but also presents the power of Jesus to bring forgiveness and freedom.
This would be a great book to get hold of if you are struggling with porn or to give to someone who is. And it would be a great book to read and discuss with someone else. If you’re struggling with porn, why not get two copies and ask a trusted friend to read it too so they can support you in your battle against sin? If you’re supporting someone who’s struggling with porn, why not suggest you both read and discuss this book? (There’s even a discussion guide at the back of the book to help you.)
Porn is a serious problem, but thankfully there is an answer for any who want to break free from its grip. Vaughan’s short book does a great job of introducing us to that solution.
