Driscoll on Pornography

Apologies for the recent silence. I was away in church camp for the whole of last week. Coming back, one of the most immediate tasks which I've been up to is to prepare a series of bible studies for the Sermon on the Mount. One of the studies covers Matt 5:27-30, where Jesus reveals the shocking truth that harbouring lust for a woman is equivalent to committing adultery with her. I'm trying to extend the application/implication of this passage into an area troubling most men - pornography and (related to that) masturbation.

And to help me with that, I've discovered on the web Mark Driscoll's little unpublished booklet Porn-Again Christian: A frank discussion on pornography & masturbation (available here). I have to admit to you: this booklet is indeed a FRANK, and may I add no holds barred, discussion on the topic, all given to you Driscoll- style. What I appreciated about this little booklet is not only the theology - which Driscoll derives mainly from the bible, stating the relevant bible passages in his usual matter-of-fact in-your-face style of writing, but yet in the very next sentence shocking you with the implications of the passage in such a way that it's hard for you to forget. But what I also appreciate is that this booklet is very practical, and the practicality comes through a series of Q&A that Driscoll has put up, with the questions being real-life questions that he has encountered through his pastoral counselling sessions. What's valuable is also the last two chapters, with the first one covering James Dobson's interview with serial killer Ted Bundy, hours before he was executed. In that chapter, Bundy reveals the influence of pornography in his life, and how it was formative in leading him down the slippery slope he took. The second chapter consists of Justin Holcomb's article written to military men who may be struggling with the idea of visiting prostitutes while being out there. In it, Justin highlights the very sad predicament of many women trapped in the sex trade, with some moving real life stories. The point is to confront us with the harsh reality - the sex trade works on supply-demand economics. There wouldn't be a supply if there was no demand from us men - either through 'softer' means like pornography, or 'harder' means like the active seeking of prostitutes itself.

All in all, a short but very helpful booklet in helping us think through this (real but very often kept silent) area. A word of warning though - which Driscoll himself gives us - because this booklet is targetted at men, the tone might not be well suited for some women, and hence, it might not be best for them to read this booklet (p.3). Also, some parts may be a bit disturbing, but I guess that's how the point gets through and stays in our heads. But overall, this is definitely a booklet to be read; and not only read, but after that, to be prayed through where we confess to God our failings in this area, and find the forgiveness we so badly need in Jesus; and having done that, to ask for his strength to be led by His Spirit in tune with the new desires He gives us (Rom 8:13-14).