Fellow believers helping persons addicted to pornography by becoming an embodiment of love

Abstract

are many forms of sexual addiction. In this article, the focus will be on pornography and cybersex. Pornography addiction can be described as the compulsive and escalating use and/or production of explicit sexual material including images and actions for purposes of the viewer’s sexual arousal and frequent climaxing in orgasm (Ford, Durtschi & Franklin 2012:338; Karaga et al. 2016). Pornography should be distinguished from cybersex . The latter can be described as all sexual activities that use the internet for written sexually explicit exchanges in the form of chats or instant messaging. It might also include the exchange of images or videos – either of the persons themselves or material found on the web, or it might take place in a multi-user domain (MUD) as a sort of computer game using avatars (Knauss 2009:330; Waskul & Vannini 2008:254). No physical contact is arranged – a distance remains between participants. The relationship involves no commitment and can be broken at any time without any explanation or visible Considering the growing problem of different internet addictions and their impact on individuals, couples, families, the church and society, it is important that churches seek to address the need for effective loving guidance in their pastoral care. This article examines a way in which congregations could help a person addicted to pornography to grow to freedom. A literature study was done to describe pornography addiction and compared it to cybersex. Subsequently, the influence on relationships of constant involvement in pornography is discussed, followed by a discussion of the relationship between sexual addiction and intimacy, and the causes of the fear of real-person intimacy. The healing of wounds that have led to the pornography addiction is investigated. The Journey Program is also analysed to discern its theoretical framework and investigate the biblical foundation of each of its metatheoretical starting points. Finally, practical theological guidelines are proposed for pastoral care of the pornography addict in the context of a congregation. Contribution: This article contributes to the understanding of pastoral care to the pornography addicted person and to the founding of a pastoral program based on the Word of God according to the convictions of Reformed theology.