Today I was pleased to learn that my church has taken up the Porn Challenge idea I wrote about a couple of days ago. To summarize, the challenge is for EVERYONE to install x3watch accountability software that monitors the websites you visit and emails a report to an accountability partner. With everyone doing this – those who struggle with porn and those who don’t – it will help overcome the stigma associated with it, help more people overcome their struggles with pornography, and help many to never have to deal with that struggle.
So, here’s the update…
We will be announcing the challenge this Sunday during services.
Since posting the challenge I’ve been asked, “Is this just for guys?” And my response is, “No, everyone is everyone.” This may come as a surprise, but from what I’ve read about 1/3 of visitors to porn sites are women. And 15%-20% of women say they struggle with pornography. That means if we have 400 people in services on Sunday, 200 of them are women, and 30-40 of them struggle with pornography. Some of you are familiar with popular blogger Anne Jackson, she wrote a very personal article about it that tells her story.
So, that’s why I’m challenging everyone to do this. Let’s also remember that we’re not just doing this to help people out of pornography but to prevent people from getting into it in the first place.
Another other thing to mention is there are lots of other options when it comes to software other than x3watch. Some of them are better, especially those that actually block objectionable content. The reason why I focused on x3watch is because it’s free. If we are going asking people who don’t struggle with pornography to do this for the sake of others, it’s much more likely they will do that if it’s free.
Finally, I could really use your help to build momentum for this challenge. If you use accountability software or you have decided to take the challenge and start using it, please post a comment here, post a link in Facebook, or even blog about it. Some people will only take the leap after they’ve seen others doing it.
So, what do you say? Are you with me?
Wow, Paul, way to go in leading this challenge. I’ve blogged about it and will be downloading xxxwatch on my personal computer TODAY (and I’m a girl)!
it’s crazy how many people i’ve run into lately (M & F), who are battling with porn and sex-related issues in their lives. very glad you are doing this.
only good can come of it.
Way to go, Jan!
Ellen – Thanks for your comment. Statistics say a lot more people are struggling with sexual issues than we realize. We really need to do more to talk about it and help people with prevention and healing.