When men view pornography, they experience increased anxiety and tension, resulting in an increase in amygdala activity. Men also show an increase in amygdala activity when shown statements suggesting sexual infidelity by their girlfriends. Sexual arousal and intimate sexual relationships appear to supercharge the male amygdala.

Several brain regions in men are affected by stimulation of the penis and orgasm. Some areas of the brain are responsible for the release of dopamine and the psychological experience of euphoria and transcendence.

Brains, Bodies and Souls

Knowledge about our biological nature is not an excuse for sin: "My brain made me do it," or "Porn has messed up my brain, so I can't help myself" are not get-out-of-jail-free cards. We are still responsible for our actions.

As a man cultivates patterns of depravity, he diminishes his ability to bear God's image rightly. The knowledge that we get from Scripture and science should not be used to deny, justify, rationalize, minimize, normalize or celebrate the exercising of brokenness. It should be used to show compassion for those who have been propelled by the needs and design of their created nature down the path of depravity.

Rather than blame the needs, we should look at the process by which these needs drove us to depravity. These very same needs, however, can be reclaimed and redirected to travel the path of sanctification and holiness.

How does a man become "addicted to holiness"? How does he cultivate his embodied nature to embrace sanctification? Many of the principles that govern all of spiritual formation have their impact in the brain. We can reframe recovery from pornography, sex addictions and compulsions as processes of rewiring, redemption and sanctification.

The process of sanctification is an addiction to holiness, a compulsive fixation on Christ and an impulsive pattern of compassion, virtue and love. This is what we are wired for. This is what we are meant for.