Christian education in today’s age of pornography

As a mother, trying to raise children according to biblical principles in 2024 feels like juggling flaming torches while balancing on a tightrope on a unicycle over the Grand Canyon, all while fending off swarms of attacking wasps. In this technology-saturated society, countless issues threaten the well-being of our children, but one of the most pressing is pornography. Pornography poisons our children’s minds.

The misconception that pornography is harmless and without victims

I have heard the absurd argument that exposing children to pornography is a legitimate strategy to deter them from sexual activity or harmful sexual behavior. As a mother who cares deeply about the spiritual and moral development of her children, I find this viewpoint to be in stark contrast to the teachings of the Bible. The Word of God reminds us to guard our hearts and minds and to avoid anything that taints our purity and leads us astray. Exposing children to explicit content not only contradicts biblical principles but also leaves them vulnerable to harmful sexual behavior. Just as marijuana is called a gateway drug, pornography is a gateway to other destructive and sinful behaviors.

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Pornography does not represent a biblical view of sex. It does not reflect an intimate relationship between a man and a woman, which is sacred and reserved only for man and woman. Pornography portrays sex as a grotesque and sinful act, often involving multiple partners, same-sex partners, and even children. Studies continue to show that early exposure to pornography can have profoundly damaging effects on a child’s mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. It is our responsibility to protect children from such destructive influences.

The power of biblical education and lifestyle

Children’s hearts and minds are shaped by what they learn. In a world where our children are constantly exposed to sexual content, it is more important than ever to provide them with a solid foundation based on biblical truths about God’s plan for sexuality, the sanctity of marriage, and the importance of purity. This foundation will enable them to make informed, godly decisions. Pornography must not be used as a superficial, makeshift solution to keep our children from premarital sex. Children must understand that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, created for His glory, and that He provides them with a moral compass to guide their decisions.

A call for responsible child-rearing

Responsible parenting means more than just protecting our children from explicit content. It is also about actively promoting their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As parents, our children are our first and greatest mission field, and we are called to be vigilant, protect their hearts, guide them to righteousness, and help them meet the challenges life throws at them. We cannot rely on the latest trends and parenting guides written by people born with an inherently sinful nature to raise our children. We have the Word of God, and it is always in vogue. We must prioritize open and honest conversations based on biblical truths. When our children come to us with concerns or questions about uncomfortable topics, we must boldly respond with the truth of God’s Word and not shy away from pointing out the lies of the enemy.

Teaching our children their value and responsibility

As parents, it is critical for my husband and I that we teach our daughters their inherent worth and dignity as children of God and our sons the importance of their responsibility to respect and honor women. In a world that often objectifies women and reduces their value to outward appearance, we strive to instill in our daughters a deep understanding of their worth. They are fearfully and wonderfully made, created in the image of God with a purpose that goes far beyond what the world tells them. By teaching them to value their purity and respect themselves, we help them realize that their worth is defined not by societal norms but by their identity in Christ. This knowledge empowers them to make choices that honor God and uphold their dignity.

Our sons also need to understand that their strength and influence should be used to protect and encourage others, not to exploit or demean them. They need to know that true strength is found in self-control and that true leadership is demonstrated by service and respect for others. This foundation will enable them to build healthy relationships and resist the destructive influence of pornography.

A calling that goes beyond parenthood

As important as education is, the issue of exposing our children to explicit content requires a united front from the entire Christian community. It is not just up to parents; it is up to churches, educators, congregations, and lawmakers to come together and be united on the basis of biblical truth and ensure that exposing our children to explicit content is never an acceptable solution or alternative. Instead, we must prioritize biblical truth, open communication, and an environment where purity is valued. By doing this, we equip our children with the knowledge and understanding of God’s plan for sexuality and empower them to resist temptation and live according to His will.

As a mother, I believe it is time to stand up shoulder to shoulder and raise our voices to protect our children through the unchanging truths of the Bible, not the changing trends of this world.