Expert: Phillip Senn - 5/7/2007

Question
been wondering about it and hope you can help me understand it from a Biblical doctrinal perspective. Is there a difference between a man viewing naked pictures of random women versus a man viewing naked pictures of his wife? Is the second one okay, and if so, why the difference?

Answer
Andrea,

I would wonder why the husband would have a need to look at pictures of his wife, when he has the real thing present with him. If he is utilizing it for stimulation for self-gratification, I would again wonder why self-gratification is necessary.

From a Biblical perspective, we should always "flee fornication". The term "fornication" is translated from a Greek term "porneo". It is where we get the term "pornography", but it actually relates to all sexual perversion. Self-gratification has been endorsed by a sick society as normal. It may be normal for the sinner, but not for the Saint.

There are many Scriptures that relate to the marriage bed. One that comes to mind says, "marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." The implication is that one should honor the wedding bed by honoring the spouse above their own selfish desires. If a man is only interested in looking at the pictures for self-gratification, he is missing out on the best part of marriage, in that his spouse is not the main object of his desires, but only pictures are. He should get some good Christian counseling, if this is his behavior. He may have a sexual addiction to pornography.

I hope this has helped. I know that I only mentioned a couple of passages of Scripture. I can provide others if this hasn't provided enough information.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn