Porn and Pancakes 2014

Written by Levi Jubelt Media by John Freeman

[divide]

September 30 marks the fourth annual Porn and Pancakes event for Joy Hall. This event tackles the increasing issue of porn in our society and the adverse effects it can have. As the name suggests, the event begins with everyone enjoying delicious pancakes before the discussion begins. For some porn may be a taboo topic and instantly labeled as evil, but in order for the issue of porn to diminish it needs to be discussed and critically analyzed. Pastor and Biology Professor Dr. Eugene Dunkley brought insight into the discussion as this year’s speaker. The following is a synopsis of the thoughts that Dr. Dunkley shared.

Biological Effects

When talking about porn as an addiction, it is important to recognize the effect it has on the brain. Continued viewing of porn can lead to a strong addiction just like drugs and alcohol. It is an impulse that is hard to ignore when the urge hits and is similar to a chocolate lover that has to buy chocolate whenever they see it. This continued viewing also leads to chemicals being replaced in the brain. What porn does is that it replaces the dopamine effect in your brain with testosterone. Dopamine is the chemical related to love and testosterone is simply sex drive. With too much testosterone a person may become incapable of actual love due to their constant thoughts of sex. This leads to relationships that are totally based on sexual contact. An emphasis on what features a partner has becomes more important than how well you connect with them. This doesn’t mean being with someone because they are attractive is wrong. It becomes a problem when the features of that partner are the sole determining factor on whether they are dateable. Extended stimulation by porn changes how a person thinks and cripples their relationships.

Cultural Problems

            A big problem in dealing with porn is that everything in this country relates to sex. You see a car commercial and there is a half-naked women sitting on the hood while the commercial rolls. She has nothing to do with the car but hey, sex sells. This country uses sex appeal in marketing and as long as it seems to keep working it is not likely to change. This makes it hard to remain a godly man or women when the world doesn’t want us to be. It is difficult to turn on any form of media without something sexual being involved. For men, it is even hard to go outside with today’s fashion trends. But, if that is the style that is in right now there is no way to avoid it. It is impossible to avoid going outside and seeing clothing that may be considered provocative, so it just requires a bit more strength and dedication to not look.

Overcoming an Addiction

            When overcoming an addiction to pornography the first and most important thing that is needed is Christ. If your heart is ready and dedicated to getting rid of the addiction Christ will give you the strength to do so. Then next important step is to have an accountability partner. Find a person you can trust that will help you overcome the problem and keep you on the right track. Someone who can help you get rid of magazines or keep you off of certain websites. Lastly, find a prayer partner. When fighting an addiction the last thing anyone wants is to feel guilty about what they have done. A prayer partner can help you find the strength in Christ to persevere through the addiction. There may be many failures, but the addiction can be broken.

Porn is not an issue that is going to disappear by ignoring it. We must tackle it head on if there is to be any hope of lessening its grip on our society. There needs to be willingness to talk about it and an understanding towards those plagued by it. Porn is an ever increasing issue and it’s time we take it seriously whether the world is ready for it or not.