How To Slay The Dragon Of Pornography

In my previous article on this topic, I discussed how pornography is a force that can destroy the world. Here, however, I want to ask: how do we slay this dragon?

Though much has been written on the topic of overcoming lust and pornography I wish to offer some wisdom from ancient Greece.

In Greek mythology the sirens were humanlike creatures with alluring voices and devious motives. Sometimes depicted as half-fish half women (mermaids) but more often described as more birdlike women who had the ability to sing songs of such allure and beauty that they would drive men mad who heard them. 

Throughout the Greek epics there is an island called the Island of Sirens, a treacherous place where these beautiful creatures would use their haunting melodies to lure ships and sailors toward their island. These sailors, following the music, would shipwreck on the reef and be consumed by the cannibalistic creatures. Most Greek heroes would avoid the island altogether even if it made their journey longer.

In Homer’s famous Odyssey the protagonist, Odysseus, desiring to expedite his journey home to his wife Penelope decides to pass the island. Odysseus’ strategy to keep himself and his men safe was to have his sailors place beeswax in their ears to drown out the alluring sound of the sirens. Desiring to hear the legendary music however, Odysseus instructs his men to bind him tightly to the mast while they pass. He gives them strict instructions that no matter how mad he becomes, no matter how much he pleads, not to untie him.

The ship comes within range and the song of the sirens fills Odysseus’ ears driving him into a lustful craze. He strains against the bonds which keep him strapped to the mast. He longs to jump into the ocean and swim to the island, even though he knows it would mean his own death. Bewitched and under the tempting spell of the sirens’ alluring song Odysseus is incapable of rational thought or self-control. 

Once the ship passes and the songs fade to an echo, Odysseus’ sanity returns and he thanks his crew for following his orders and saving his life.

Most Christians attempt to slay the dragon of pornography in similar fashion. They seek accountability and physical restraint. They take data off their phone. They put their computer in a common room of the house. They install accountability software. These are all noble things and for those caught in the lair of this dragon I recommend them all. Plot against yourself, make it impossible, even when you are bewitched by the siren song, to act upon your irrational lust.

But there is a better way.

Another Greek hero named Jason also encountered the sirens. He and the Argonauts had to sail past the island, but he employed a better strategy for keeping his men safe. Jason brought Orpheus with him on his journey, and Orpheus was said to be the greatest musician Greece had ever known. According to legend he was blessed by the gods to be able to play any instrument perfectly and had a voice so beautiful it could tame animals. 

When the ship came within earshot of the entrancing song of the sirens, Jason ordered Orpheus to the bow of the ship where he played a more beautiful song. The Argonauts were not bewitched in the same way Odysseus was because they were enjoying a far more alluring song.

This principle is not limited to Greek mythology. CS Lewis once called such things ‘True Myths’; stories that tell the truth about God’s world, not because their authors were Christians but because our great storyteller has embedded his truth into the fabric of the universe.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8) Paul is teaching the same principle, exhorting the Philippian church that their mind is not something they cannot control. They can place it where they choose and Paul tells them that one of the ways they win the battle against sin is by laying before their minds things that are beautiful and lovely. 

When it comes to slaying the dragon of pornography we must begin by catching a better vision. We must become enraptured with a more beautiful song. 

Christians who allow pornography to steal their strength and shipwreck their purpose lose their unique masculinity and femininity. They lose their ability to take godly dominion. They spill their seed and waste their time all for momentary gratification. In doing so they give up the beautiful vision of fruitful representative rulership. They give up the task of godly dominion. They disqualify themselves from playing a part in the unfolding drama of filling the earth with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea (Hab. 2:14). Do not be one of the warriors slain that Solomon warns his sons of in Proverbs 7: 

24 And now, O sons, listen to me,
    and be attentive to the words of my mouth.
25 Let not your heart turn aside to her ways;
    do not stray into her paths,
26 for many a victim has she laid low,
    and all her slain are a mighty throng.
27 Her house is the way to Sheol,
    going down to the chambers of death.