“The first step is to dismantle the myth that women are not capable of sinning sexually in the same ways as men. They are made just as much in the image of God, and they are likewise cursed as much under the fall, too,” Rosie Makinney says in her (excellent) book Fight for Love.
Growing up with the internet, I’ve always known about online risks and pornography. However, it wasn’t until recently I understood the prevalence of women watching porn. After all, that’s a “guy thing,” right?
False.
In 2020, 31% of porn-watching was done by women ages 18-34, and it’s rampantly growing elsewhere. Pornography is infecting more and more women, and it needs to be addressed. As porn is affecting mothers, daughters, and women worldwide.
Fight the New Drug, a non-profit and non-religious organization, raises some shocking facts concerning women and porn:
- 1 out of 3 women watch porn at least once a week
- More than 17% of women consider themselves addicted
- Half of young adult women find porn acceptable
- Women are 113% more likely to search the term “hardcore” than men
- Women are spending much longer watching porn than men
Often, society and the church connects sexual sins on men, and that ideology, especially among Christians. Impressive, considering in the Bible, there are multiple instances of women dealing with sexual sin and immorality Such as, the women at the well (John 4:1-42), and the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 7:53-8:11).
Granted, there wasn’t instant access to pornography back then, but there was lust, temptation, and immorality. And if women were struggling with these things when Jesus walked the earth, why should anyone believe the issue has lessened now?
87% of Christian women have watched porn, that’s not even mentioning those outside the church walls. Where are the ministry groups? Accountability? The help?
Unfortunately, they are primarily non-existent.
Even in churches, it’s hard to find a group for men, let alone women, due to its nature. When in fact, many ladies need help but fear coming forward due to shame what other “believers” will think. And for the sake of the hurting, there needs to be a way out.
As I mention in my previous article, porn addiction is flooding church-going believers. Yet, so many churches don’t address the problem and shame holds the addicted captive from coming forward. And when it comes to handling this issue, we should follow the example of the Bible.
There is another “sinful” woman to whom Jesus ministered. Her sin isn’t specified, but her love and repentance is. In the house of a Pharisee, this woman humbly came to wash the feet of Jesus – with her tears.
During her outpouring of love, the Pharisee insinuates her sin is great, and rebukes Jesus, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner,” Luke 7:39.
But Jesus, in His grace, didn’t turn her away. He didn’t rebuke her or claim her unclean. Instead, He forgave her. No matter her past mistakes, He forgave.
Just as He is ready and willing to help, forgive, and save any woman caught in the lie or trap of sexual sin, Jesus has the power to break any stronghold.
Even women who are struggling with porn…because, it isn’t just a guy thing.
Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven – as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little. Then Jesus said to her, Your sins are forgiven (Luke 7:47-8 NIV).
Other Resources: Covent Eyes, XXXChurch, or Beggar’s Daughter.
