- Monday, April 27th, 2009
- Written By Luke Gilkerson
- Categories: Porn Industry, Pornography Addiction Back to Blog Home
Blame it on the Brain? – The Science of Porn
In today’s world we’ve got pornography down to a science . . . literally. Never before has there been so much research available about pornography’s affect on society. On this blog we look at a number of ways that pornography affects the teens that are watching it and the women performing in it.
There is also a growing body of research about pornography’s affect on the brain. About four years ago several experts appeared before a Senate subcommittee to talk about “the Brain Science Behind Pornography Addiction.” Their statements are startling:
“There are no studies and no data that indicate a benefit from pornography use. . . . The society is awash in pornography and so in fact the data are in. If pornography made us healthy, we would be healthy by now” (Dr. MaryAnne Layden).
“. . . [M]odern science allows us to understand that the underlying nature of an addiction to pornography is chemically nearly identical to a heroin addiction” (Dr. Jeffrey Satinover).
“Pornography triggers a myriad of endogenous, internal, natural drugs that mimic the ‘high’ from a street drug. Addiction to pornography is addiction to what I dub erototoxins—mind altering drugs produced by the viewer’s own brain” (Dr. Judith Reisman).
“. . . [T]he findings of numerous studies suggest that pornography consumption promotes sexual deviancy, sexual perpetration, and adverse sexual attitudes” (Dr. James B. Weaver).
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What is the value of all this type of research? Does knowing how porn affects the brain help us to overcome problems surrounding pornography? Does knowing this information excuse us from giving into temptation: can we just blame it all on the brain?
The study of the human brain can be a very God-glorifying science. The more we look at the way God designed and wired the brain, the more we can appreciate the beautiful complexity that goes into how we think and live. We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139), and so we are invited to explore that wonder.
Unfortunately, we can also easily apply our own spurious meanings to scientific findings. Neuroscience can help us understand how the brain works under specific circumstances. But we must integrate these findings into an overall biblical theology. Theology is really the Queen of the Sciences, and as such, it determines the meanings of our scientific findings, not the other way around.
This week we will be playing a series of podcast interviews with Mark Kastleman. Mark is the author of The Drug of the New Millennium, a book about how pornography use affects the brain. Mark will share with us some of the findings from researchers and neurobiologists about the hormones released in the body when someone watches pornography, and why there are long-term consequences to watching.
Look forward to the series. You don’t need science to convince me that it is a drug. Keep up the good work
Definitely looking forward to the Mark Kastleman podcast interviews. The ongoing research into the neurological effects of porn will hopefully help us to reach an accepted definition of ‘porn addiction’, and the most effective measures for reversing it.
thank god a man bursting with testosterone can access porn for release instead of going out and raping a real women
@blaine – Thank God for the strength to overcome pornography and all forms of lust to live a life of real joy and satisfaction.
porn is a brain killer
looking for resources online that not only point out the harmful, damaging effects of pornography to the brain, but also research and/or ministry links that promote the redemptive qualities in the atonement and the grace promised in Jesus Christ…what I mean is, this research is great to know and it helps me understand the effects of pornography, but what this article doesn’t do is help me find hope and transformation through the redemptive promises found in Christ and the cross….been experiencing a struggle lately to this “drug” and looking for ways to break the cycle and the harmful effects it is seemingly leaving on my brain….
What I mean is…is there a place in found through the grace of God that these harmful effects that have happened to my brain can be reversed and restored back to equilibrium? Can the messed up wires of my brain be put back to normal through faith in Christ and through appropriation of some promises found in the Bible:
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death – Rom 8:2
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) … That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom 5:17,21
does anyone have any thoughts or references for me?
Have you checked out our e-books? Specifically, Porn in the Pews and Internet Pornography: A Ministry Leader’s Handbook may help.
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