The Root of the Pornography Problem

A few weeks ago, the national conversation–especially online–turned for a few moments to pictures of Kim Kardashian. The model had a series of photographs taken for a magazine (that I had never heard of), which showed her in various stages of undress. The shoot ended with fully nude photos of the star. (No, I have not seen them, and do not want to.)

While these pictures were considered “soft core” pornography, they did lead to some conversation over the nature of the entire pornography industry. There can be no doubt that our society is far more sexualized than it was even just a few years ago. That manifests itself in everything from immodest dress to pornography addictions, and many things in-between.

What, though, would lead to Kardashian taking such pictures? What would lead to people gawking at images and films that are meant to do nothing but bring a few moments of seduction for hours on end?

In other words, what is at the root of the pornography problem that is running rampant in our world?

In one word: selfishness.

The woman who would allow for these pictures or videos to be taken is selfish. She is selfish for attention. She is selfish for money. She is selfish for recognition.

At the other end of the lens, those who produce this material are selfish. They will use anything–no matter how sordid–to make a buck. They will treat the women on film like they are something special, then dismiss them as soon as they lose their looks.

And, on the consumer end, those who view pornography are selfish. By clicking on the pictures, buying the magazines, or watching the videos, they are saying that their own sexual “thrill” is all that matters. There is no regard for a spouse (or future spouse). There is no thought about the soul of the person in the images.

…and there is no thought about God and His standards by anyone involved.

I think it is safe to say that the main reason we have seen such a growth in the “adult” industry is because we have also seen a growth in the amount of selfishness in our society. No one is the standard but ourselves. I get to choose for myself what I want to do, and I shouldn’t have to deal with any consequences if what I choose is unwise. The only thing that matters is what brings me a few bucks or a momentary thrill.

That is the very definition of selfishness, and it is what leads to the ever-growing problem of pornography in our world.

If we ever thought of other people as eternal souls bound for eternity, pornography would never be an issue. Sadly, too many are only thinking of themselves and one more day on this earth with a few sensual pleasures.

Every actor and actress, every producer and director, and every viewer and consumer of pornography has a soul. Will we reach out to them with the Gospel? Will we see every person in that light and fight back against the plague of pornography simply by kind words and good deeds?

Or will we be selfish, too, but selfish with the Gospel?

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Photo background credit: Kiuko on Creative Commons