This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure for more information.
I was so disappointed to hear Dennis Prager’s views on pornography recently, and equally pleased to see other men speaking truth on this important issue.
Hugh Hefner died last week. While I don’t revel in his death, the phrase ‘good riddance’ did cross my mind. Hefner contributed heavily to bringing pornography to the mainstream, making it more easily accessible and normalized. Grieving his death never entered my mind.
What did make me sad was hearing Dennis Prager speak about his father subscribing to Playboy. He said that he felt no shame over it. After all, his dad had been faithful to his mother for seventy-some years.
I enjoy Dennis Prager. I admire and agree with probably 90% of what he speaks on. We LOVE Prager University videos, and I’ve used them frequently in our homeschooling study groups.
In full disclosure, I only heard about half of the interview in which he spoke about his father and the Playboys. It’s possible that he reasoned through this faulty sentiment and acknowledged that he could still honor and respect his father while condemning this behavior. I hope he did.
It’s Natural
My assumption is that Mr. Prager, like so many others, believes that because it is natural for men to be attracted to looking at women’s bodies, that it’s okay as long as it’s just looking.
In the Bible, Paul writes extensively about the difference between the flesh and the Spirit.
I read years ago that the phrase ‘the flesh’ can be translated as ‘what comes naturally’.
What comes naturally to us is typically not what God desires for us. In fact, it’s often the polar opposite of what He desires…it’s often sin.
Porn is destructive. It is never – not ever – a victimless activity.
Prager’s father may have been physically faithful to his wife, but I would bet money that if she knew about his habit, she felt less-than.
You see, women know what men can’t see: That no matter how many times a husband says, “It doesn’t have anything to do with you”–it does. It does have something to do with her. Every time he looks at porn for stimulation, he is saying to his wife, “You are not enough for me.”
Any wife whose husband has an addiction to pornography can feel the depth of the Psalmists words, “I am forced to restore what I did not steal.” (Ps. 69:4)
Ladies, if your husband struggles with pornography, there is hope. Click here to read more.
I have been pleased to see men like Dale Partridge and Matt Walsh speak boldly about the harmful effects of pornography.
Early feminists railed against Hefner and his empire that marginalized and de-humanized women. Sadly, modern day feminists have bought hook, line and sinker into the propaganda.
They have convinced themselves that being just a body somehow empowers them.
Sadly, the same can be said for good people who explain looking at pornography away as ‘natural’ and ‘harmless’. They have been deceived.
Whether or not porn is already an issue for you, I can’t say strongly enough:
If you are not actively protecting against it coming into your home–it will come into your home!
Over 10 years ago, my husband and I began using something to not only filter content on our computer, but a tool that actually adds a layer of accountability. The tool that we use is called Covenant Eyes, and I can’t imagine not using it.
Did you know that 70% of teens admit to stumbling across porn accidentally online?
70 percent!
Would you let your kids play with a toy if there was a 70% chance they’d injure themselves with it?
Click here to read: Online Protection for Your Family: Keep Porn Out of your Home.
Dear Mr. Prager…
I know I’m just a small fish in the sea of online presences. But if Dennis Prager were to read my little post, what I’d like to say is this:
Mr. Prager, just as I can admire and respect you while still being disappointed in your statement the other day– it would not diminish the legacy of your father for you to admit that looking at pornography is not something to be proud of. And in the spirit of clarity I’d be curious to know how you reconcile justifying the use of porn with the high morals which I know you espouse.
Friends, what do you think? Is looking at pornography okay as long as one remains physically faithful?
No Sis I don’t believe it’s ok to just look. We never just look, we are planting seeds. I tell my children what kind of mother would I be if I allowed someone to feed you poison? I don’t mean all at once, but just a little at a time. It’s no different to allow them to see things that aren’t good for their spirit. We should water what we want to grow. It’s my belief that looking at pornography is a down payment on disaster.
Amen!
I was really disgusted when I watched his video called “Men and the Power of the Visual.” I could tell at the time that he had an attitude of “No harm in looking, just don’t touch.” Jesus had pretty different standards, didn’t he?
He definitely did. And it’s sad that even in the church many of his standards would be considered closed-minded or judgemental. (I hopped over to your website, btw, and I loved it. Pinned a few things to share already.) Thanks for stopping by!
Yes, Susan.
I had heard Dennis Prager’s comments regarding Playboy & his Father.
It was so sad, & it had prompted me to not listen to his radio program.
In addition to destroying a male/Husband & his Wife & Marriage,
pornography dollars are tremendous. Those large dollars strongly prompt the enslavement of women & children in the sex trade.
FYI: I encountered your website, while searching for additional comments from Dennis Prager. I had hoped that Dennis’ opinion had changed or was changing.
FYI: Also, from some Police seminars to Church leaders, at least 1 anonymous surveys of Pastors indicated that approximately 60% of Pastors regularly view pornography.
Prayers to, & guidance & mercy from our Lord, to help lead us from these swamps.
Thank you so much for leaving your thoughts. It’s nice to know I wasn’t the only one who heard and was saddened by his comments. It really is amazing to me that someone who sees clearly in so many areas can continued to be blinded in this one. But I think that describes a lot of people. I’ve also seen the discouraging statistics of pornography usage among pastors. I believe that every church leader should submit themselves to internet accountability, for their own benefit primarily but also for the health of the church. Blessings to you–
I recently heard someone “site” Dennis Prager over pornography and they were not advocating *against* it. After reading this, I think this is an area of ignorance I wish to remain in for Dennis, as I have still not heard his quote. If it were not for Matt Walsh, and recently Candace Owens, I would lose all hope of sin completely overtaking our society and Christians nodding in acceptance. This is a war for our souls and our spirit.
While I’m pretty sure that I won’t find anyone who I agree with on everything, and am okay with that and can still lean in to the areas where we do agree–this is pretty sad to see. Even taking the relational issues out of it, I’d love to hear a response to the connection between porn and human trafficking. It is a battle for sure.