Christian Leaders Seek Solutions to Impact of Pornography on the Church
A major gathering of Christian Denominational leaders, pastors, school administrators, teachers, parents’ groups, camp directors, and other ministry leaders will converge in Greensboro, North Carolina at the “Set Free Global Summit” (setfreesummit.org) on April 4 to 7, to learn from and interact with eminent Christian experts who will present practical advice on addressing pornography in the Church and among individuals. The Summit will also unveil a special study presenting detailed statistics about pornography use by denominations.
Location of the event is: The Sheraton Four Seasons, 3121 Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27407. Christian leaders of all stripes are urged and welcome to attend.
The Summit’s topics are:
• The true impact of Internet pornography
• Neurological, psychological, cultural and spiritual implications of pornography
• Culturally effective and practical solutions
• Proven methods and resources for leading the fight
Set Free Summit’s organizers are Josh McDowell Ministry and Covenant Eyes.
Christian thought leaders scheduled to speak include:
• Josh McDowell, founder, Josh McDowell Ministry. He has written or co-authored over 145 books in over 100 languages including, “New Evidence That Demands A Verdict” – named one of the 20th Century’s top 40 books and one of the thirteen most influential books on Christian thought in the last 50 years by World Magazine
• Ron DeHaas, Founder and CEO of Covenant Eyes
• Steve Arterburn, Founder and Chairman, New Life Ministries
• William Struthers, neuroscientist and professor of psychology
• Mary Ann Layden, Director of Education, Center for Cognitive Therapy, University of Pennsylvania
• Ted Roberts, Founder of Pure Desire of Clinical Treatment
• PatrickTrueman, Director, War on Illegal Pornography
• Dawn Hawkins, Executive Director, National Center on Sexual Exploitation
• Judith Reisman, researcher, teacher & author, “Sexual Sabotage”
• Bernie Anderson, Pastor and Author, “Breaking The Silence: A Pastor Goes Public About His Battle with Pornography”
Josh McDowell Ministry, which commissioned the Barna Group to conduct the research, found that nearly half of young adults come into contact with porn at least once a week. Sixteen percent see it daily, 32 percent weekly and 23 percent once or twice per month.
Just a few of the many findings to be disclosed:
• More than half of teens and young adults talk about porn in a way that is completely accepting. Only a small minority talk about it in a way that is disagreeable
• Sexting is now commonplace – 66% of teens and young adults have received explicit messages
• Young people are twice as likely to expose themselves to porn before puberty
• Just over one in five youth pastors currently struggles with using porn, and they use it at least once a month. About 12% of youth pastors and 5% of pastors are addicted to porn.
• Young adults (18-24) are the least likely age group to say porn is bad for society.
“Pornography violates all relational values between the individual and self, the individual and society, the unity of our families and our moral fabric and fiber as a nation,” said Josh McDowell. “When we objectify and demean life by removing the sanctity of the human person, our future is at risk,” he said. “Nothing erodes a person’s faith faster than Internet pornography.”
(Source: Christian Newswire)
