lectionary june 5: porn sunday

i don't remember this being part of the lectionary, but the people's church in franklin is having a porn sunday. it's being aided by those folks at xxxchurch.com.

i won't be naive to say that porn is not a problem. it's an addiction for many. we've had quite a few incidents here in nashville where teachers have been arrested for having child porn & even a Christian music station dj was arrested for child porn. i wonder though, at what point does this need to go into "the pulpit." if i know my psychology those who are really addicted (who they don't know about already) won't come. those who are already convicted by the addiction have probably already talked with pastors/friends & it proves little to do a sermon & 'missionary position' documentary for the sunday service. maybe i'm way off.. i don't think so

as diana might say 'only in america'

Comments

[Chris]

How ironic that you post on xxxchurch. I first learned of them last week, when I sat in a training event two seats down from my first in-person "emerging church" acquaintance. The xxxchurch folks had been to his church recently, and with great enthusiasm he related some of their story. It intrigues me, if for no other reason than I think these two have a handle on something vital—the Lord loves sinners. And they don’t wait for them to come to church, but take the church to them. When they say, “Jesus loves porn stars,” many decent Christians have a tendency to recoil. But Christ does love them, and these young gents (along with their wives) rather boldly take this message of light into the darkness that is the porn industry.

They will have a church presentation near my home in about 3 months, and I’m considering going just to learn more. My initial impression of the ministry is quite positive, though I’ll admit I know very little about it.

[gavin]

i am cool with their message, it's excellent that they reach out to whom and how they do. it's certainly not my calling. i however question the 'pulpit' teaching of this.. sometimes i wonder if some subjects are best tackled and wrestled with in the context of a smaller group & not a full congregtation.

[Chris]

Agreed. I would not bring them to worship on a Sunday morning, nor would I let my kids see their presentation.

[Bill]

Yeh, it is a tough topic, and a tough situation. I heard a pastor once say "If there is a topic we're not willing to confront in the pulpit, it wont be talked about in the hallways of the church." I think that is an interesting perspective. There is something to be said for the church being willing to "go there" and tackle an issue like this.

There is a deep sense of guilt, regret, and isolation that comes as a result of an addict's struggles in life. Many addicts deeply want to change and find freedom but are either unable to surrender themselves or unsure of where to turn for help. So, for the addict, that sense of guilt and embrassment sends them even further undergound, which leads to more isolation, which in turn begins the entire addictive cycle again. At the same time, it is really hard to be open and welcoming when you aren't an addict, because it is hard to understand where an addict is coming from. Simply saying "you should see how you are ruining your life and that should make you want to change" isn't enough. Thus, it is a rough situation.

So, I think it creates an awesome atmosphere when a church is willing to say, "we will talk about this, heck, we'll wrestle through this with you- regardless of your struggle, you are welcome here."

To bring it up in the pulpit is one thing, to develop a sense of openness, honesty, and a place where all are invited to wrestle and find healing within the community is a completely different thing! I'd be interested to see how the church addresses it all, and specifically, how they plan to follow up after Sunday.