Liberty University
Rawlings School of Divinity
Research Paper: Abstract, Outline, and Bibliography Assignment
Submitted to Professor Dr. Malcolm Hester
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
Public Theology
THEO 650 – D02
by
Kion Bolden
April 17, 2023
Topic Selection:
Pornography: The Silent Problem within the Church
Thesis Statement:
The Catechism, which emphasizes respect for human sexuality, states that a Christian's natural
and spiritual natures must coexist. However, by characterizing sexual desires as unnatural,
religious institutions and beliefs paralyze society's sense of morality. Pornography has quickly
become an obsession in modern society as a result of people's desire to conceal their sexual
desires and project an untrue image of holiness.
Abstract:
Pornography addiction has reached epidemic proportions. Both inside and outside the church, its
bondage is evident. Despite the prevalence of sex and sexually explicit imagery in our daily
lives, God continues to call His people to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). While a deep
relationship with Jesus Christ can provide release from pornography addiction, the church must
also deal responsibly with pornography and attempt to affirm healthy human sexuality. A
person's natural and spiritual natures coexist in Christian doctrine. Religious institutions and
beliefs that define sexual desires as unnatural paralyze morality. Modern society has become
obsessed with pornography because of people's desire to conceal their sexual desires and project
an untrue image of holiness. The church must seek to untangle the mindset that silences
humanity's sexuality. As we recognize, engage, and educate about human sexuality, we will raise
understanding of biblical principles and self-discipline.
Outline
I. Abstract
II. Introduction
III. Statistical Facts Regarding Pornography Addiction
a. The Church’s Silent Deterioration
b. The Unbeliever’s Compulsion
IV. The Wholistic Effects of Porn
a. The Mental Health Approach
b. Relational Effects: Marriage and Family
c. An Entangle Church
V. The Disentanglement: Liberating the Bound
a. The Responsibilities of the Church
b. The Art of Prayer
c. The Power of Awareness
Preliminary Bibliography
Abramson, Paul R., and Steven D. Pinkerton. With Pleasure Thoughts on the Nature of Human
Sexuality. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995.
Breed, Gert. "Fellow Believers Helping Persons Addicted to Pornography by Becoming an
Embodiment of Love." In Die Skriflig 56, no. 1 (2022).
Comella, Lynn, and Shira Tarrant. New Views on Pornography Sexuality, Politics, and the Law.
Edited by Shira Tarrant. Santa Barbara, California: Praeger, an imprint of ABC-CLIO,
LLC, 2015.
Groppe, Elizabeth Teresa. Seeing with the Eyes of the Heart Cultivating a Sacramental
Imagination in an Age of Pornography. Edited by Elizabeth Teresa Groppe. Washington,
D.C: The Catholic University of America Press, 2020.
Healey, Justin. Pornography and Its Harms. Edited by Justin Healey. Thirroul, New South
Wales: Spinney Press, 2019.
Jacob, Frank. Pornography Interdisciplinary Perspectives. Edited by Frank Jacob. New edition.
Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang Edition, 2019.
Moore, Russell, and Andrew T. Walker. The Gospel & Pornography. Edited by Russell Moore
and Andrew T. Walker. Nashville, Tennessee: B & H Publishing Group, 2017.
Patterson, R. and Price, J. (2012), Pornography, Religion, and the Happiness Gap: Does
Pornography Impact the Actively Religious Differently?. Journal for the Scientific Study
of Religion, 51: 79-89.
Perry, S.L. and Schleifer, C. (2018), Are the Sanctified Becoming the Pornified? Religious
Conservatism, Commitment, and Pornography Use, 1984–2016*. Social Science
Quarterly, 99: 1614-1626.
Reju, Deepak Varghese. Pornography Fighting for Purity. Place of publication not identified:
P&R Publishing, 2018.
Rigney, Joe. More Than a Battle How to Experience Victory, Freedom, and Healing from Lust.
Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2021.
