So Help Me God (or Whatever Works)

Chapter 6 describes how conservative Protestants approach the challenge of trying to stop using pornography. It begins with the observation that different groups within conservative Protestantism advocate for different approaches to quitting pornography use. Some advocate more practical approaches based on contemporary psychology. Others advocate a more “biblical” and “idealistic” approach, believing that true transformation must take place in the heart first. Drawing heavily on content from sexual-purity manuals along with interviews with pastors and lay conservative Protestants, this chapter shows that conservative Protestant pastors seem to give rather mixed counsel when it comes to their parishioners regarding quitting pornography. Also, lay conservative Protestants seem to employ a pragmatic approach to quitting pornography use, and are often most successful when they combine close relationships of accountability with proactive steps to eliminate access to pornography.