Therapy and Theology Podcast Summary
Episode: S8 E6 | Is Pornography Actually Harmful?
Release Date: May 8, 2025
Hosts: Lysa TerKeurst, Jim Cress (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist), Dr. Joel Muddamalle (Director of Theological Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries)
Introduction
In the sixth episode of Season 8, titled "Is Pornography Actually Harmful?", host Shay Hill revisits the complex and sensitive topic of pornography. Recognizing the recurring questions and enduring impact of pornography on individuals and relationships, Shay introduces Jim Cress and Dr. Joel Muddamalle to provide both therapeutic and theological insights. The episode aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of pornography's effects and pathways to healing.
Understanding Pornography: Therapeutic Perspectives
Jim Cress delves into the multifaceted nature of pornography addiction, emphasizing its classification as a chemical addiction. He explains how pornography affects the brain's neurochemistry, likening its addictive properties to those of drugs like cocaine or heroin.
Jim (03:50): “The porn problem is a multifaceted problem that requires a multifaceted solution... It's a chemical addict. They are a drug addict because all those neurochemicals and neurotransmitters in the brain... it's all right there.”
Jim shares his personal journey of overcoming pornography addiction, highlighting the profound impact it had on his marriage. He underscores the importance of addressing both the brain and body in recovery, advocating for intensive therapy lasting two to five years to rewire neural pathways and address underlying trauma.
Jim (12:02): “I've had to go in... over 20 years ago, I got sober from it. My story gives great hope because if you will invest the time and get out of the blame and the shame and start moving on to rewiring the brain and having healthy patterns and habits in your life...”
Jim also discusses the dynamics within marriages affected by pornography, emphasizing the necessity for both partners to undertake individual healing before engaging in couples therapy.
Theological Insights on Pornography
Dr. Joel Muddamalle provides a theological framework for understanding pornography, connecting it to biblical teachings and societal decay. He references scriptures to illustrate how pornography undermines the divine image bestowed upon humans.
Joel (23:37): “So when Paul is dealing with these things, when he's talking about them, he's talking about something that's incredibly pervasive in the culture, in the society...”
Joel traces the historical context, comparing ancient Rome’s hypersexualized environment with today’s digital age, highlighting that modern accessibility via the internet and AI exacerbates the issue. He emphasizes that pornography is not merely a modern vice but a profound spiritual and societal challenge.
Joel (24:45): “There's a tunnel that went underneath the library from the library straight into the brothel. And there was like these private entrances. It was just out there...”
He argues that pornography serves as a self-glorifying substitute for the mutual love intended within marriage, leading to self-deception and the degradation of both men and women.
Joel (26:04): “Pornography is actually you're trying to outdo your own love for yourself...”
Impact on Relationships and Society
The hosts discuss the detrimental effects of pornography on marriages, children, and communities. Jim shares his personal experience of extended marital therapy to rebuild trust and intimacy after years of addiction, emphasizing the deep scars it leaves on both partners.
Jim (15:43): “We had a five-year period of time. This is our testimony, we've taught in marriage workshops together that we both... we kind of weren't bringing that in. So what we call there is a cycle of disaffection.”
Joel extends the conversation to societal implications, noting how pervasive sexualized environments and unrealistic standards perpetuated by pornography distort individuals' perceptions of relationships and self-worth.
Joel (38:53): “We're training your brain... you're training your heart, you're training your mind... that's not reality.”
Pathways to Healing and Hope
Both Jim and Joel offer pathways to recovery, intertwining therapeutic strategies with theological principles. Jim emphasizes the importance of individual accountability, intensive therapy, and the necessity of addressing shame and trauma to facilitate genuine healing.
Jim (34:47): “It means thoroughly. Like unpack that, like in counseling to go in. We believe in the sex addiction field...”
Joel highlights the role of spiritual conviction and the transformative power of aligning one’s life with biblical teachings to overcome the allure of pornography.
Joel (39:37): “First Corinthians 5... a man is sleeping with his father's wife... should be filled with grief.”
Conclusion
The episode culminates with a message of hope, assuring listeners that recovery is attainable through dedicated effort and support. Jim encourages individuals and couples to seek professional help, stressing that comprehensive healing is possible.
Jim (42:47): “There is more help and hope and healing for this pornography or infidelity problem than you know. It's there and it awaits you.”
Dr. Joel reinforces the theological standpoint, reminding listeners of scriptural mandates to flee sexual immorality and uphold the dignity of the human body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Joel (41:51): “Glorify God with your body.”
Notable Quotes
- Jim Cress [03:50]: “The porn problem is a multifaceted problem that requires a multifaceted solution... It's a chemical addict.”
- Jim Cress [12:02]: “I've had to go in... my story gives great hope...”
- Joel Muddamalle [23:37]: “When Paul is dealing with these things... it's incredibly pervasive in the culture, in the society.”
- Joel Muddamalle [24:45]: “There's a tunnel that went underneath the library from the library straight into the brothel...”
- Joel Muddamalle [26:04]: “Pornography is actually you're trying to outdo your own love for yourself...”
- Jim Cress [34:47]: “It means thoroughly. Like unpack that, like in counseling to go in.”
- Jim Cress [42:47]: “There is more help and hope and healing for this pornography or infidelity problem than you know.”
- Joel Muddamalle [41:51]: “Glorify God with your body.”
This episode of Therapy and Theology provides a deep dive into the harmful impacts of pornography from both therapeutic and theological standpoints. Through personal narratives, professional insights, and scriptural references, Shay Hill, Jim Cress, and Dr. Joel Muddamalle offer listeners a nuanced understanding of the issue and practical pathways to recovery and spiritual restoration.