Pastor Emmanuel Iren has discussed how anonymity and secrecy encourage immoral behavior, especially pornography, among churchgoers.
The pastor asserted in a widely shared video that many regular churchgoers struggle with pornography, emphasizing the internet’s role in making such behavior easier to hide.
He claimed that the anonymity offered by the internet had led to an increase in immorality, claiming that people frequently act differently when they are aware that they are being observed.
Iren said, “50% of church goers view porn at least once every two weeks.”
He then asked his audience to look at the people seated next to them, implying that statistically, one of them might be having trouble with the habit.
He claims that the internet has made it possible for people to engage in particular behaviors in private without worrying about social pressure that might deter them.
“One of the things that created a spike in immorality was the anonymity that the internet gave,” he said.
The pastor also spoke to those who were struggling with pornography and other personal habits, making the case that these issues might get worse if they are kept a secret.
“Some of those vices you are struggling with, they are not as difficult to overcome as you think,” Iren said.
In order to make his point, he asked the audience to picture a scenario in which the only screen in a city was found inside a church, forcing anyone who wished to watch porn to do so in public.
He hypothesized that the person would probably stop because they would be aware that others were observing.
“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.
Iren contended that some habits can exert more control over a person through secrecy rather than the struggle itself.
“So what strengthens the sin? The sin is not struggle, it is secrecy that has given it its power,” he said.
He also cautioned that the internet, which enables people to participate in private activities from practically anywhere, has increased the tendency to conceal personal struggles.
He claims that one of the key elements that can assist people in breaking harmful habits is accountability.
“One of the major things that aids to step deeply is accountability,” he said.
The pastor urged people to consider aspects of their lives that they purposefully conceal from others.
“The moment you find yourself struggling with accountability, you are already on your way,” he said.
He continued by saying that intentionally creating environments where certain behaviors can only be carried out in secret could make it easier for someone to engage in those behaviors even before they commit an act they believe to be sinful.
“Even if you have not sinned yet, if there are aspects of your life that you can do in the dark, you have created an environment for sin,” Iren said.