Gosh, it can be hard to be a Catholic in today’s world. It seems that everywhere we turn, the pernicious influences of the Culture of Death wear on us like sandpaper on a sugar cookie. The culture’s obsession with sex, especially, is more visible than ever before. And nowhere is this more true than on the Internet.
Here, everywhere we turn, selfies and ads and websites promote lust and selfishness to everyone, regardless of age or gender or religious convictions. The online pornography business is booming, bringing in billions of dollars per year, and every year, thousands of Christian men and women are pulled into the snare of pornography. The internet is a minefield for the Christian trying to escape from this addictive sin. So, what’s a person to do, with his or her drug of choice so easily accessible and at his or her literal fingertips?
Thankfully, there are some bastions of safety left on the interwebs. These sites have been started by brave men and women who reject the empty promises of the culture and want to help others do the same. For those who struggle with pornography, these websites are a Godsend. Here’s a few of the best:
The Porn Effect
Founded by Catholic speaker and apologist Matt Fradd, The Porn Effect’s self-stated mission is “To expose the reality behind the fantasy of pornography and to equip individuals to find freedom from it.” This site offers “battle plans” to aid in overcoming pornography addiction, articles, and even places to share your stories and struggles with others. Psychologists, counselors, and priests are among the contributors who answer questions, write articles, and offer encouragement. For the Catholic seeking to overcome an addiction to pornography or masturbation, this website is a must-save.
Fight the New Drug
Pornography is definitely an addiction, and Fight the New Drug is committed to treating it like one. Using statistics, news articles, and even t-shirts, FTND gets the word out that pornography kills true love and relationships. Their team is devoted to both offensive and defensive lines of beating pornography in the home and in the culture at large. This is mostly a non-religious site, with lots of objective material, which makes it easy to share with non-religious friends and family members.
XXXchurch
XXXchurch goes right to the source when it comes to fighting pornography. This group goes to porn conventions and passes out Bibles to attendees emblazoned with the words, “Jesus loves porn stars.” The love of Christ is something that, all too often, both porn producers and porn consumers need to hear about. This group also helps sex and masturbation addicts, reaching out with the love of Christ to all who need help in overcoming these sins. They offer internet resources, parenting tips, and support groups. Though not a Catholic site (so beware of some not-quite-in-line-with-Catholic-teaching, or, less-than-clean blog posts!) XXXchurch is a great resource for the recovering addict.
The Chastity Project
Started by famed chastity speakers and authors Jason and Crystalina Evert, this amazing ministry is devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe and dedicated to defending the Church’s teachings on all matters of chastity. Their section on pornography boasts videos, blog posts, and answers from the professionals for all of your questions. This comprehensive lineup of resources is repeated for all of their divisions on relationships, vocations, and reclaiming purity. Here, too, you can find dozens of books, videos, CDs, and more for sale. The Chastity Project is the go-to place for resources on chastity both public and private.
24/7 Eucharistic Adoration livecam
Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream
But say you’re really struggling right now, and visiting all those sites just won’t cut it to help you beat temptation? For me, who struggles less with porn as much as with masturbation, I found that this 24-hour-a-day-7-days-a-week livestream of the adoration chapel in St. Agnes Parish in Key Biscayne, FL, is the absolute best resource I have in the fight against my own brain. Though obviously not as awesome as real, physical adoration, this virtual time of prayer works wonders. It’s like having a Skype call with Jesus! A rosary and soft music plays on an endless loop, allowing you to pray or simply meditate before Christ.
And, of course, don’t forget to turn off the computer sometimes! Read book, go outside, hit up Starbucks with your bestie, visit your parish, or volunteer at a local charity. Follow the advice of Philippians 4:8, and think on things that are good, and true, things that are pure and right and lovely. Go to Confession and receive Communion as often as possible. Pray lots of rosaries. The world may seem like a dark and treacherous place, but Jesus commands us to take heart. He has overcome the world.
Comments