The Porn Crisis Hiding in Today’s Churches

November 23, 2025

A new report from Pure Desire Ministries reveals that pornography use is widespread among faith communities, with 61% of U.S. adults viewing pornography and 75% of surveyed Christians admitting to using it, including 67% of pastors. Ashley Jameson, who works with Pure Desire Ministries, trains church leaders on addressing this addiction and emphasizes that brain imaging shows pornography affects the brain similarly to heroin, causing physical damage that can be reversed through treatment and neuroplasticity. The issue remains largely hidden because people fear judgment and removal from leadership positions, with half of users keeping their behavior secret and most lacking support systems.

Who is affected

Christians across denominations (75% of surveyed Christians admit to using pornography)
U.S. pastors and church leaders (67% admit to using pornography)
Men and women (though men view it more positively while women view it more negatively)
Generation Z (39% are struggling, with 25% of men and 40% of women affected)
Children being accidentally exposed to pornography at young ages
Families experiencing divorce connected to pornography use
Ashley Jameson personally (childhood sexual assault survivor and wife of someone with pornography addiction)
People across 27 countries where Pure Desire has support groups

What action is being taken

Pure Desire Ministries is conducting research in partnership with Barna on pornography use
Ashley Jameson is writing, teaching, and training church leaders worldwide
Pure Desire Ministries is operating support groups in 27 different countries
The organization is offering resources, multiple support groups, and recovery programs through its website
Treatment programs are incorporating neuroplasticity work to help repair brain damage
Brain scans are being conducted to measure physical recovery progress

Why it matters

This issue matters because pornography addiction is causing significant mental health decline and negatively impacting individuals' overall well-being, yet 44% of U.S. adults underestimate its effects. The physical brain damage caused by pornography use is comparable to heroin addiction, with brain scans showing atrophy and holes in the brain. The problem is especially concerning because it affects DNA messaging patterns that can be passed down generationally, setting up children and grandchildren to struggle with similar issues. The widespread nature of the problem among church leaders (67% of pastors) creates a culture of silence where people cannot seek help without fear of losing their positions, perpetuating a cycle of secrecy and shame. The astronomical divorce rates connected to pornography use demonstrate its severe impact on relationships and family stability.

What's next

Pastors, parents, and teachers have an opportunity to help, particularly with Gen Z individuals who report lacking support
Those struggling are encouraged to trust the recovery process and seek help through Pure Desire's resources
Parents are encouraged to address their own struggles to prevent passing them to future generations through changed DNA messaging
Brain rescans can be performed after recovery work to document physical healing

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle