Is watching porn a sin?

Pornography is not directly addressed in Scripture. However, pornography, whether in pictures, film, videos, or stories, is considered sinful according to several biblical principles, as it fosters lust, objectifies others, denigrates men and especially women, and can lead to addiction, all of which are contrary to God’s design for sexual purity.

1. Pornography fosters lust.
   • Verse: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28 NKJV)
   • Explanation: Jesus addresses the heart of the problem with pornography in this verse. He quoted one of the 10 Commandments but then extended its application. Adultery is a sin, but so is looking at a woman (or a man) either in person or in pictures or film with lustful desires. The desire to commit adultery or fornication is as much a sin as its actual commission.
2. Pornography objectifies others.
   • Verse: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27NKJV)
   • Explanation: This verse underscores the inherent dignity and worth of both men and women as bearers of God’s image. Pornography focuses only on the sexuality of the person rather than on their emotional and spiritual value and worth before God.
3. Pornography denigrates men and women.
   • Verse: “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.” (1 Timothy 5:1-2)
   • Explanation: This emphasizes the need for respect toward men and women of any age. Our relationship with others of any age or gender should always be based on purity. Pornography is not just the issue of men looking at naked or scantily-clad women; it has also become a problem with women lusting after men through pictures, film, and stories.
4. Pornography can lead to addiction and further sex acts.
   • Verse: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).
   • Explanation: Peter instructs us to be “sober” or “self-controlled.” Self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Peter includes self-control in his list of virtues (1 Peter 5-7). Believers who control their thoughts and actions will be free from addictions that impair judgment and damage their character and testimony.
5. Pornography is contrary to God’s command for purity.
   • Verse: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 NKJV)
     • Explanation: Pornography often contributes to a broader culture of sexual immorality, which the Bible condemns. Rather, Paul encourages believers to focus on what is pure, honorable, and good.