- Katie Hartfiel
Book Review: The Porn Myth, By Matt Fradd
The digital age has plagued us with what experts have dubbed a “porn epidemic” which is spreading aggressively not only in our country but across the world. Statistically speaking, none of us will remain untouched. Due to this, The Porn Myth, by Matt Fradd is not only a captivating read, but a crucial one. It’s hard to identify a demographic that this book isn’t for. Relevant to porn-lovers and haters, addicts and casual meddlers, parents and young people, single and married, evangelists and activists, those feeling hopeless or hopeful, trapped or optimistic for freedom, sheltered or worldly: The Porn Myth has the message you need.
In Matt Fradd’s typical direct-yet-charitable manner, the reader is outfitted with secular facts that challenge the popular belief that pornography is both normal and acceptable. In a world that issues warnings on almost any consumable product, (from blow-driers, choking hazards, alcohol, drug side effects, transparency of nutrition information, disclaimers on amusement park rides etc.) how can we responsibly stay silent on the risks of pornography consumption? Fradd issues an unbiased yet explicit warning, with the facts to back it up, in short: pornography consumption can affect your brain, relationships, sexual outlook and furthermore impact the women monetized through the industry. Each of these areas are challenged in the propaganda for porn-use and each is debunked in the pages of The Porn Myth. Shouldn’t individuals have the right to know the consequences of consuming something that can influence, alter or even ruin their lives? Shouldn’t we at the very least provide the facts in order to allow people to make a decision on their own?
The problem behind the debate on porn (and all the church’s teaching on matters related to sexuality for that matter) is a lost understanding of the beauty and dignity of sex. Of course, the most profound splendor behind the theological explanation of sexuality comes from the sanctity of it. God’s design, presence and work as the two become one takes the natural to the supernatural. However, this is more than a matter of abstract faith. The God who created science is inclined to use it. All too often we discover that the Church’s teachings are backed up by what is biologically proven to be best for our mental, emotional and physical health. One of my favorite elements of The Porn Myth is how these points are continually illustrated from a secular perspective in an inarguable format. Regardless of who you’re engaging with, the facts presented here are nearly impossible to contest!
In my work with teens and parents, surprisingly, adults sometimes have a harder time accepting the reality of the threat of pornography. Parents have even asked me, “if my child is going to see it anyway, what’s the big deal?” My advice was to at least tell their teen about how porn has been linked to erectile dysfunction in 20 somethings, how it potentially shrinks portions of the brain and how it causes people to prefer screens to actual relationships.
If you or someone you know is struggling with pornography, please visit Covenant Eyes, Integrity Restored and download the Victory App.
Paperback: 280 pages
Publisher: Ignatius Press (March 15, 2017)