Shining Light into Dark Places–Porn use in the Church

by | Oct 8, 2014 | Life & Faith | 1 comment

Perhaps the greatest tool of the enemy of our souls is to keep our addictions and problems in the dark. Actually, it IS his greatest tool.

In Christian circles we have deemed it acceptable to talk about overeating and gluttony–there is Weight Watchers or we can enroll in Jenny Craig.  There are support groups for people dealing with drug and alcohol abuse–faith based ‘Celebrate Recovery’ programs.

But talking about porn addiction has not been out in the open in the church. And it should be, as Charisma News has recently reported.

Jen and Craig Ferguson want to change all that.

Craig, the son of an Episcopal priest, and Jen, a church-going, youth groupie fell in love and got married.
They loved Jesus and they loved each other but there was a shameful secret hiding behind the Christian facade–Craig’s porn addiction.

In their honest book, “Pure Eyes, Clean Heart”, Craig and Jen discuss their struggles as they share their journey to freedom from pornography.

On the fateful Mother’s Day that led to the discovery of her husband’s habit, Jen determined to figure out a way to control Craig and the situation.  But her need for control was just as strong and as wrong as Craig’s being trapped in porn use.

The way out? Shine the light in the darkest places.

“Jen has often asked me if I mind talking about my pornography addiction. 
I’ve told her no and here’s why: It’s the shame, the darkness 
and the desire to keep it hidden that gives pornography its power.
The only way to defeat it is to expose it and to bring it into the light.  
As Ephesians 5:10-11 says, 
“Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 
Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; 
instead, expose them.”
God wants us to talk about it.
It’s one of the reasons we started writing this book.” (p. 103)
Craig and Jen’s story continues as they reveal the reality of their journey and the victories that come.
In between the victories are the touchstones of forgiveness. 
It is forgiveness and hope that keep them going through their journey.

“Where there is light, there is progress.
So no matter how troublesome and dismal the truth, 
the very utterance of it breathes hope.” (p. 119)

I found myself thinking, as I read “Pure Eyes, Clean Heart”, “This book isn’t just for couples struggling through porn addiction. It’s for ALL couples who need a daily reminder about the power of healing, hope and forgiveness.

You can order Craig and Jen’s book here for yourself, 
your pastor, a counselor or a friend.

                                                                  

1 Comment

  1. Jen Ferguson on 10/08/2014 at

    Thank you so much for helping us go there and exposing our sin to light. Thank you for begin part of a community that has embraced us and shone light all along the way. Love to you!

    Reply

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