To visit the Internet Church of Christ founded by Dr. Bob Benchoff, click here.

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Pornography.

Sermon by Dr. Bob Benchoff, June 11, 2002

"My house shall be called a house of prayer." -- Jesus Christ circa 30 AD

The first time I was on a television studio set with internationally famous celebrities was thrilling. The then very popular live TV show Morning Exchange was on the air.

Out of sight from the camera, there was a mountain of oversized pasteries by the entrance. No one was eating, but people congregated there and talked quietly, while several large cameras captured the activities on stage.

There were some quick introductions and the chef took over, cooking something similar to pizza. Fragrant aromas filled the air, and the chef wrapped-up his portion of the show.

Fred Griffin walked over to me and shook my hand, and I assured him his TV viewing audience was very pleased with his work.

After a cut to commercials, when the show returned Joan Lunden was to start the discussion portion of the show. The discussion portion was the core of the program, so I was excited to hear how Joan would capture the attention of the home viewers.

Joan was very bright and interesting and portrayed a wholesome quality suitable for family viewing. So I was especially anxious to hear the first few words out of this rising star's mouth: the focus of modern civilization.

When the commercials were over, Joan looked into the camera and said "Pornography"....

I was astounded, surprised at the open discussion unraveling. Sex wasn't in the media as much back then, particularly on a morning show. It was very atypical.

So, there it was on national television, pornography; that old adversary and sometimes nemesis, pornography; said to tear families apart, yet said to help the human race survive, pornography. For capturing the attention of the viewing audience, there was nothing like pornography.

I expect the ratings went up that day, although many viewers may have changed the channel.

Joan went on to do other shows and later appeared on the cover of TV Guide and other popular magazines.

Years previous, I had appeared on TV in a discussion of censorship and pornography, which became required study for University law students.

The Bible has a very different view of pornography than that of case law. Whereas civil law concerns itself primarily with motive and crime after the fact, after the crime; canon law and Biblical principles on the other hand are concerned with your decision making before the fact, with concern on how your decisions will affect the future.

These opposite views apply to most or all other areas as well, such as to various addictions, terrorism, so-called white collar crime, and so on.

Biblical precepts also include civil law, such as the seventh commandment, "You shall not commit adultery." (Exodus 20.14). But that is hardly the beginning of Biblical principles.

Comply with the law, and then you can start to endure greater graces through Jesus Christ. In abstract terms, comply with history so that you are enabled to, or rather that you are freed to, comply with the future (Ref. Sermon on Prophecy).

In dealing with the issue of pornography, it is clear that pornography is about the body. While the mind can think to help others, the body is about pumping blood, nourishing cells, and feeling good in a self-focused way. Natural law and case law are about the limitations of bodily activities. Those laws and pornography have little to do with the main good and proper comprehensive purpose of sex: having children. To clarify that point: the law does not require you to have children.

That blessing comes from the Bible. Be fruitful and multiply. While this principle (as all Biblical principles) has meaning on higher levels, such as meaning multiply the Word of God and convert people to Christianity, the point of this part of this Sermon is with regard to the future, such as via future generations.

Pornography focuses on the past and is relegated to the law. The Bible is focused on the future, your future.

When I was young, Accountant (and later my employer) Fred Liskowski wanted me to improve my reading skills, by reading, a lot, even if that meant reading pornography. I appreciate Fred's help.

So at this point, if you should consider reading and/or viewing pornography, I would like you to first consider reading some beautiful passages from the Bible and ponder their symbolism, such as found in Ezekiel 31.9, where there is a discussion of such profound beauty that ..."all the trees of Eden envied it."

The Song of Solomon, known for young love, beauty, and symbolism, is also recommended reading.

It's up to you, temporary pleasure, or a permanent solution. You don't have to worry yourself and get anxiety over the choice, just pray and ask Jesus Christ.

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To visit the Internet Church of Christ founded by Dr. Bob Benchoff, click here.