Pornography and Rape Culture: The Church’s Path to Change

By Lavoisier Fernandes –

India as a nation has been profoundly shaken by the horrific rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata (Calcutta). The incident has dominated national headlines, sparking strong emotions and solidarity protests across the country. People from all walks of life are rightfully demanding justice for the victim and calling for greater protection for women. However, this tragedy like the ones before has also been exploited by political parties eager to use it as an opportunity to settle their own scores.

This case, like others before it — the 2008 Noida Double Murder, 2012 Delhi Gang Rape (Nirbhaya Case), 2017 Unnao Rape, 2020 Hathras Gang Rape, 2021 Mumbai Saki Naka Rape and Murder, and the 2023 Manipur incident where two Kuki-Zo women were paraded naked, and with a number of others that go unnoticed, raises concerns that it may become just another sensationalized headline, only to be forgotten until the next horrific crime occurs.

A recent report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals the persistent and disturbing prevalence of crimes against women in India.

According to the report, a rape occurs every 16 minutes, with 96% of rapes committed by someone known to the victim. The data also highlights India’s struggle with high rates of rape and low conviction rates.

But the rise in rape cases is a global issue, affecting countries such as South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Sweden, and the United States. Differences in legal definitions, cultural contexts, and reporting practices can significantly impact these statistics, so comparisons between countries should be made with caution.

In today’s social media world, where explicit content is just a click away and misogynistic jokes and images being widely shared on social media, it’s easy to see how a patriarchal culture is subtly being reinforced.

This leads me to my critical question: Is pornography fuelling the rise in rape culture and how should the Church address this issue.

Key Statistics Related to Pornography

About 60% of internet users worldwide have accessed pornography, with over 30% of adults viewing it in the past month. The average age of first exposure is 11-12 years, with some reports indicating exposure as early as 8 years. Mobile devices are the primary medium, with 70% of users accessing content via smartphones and tablets. Usage varies by age, with 70% of those aged 18-34 watching regularly.

Impact and Concerns

1. Mental Health and Addiction: Pornography can impact mental health similarly to other addictive behaviours, potentially leading to compulsive habits that affect both personal and professional aspects of life. Excessive use may contribute to anxiety, depression, and decreased sexual satisfaction. Cultural attitudes towards pornography vary widely, resulting in different levels of acceptance and regulation.
2. Normalization of Violence: Research suggests that frequent exposure to violent or degrading pornography may desensitize individuals to sexual violence and increase aggressive behaviours. Such content can contribute to the normalization of sexual aggression and unrealistic sexual expectations, potentially influencing some people’s views and actions.
3. Potential Influence on Attitudes: Exposure to specific types of pornography may shape attitudes toward gender roles and sexual consent, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and biases.

Catholic Teachings– Moral Implications and Harmful Effects on Individuals and Society

The Church views pornography as the act of separating sexual acts from the intimacy of partners and displaying them to third parties, which violates chastity and distorts the marital act. It is seen as a serious offense that degrades all involved, reducing individuals to objects of pleasure and profit (cf. CCC 2354).

The church through various documents, papal general audience catechesis and media communication releases teaches that the widespread presence of pornography reflects a deeper moral crisis, undermining genuine human relationships and contributing to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, especially in child pornography cases.

Further Pope Francis labels pornography as a “scourge” exacerbated by the internet, highlighting its ongoing attack on human dignity and its threat to public health further suggesting that this issue weakens moral values and commercializes sexuality, affecting both developed and developing nations.

The Church has always urged civil authorities to curb pornographic production and distribution and advocates for a moral renewal to safeguard children and uphold authentic values.

How Can the Church Combat Ponography Within its Own Community and Society?

1. Theology of the Body: Pope John Paul II’s teachings on masculinity and the beauty of femininity should be more actively promoted in parishes and confirmation programs. These teachings should be simplified and made accessible to those less familiar with theology, emphasizing how human love and sexuality reflect the divine and helping individuals understand their bodies as central to their identity and expressions of love.
2. Value Education and Moral Formation: The Church should strengthen value education for youth and among families, focusing on the true meaning of sexuality. This includes blending moral principles with an understanding of love as a gift and presenting sexuality as a profound expression of self-giving love rather than just a biological function.
3. Promotion of Chastity: The Church should advocate for chastity through thorough family and youth catechesis, extended marriage preparation courses, and parish workshops. Emphasizing chastity is vital for personal growth and respecting the body’s “nuptial meaning.”
4. Community Support and Pastoral Response: The Church should offer confidential support for those struggling with pornography. This involves providing resources, fostering environments that encourage healthy relationships, and offering guidance in line with Church teachings on love and sexuality.

Indeed, while candlelight marches, protests, and changing social media feeds are crucial for raising awareness about rape, but our efforts must go beyond the next headline.

Conversely to tackle one of the root causes—pornography—we need to take deliberate, individual actions. This includes speaking out against pornography on social media, challenging misogynistic jokes, fostering community support, and encouraging parishes to offer workshops and raise awareness. By drawing on the Catholic Church’s rich teachings, we can foster a more profound and lasting change.

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Lavoisier Fernandes, born and raised in Goa, is currently based in West London. His faith is “work in progress”- and a lifelong journey. He has always been fascinated by the Catholic faith thanks to his Salesian schooling and his passion is podcasting, theology, the papacy, volunteering.
He has hosted the ‘Talking Faith’ series for Heavens Road FM Catholic Radio, connecting with ordinary men and women within the Catholic faith, other faiths and examining issues affecting both Church and society and has also hosted the ‘Heart Talk’ series for  Shalom World Catholic TV. In 2018 one of his podcast -Mental Health and the role of the Catholic Church was shortlisted for the Jerusalem awards in UK. Presently contributes for the Goa Diocesan magazine – Renovação, Mumbai Diocesan magazine – The Examiner, the only digital Indian Catholic portal – Indian Catholic Matters  and the Faith Companion Magazine in England.