Pastor Emmanuel Iren has addressed the role secrecy and anonymity can play in encouraging immoral habits, particularly pornography, among Christians.
In a video that has circulated online, the pastor claimed that pornography is a struggle for many regular churchgoers. He also pointed to the internet as a major factor, noting that its private and anonymous nature makes it easier for people to engage in certain behaviours without being noticed.
Iren said, “50% of church goers view porn at least once every two weeks.”
He encouraged members of his audience to look around them, suggesting that, based on the figure he cited, someone sitting nearby could potentially be dealing with the habit.
According to the pastor, people tend to behave differently when they know they are being observed. He argued that the anonymity offered by the internet has removed some of the social pressure that could otherwise discourage certain behaviours.
“One of the things that created a spike in immorality was the anonymity that the internet gave,” he said.
Iren also spoke directly to those dealing with pornography and other private struggles, suggesting that the problem may become more difficult to overcome when it is kept completely hidden.
“Some of those vices you are struggling with, they are not as difficult to overcome as you think,” Iren said.
To explain his point, the pastor presented a hypothetical situation in which the only screen available in an entire city was inside a church. He asked the audience to consider whether someone would still attempt to watch pornography if they knew they had to do so publicly in front of other people.
He suggested that the individual would likely refrain from the act because of the awareness that others were watching.
“I hope you know he will stop instantly because there is something about us, even the things we are struggling with, when we know that people are watching, we will not do it,” he said.
The pastor therefore argued that secrecy can give certain sinful habits additional strength, rather than the struggle itself being the only issue.
“So what strengthens the sin? The sin is not struggle, it is secrecy that has given it its power,” he said.
He further maintained that the internet has made secrecy easier by allowing people to engage in private activities from virtually anywhere without those around them knowing.
For Iren, accountability can play an important role in helping people confront and overcome destructive habits.
“One of the major things that aids to step deeply is accountability,” he said.
His comments have drawn attention to the importance of openness and accountability when dealing with personal struggles, particularly those that are often kept hidden because of shame or fear of judgment.