The pastor claimed that about 50 per cent of people who attend church regularly view p0rn at least once every two weeks, suggesting that some people in the audience could be privately struggling with the habit.
According to Iren, the anonymity provided by the internet has made it easier for people to engage in behaviours they would avoid if they knew they were being watched.
He explained that people tend to behave differently when they are aware that others are observing them, adding that the internet has created an environment where individuals can hide certain habits without facing immediate social pressure.
“50% of church goers view p0rn at least once every two weeks,” Iren said.
He also addressed people dealing with private habits, arguing that some of the struggles they consider difficult to overcome may become more powerful because they are kept secret.
“Some of those vices you are struggling with, they are not as difficult to overcome as you think,” he said.
Using an illustration, Iren said that if the only screen available in a city were located inside a church and anyone who wanted to watch p0rn had to do so publicly, many people would likely refrain because of the presence of others.
He argued that awareness of being watched can discourage people from engaging in certain behaviours, stressing that secrecy can give harmful habits greater control over an individual.
“So what strengthens the sin? The sin is not struggle, it is secrecy that has given it its power,” he said.
Iren further identified accountability as an important factor in overcoming destructive habits, urging people to examine areas of their lives that they deliberately keep hidden from others.
He warned that creating private spaces where certain behaviours can only take place in secrecy could make it easier for people to eventually engage in them.
“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,” he said.
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