"I think it's biblically wrong, but temptation gets the better of me": A survey on out-of-control sexual behavior in a Christian cohort of men in the UK

Abstract

The current study aims to better understand influences on men within the UK Christian community on their engagement with pornography and prostitution. The authors utilized the Carnes (2012) survey to examine the landscape of sexual knowledge and behaviours, and to identify symptoms, and the propensity towards, “out-of-control sexual behaviour” among participants. Data from a survey sent to the Christian community through church networks and word of mouth was used for this study. Of the 491 men who participated, the majority (94%, 460) described their personal Christian faith as “strong.” Despite the Christian faith community's moral code of conduct, the survey results showed a gap in self-awareness and understanding of members’ thoughts, beliefs, and conduct. Although almost three-quarters (74%, 361) of participants viewed pornography negatively, nearly half (45%, 220) admitted to using pornography at least occasionally. Many participants (31%, 152) indicated that they learned about sex through watching pornography. The survey also revealed that 10% (51) of participants had engaged with a prostitute for sex. Additionally, 21% (105) of participants believed that erotic massage was not prostitution. Using the Carnes (2012) framework, the survey found that over half of the survey participants (53%, 258) had a propensity towards “out-of-control sexual behaviour.” In relation to the church, more than half (55%, 268) of participants knew other Christian men who used pornography, and 25% (125) feared church discipline if they shared their use of pornography and prostitution. These results suggest that more programs and information are needed within the Christian community to build a culture of trust and accountability among members regarding sexual issues.