A new survey has revealed appalling results pertaining to high numbers of pornography use and sex addiction plus increased rates of sexual infidelity among Christian men, especially those that are married. The 2014 survey, consisting of a representative sample of 388 self-identified Christian men, was sanctioned by a nonprofit group called Proven Men Ministries and carried out by another called Barna Group.

The statistical results for Christian men between 18 years and 30 years are definitely striking:

• At least 77 percent watch pornography on a monthly basis
• At least 36 percent watch pornography on a daily basis
• At least 32 percent say they are addicted to pornography
• At least 12 percent think they may be addicted to pornography

The statistical results for Christian men between 31 years and 49 years are no less shocking:

• At least 77 percent watched pornography at work over the last three months
• At least 64 percent watch pornography on a monthly basis
• At least 18 percent say they are addicted to pornography
• At least 8 percent think they may be addicted to pornography

The study revealed that even married Christian men are victims of pornography and extramarital affairs:

• At least 55 percent watch pornography on a monthly basis
• At least 35 percent had an extramarital affair

“These statistics knock the wind right out of you. They also confirm what we already know; that there definitely is a problem with pornography and affairs among Christian men and that they are starving for the church to step forward with solutions. … The purpose of the survey was not to point fingers, but to get a better grasp on the scope of the problem in light of ready access to pornography in this Internet era. … It's abundantly clear that pornography is one of the biggest unaddressed problems in the church,” said Joel Hesch, who sponsored the survey and is the founder of the Biblical Proven Men Ministries.

In fact, these numbers are not restricted to only those who call themselves Christian. Even those who think of themselves as born-again Christians have similar coping mechanisms with pornography and extramarital affairs.

• At least 95 percent say they have watched pornography
• At least 54 percent watch pornography on a monthly basis
• At least 44 percent have watched pornography at work over the last three months
• At least 33 percent have had extramarital affairs
• At least 25 percent erase internet browsing history to hide traces of pornography
• At least 18 percent say they are addicted to pornography
• At least 9 percent think they may be addicted to pornography

According to the founder of Proven Men Ministries, the group has brought together a powerful database so churches can help Christian men restore their dignity and sexual integrity, even more so if they are married. Hesch thought this was an important move after breaking free from his own sex addiction, a problem he claims to have struggled with for more than 20 years. With the help of his self-devised Biblical system, known as Proven Path for Sexual Integrity, Hesch has reportedly been helping men find relief from sex addiction and pornography for the last 15 years. Accordingly, the system, which includes a 12-week-long study course, a book on sexual integrity as well as a leadership guide, is available on Amazon. Those interested can also avail of some free resources at the Proven Men Ministries’ website.

“We are now taking the Proven Path directly to churches with the goal of helping 1 million Christian men experience freedom and victory from pornography and sexual addiction. … If these statistics break your heart like they break mine, then it's time to join with me and other Proven Men around the nation in taking a stand to reverse the tide and reclaim sexual integrity for yourself and for each man in your church or community.  Together we can change the world one man, one family, and one church at a time,” explained Hesch.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia