Mark Laaser and Louis Gregoire condcted a survey in 2003 that examined some daily circumstances that factor into a pastor’s pornography use, although some conditions could surely cultivate other addictions as well:
-Pastors may spend their entire workday alone in front of a computer with easy access to Internet pornography.
-Porn can also artificially cater to the emotional needs of those with little connectivity with others.
-Spiritual leaders with low salaries can still access affordable or free Internet porn.
-Internet porn is anonymous. You don’t need to set foot in a store anymore, and history can be deleted in a single click.
Like most substance addictions, pornography becomes a “mood medicine.” The neurochemicals induce temporary euphoria and relaxation, but the vicious cycle of shifting moods is carried on by an aftermath of guilt.
The real trap, however, is the inability to escape this cycle. This cycle alone can be very difficult to overcome, but throw in an extra load of shame, guilt, fear and blame, and you’ve got a problem that’s not going to go away without bold intervention.Addictions among clergy often remain unresolved due to intense feelings of disgrace. They often feel, "I’ve disgraced myself, my family, my church and God." However, “disgrace” is terrible word choice likely installed by society’s strong reactions to the hypocritical mistakes of spiritual leaders. This notion of disgrace, or a falling from grace, is exactly what keeps addiction in the dark where it flourishes.
Pastors who have bravely and honestly disclosed their struggle with addiction advise others to do the same. Hushing the issue, especially one as covert as pornography, only pushes the addiction deeper into unseen corners.
Yet when we learn of the prevalence of addiction among our spiritual leaders, we shouldn’t raise our eyebrows with condemnation, but we should respond with compassion and support. This is not acquitting leaders of their sins, but lifting our brothers from depths impossible to climb out on your own. Although the consequences must be confronted, addiction is an enemy no one should have to fight alone.
Those who conquer addiction go on to be shining examples of God’s grace, and those who walk beside Him are blessed to be partners in recovery. Christ’s example of unconditional forgiveness has been set before us, and God shows us mercy despite our sin, forgiving, cleansing and transforming sinners like all of us that have made mistakes or had failures in our life. I'm glad He doesn't ask why and instead offers forgiveness when we ask.
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