The Death of Porn

What’s "The Death of Porn: Men of Integrity Building a World of Nobility" by Ray Ortlund about?

• A call to integrity: The book is a passionate appeal to men to reject pornography and embrace their God-given nobility, dignity, and purpose.
• Letter-style mentorship: Ortlund writes as an older mentor to younger men, using a series of personal letters to encourage, challenge, and guide.
• A vision for cultural change: The book frames the fight against porn as a justice issue, likening it to historic battles against slavery, and calls for a movement of men to build a world where both men and women can flourish.
• Gospel-centered approach: Rather than shaming, Ortlund offers hope, grace, and practical steps rooted in Christian faith and community.

Why should I read "The Death of Porn" by Ray Ortlund?

• Addresses a pressing issue: Pornography is a widespread problem affecting individuals, families, and society, and the book tackles it with honesty and compassion.
• Offers hope, not shame: Ortlund’s approach is rooted in grace, aiming to free men from cycles of guilt and despair rather than burdening them with more shame.
• Practical and relational: The book provides actionable steps and emphasizes the importance of brotherhood and community in overcoming porn.
• Inspires a bigger vision: It challenges readers to see themselves as agents of change, capable of building a more noble and just world.

What are the key takeaways from "The Death of Porn" by Ray Ortlund?

• You are royalty: Every man has inherent dignity and a calling to live nobly, not defined by his failures.
• She is royalty: Every woman, including those exploited by porn, is created with immeasurable worth and deserves respect and protection.
• Jesus is true royalty: The real Jesus offers both grace and power to change, not condemnation or indifference.
• Brotherhood is essential: Real change happens in honest, supportive community, not in isolation.
• Action is required: Men are called to practical steps—confession, prayer, advocacy, and creative engagement—to bring about cultural transformation.

How does Ray Ortlund define "royalty" and "nobility" in "The Death of Porn"?

• God-given dignity: Royalty means being created in the image of God, with inherent worth and a unique purpose.
• Living for others: Nobility is characterized by selfless action, courage, and a commitment to justice, especially in defending the vulnerable.
• Rejecting mediocrity: Ortlund urges men not to settle for being "nice guys" but to embrace their true destiny as agents of good.
• Restored through Christ: True royalty and nobility are not achieved by willpower but are restored through the grace and example of Jesus.

What is Ray Ortlund’s approach to overcoming pornography in "The Death of Porn"?

• Hope over willpower: The battle is not about white-knuckled self-control but about believing in a hopeful future and God’s grace.
• Honest self-assessment: Ortlund encourages men to face their struggles honestly, without minimizing or excusing their actions.
• Community and confession: Healing and freedom come through confessing sins to trusted brothers and praying for one another.
• Purposeful action: Men are called to not only stop consuming porn but to actively oppose the industry and support those harmed by it.

How does "The Death of Porn" by Ray Ortlund address the dignity and suffering of women in pornography?

• Women as royalty: Ortlund insists that every woman, including those in porn, is created in God’s image and deserves honor.
• Exposing exploitation: The book highlights the abuse, coercion, and trauma many women in the industry experience, often sharing real stories.
• Challenging objectification: Men are called to see women not as objects for pleasure but as sisters to be defended and cherished.
• A call to advocacy: Ortlund urges men to move from being passive consumers to active defenders and advocates for women’s dignity.

What role does Christian faith and the gospel play in "The Death of Porn" by Ray Ortlund?

• Grace as the foundation: The book is deeply rooted in the message that God’s love and forgiveness are available to all, even in the midst of sexual sin.
• Jesus as the model and power: Ortlund presents Jesus as both the conquering Lion and the sacrificial Lamb, offering both strength and mercy.
• Transformation, not just behavior: The gospel is presented as the means for deep heart change, not just external compliance.
• Community as the context: The local church and brotherhood are seen as essential environments for healing and growth.

What practical steps does Ray Ortlund recommend in "The Death of Porn" for men seeking freedom and to make a difference?

• Confess and pray together: Regular, honest confession to a trusted brother and mutual prayer are central practices.
• Guard your heart: Vigilance over thoughts and desires, with immediate rejection of lustful impulses, is encouraged.
• Join or start a brotherhood: Men are urged to form small groups focused on honesty, support, and accountability.
• Advocate and create: Use your influence, resources, and creativity to oppose the porn industry and promote a culture of nobility.
• Rejoice and persevere: Cultivate joy in Christ and keep moving forward, even after setbacks.

How does "The Death of Porn" by Ray Ortlund use stories and illustrations to make its points?

• Personal anecdotes: Ortlund shares his own failures and regrets, modeling vulnerability and growth.
• Historical parallels: The fight against porn is compared to historic justice movements, like the abolition of slavery.
• Literary references: The book draws on literature and film (e.g., Lord of the Rings, Braveheart, The Shawshank Redemption) to illustrate hope, courage, and transformation.
• Testimonies of survivors: Real stories from women who have escaped exploitation are included to humanize the issue and inspire empathy.

What is the significance of brotherhood and community in "The Death of Porn" by Ray Ortlund?

• No solo victories: Ortlund asserts that lasting freedom from porn is impossible in isolation; brotherhood is essential.
• Confession and healing: Honest confession to one another is presented as the fast track to healing and transformation.
• Mutual encouragement: The book emphasizes honoring, supporting, and praying for one another as key to building a new culture.
• Multiplying impact: Small groups of honest men can become a movement, changing not just individuals but the wider world.

What are some of the best quotes from "The Death of Porn" by Ray Ortlund and what do they mean?

• "Your creation was your coronation." – Every man is born with dignity and purpose, not as an accident or afterthought.
• "God gives his best to men who deserve his worst." – Grace is unearned and freely given, even to those who feel most unworthy.
• "You can be impressive, or you can be known, but you can’t be both." – True transformation requires vulnerability and honesty, not image management.
• "Porn is Satan recruiting us to degrade a woman into the opposite of who she is—from royalty to slavery." – Consuming porn is not a private act but a participation in injustice.
• "The weakness of honesty is your superpower that the lies of porn cannot defeat." – Openness and confession are powerful weapons against shame and addiction.

How does "The Death of Porn" by Ray Ortlund envision cultural change and a "world of nobility"?

• Grassroots movement: Ortlund calls for a generation of men to rise up, reject porn, and build a counterculture of integrity and honor.
• Practical advocacy: The book suggests supporting anti-trafficking organizations, lobbying for legal reforms, and educating the next generation.
• Creative engagement: Men are encouraged to use art, music, storytelling, and technology to promote dignity and challenge exploitation.
• Joyful perseverance: The vision is not just about fighting evil but about rejoicing in Christ and spreading hope, even in the face of setbacks.
• Legacy of impact: The ultimate goal is a world where men and women thrive, free from the oppression and degradation of pornography.