Sexual sin remains one of the most prolific yet overlooked issues within the Christian community. Despite the prevalence of church teachings on purity and righteousness, hidden struggles with sexual sin abound. Despite Jesus' promise of freedom in Scripture, pornography, illicit romantic novels and television shows, and sexual indiscretions continue to keep many believers in bondage. Statistics reveal a startling reality:

• 50% of American Christians ages 18 to 30 actively seek out porn annually.
• 68% of churchgoing men regularly view pornography.
• 20% of practicing Christians ages 18 to 30 actively seek out porn weekly.
• 15% of Christian women say that they watch porn at least monthly.
• Only 13% of Christian women say that they never watch porn.
• 20 % of youth pastors currently struggles w/ porn use.
• 68% of churchgoing men regularly view porn.
• 50% of pastors regularly view porn.
• 76% of Christians age 18 to 24 actively and regularly spend time searching porn sites.
• The average age kids see porn is 11.
• 95% of kids see porn by 14 .

These hidden battles often lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and a performance-based relationship with God, making it harder to experience His grace, true intimacy, and freedom

In this episode of "Christian Parent/Crazy World," Catherine is joined by Dr. Lina Abujamra, a pediatric ER doctor and founder of Living With Power Ministries, who delves into her own experiences and insights on breaking free from hidden sexual sin. Lina  sheds light on how purity culture's unrealistic expectations can lead to a dangerous form of idolatry, causing individuals to ignore deeper issues and seek fulfillment through temporary distractions.

Key Highlights:

• Purity Culture’s Impact: Lina unpacks how purity culture sets unrealistic expectations about marriage and intimacy, fostering a performance-based relationship with God.
• The Danger of Idolatry: Learn why idolizing a perfect life leads many to overlook deeper issues and lean on temporary distractions like TV, movies, and frivolous novels.
• Dealing with Hidden Sins: Lina emphasizes the necessity of addressing hidden sins openly and highlights the ease of falling into habits like consuming erotic content. Women like Lina have particularly struggled with pornographic novels and desire to be set free.
• The Importance of Safe Conversations: Lina shares her personal experiences, including the emotional hurt she faced within the church, and underscores the need for transparent discussions in our homes and communities.
• Sexual Sin in the Church: Catherine and Lina explore the alarming statistics on porn addiction among Christians, including pastors, and the urgent need for transparency.

Guest Bio: Dr. Lina Abujamra is a distinguished pediatric emergency room doctor, author, speaker, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her dynamic and heartfelt approach, she offers practical biblical insights to help people navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience. She has authored several impactful books, including Fractured Faith: Finding Your Way Back to God in an Age of Deconstruction, Resolved: 10 Ways to Stand Strong and Live What You Believe, and her most recent book, Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This: A Christian Doctor’s Thoughts on Sex, Shame, and Other Troublesome Issues, which offers a candid look into her sexual struggles and the grace that brought her freedom.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Featured resource: Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This: A Christian Doctor’s Thoughts on Sex, Shame, and Other Troublesome Issues

Ep. 110 How To Talk To Your Kids about Pornography (w/ Kristen Jensen)

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures: Porn Proofing Today’s Young Kids by Kristen Jensen

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for our next episode, where Lina and I dive even deeper into purity culture, the impact of the prosperity gospel on views of sex and our parenting, and the role of shame in sin. This is a journey toward uncovering freedom and truth, one conversation at a time.