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The Death of Porn: Men of Integrity Building a World of Nobility
How to Fight Pornography through Honest Community
Pastor Ray Ortlund calls pornography the "wallpaper of the world"--so widespread that it can't be avoided. No man is free from exposure to it. So how can every man fight to get his dignity back? How can men band together to stop playing defense and start playing offense against the industry creating porn?
The Death of Porn is a series of personal letters to young men, calling an entire generation to believe in their God-given royalty and to push back against the degrading porn industry. As men walk together in honesty, prayer, and activism, they can diminish the industry, pushing it out to the margins of culture, stigmatizing its image, choking its demand, calling its bluff, and reducing its income. Men standing together to lead the movement as champions of nobility can build a new world where all people are dignified as never before.
Pastor Ray Ortlund calls pornography the "wallpaper of the world"--so widespread that it can't be avoided. No man is free from exposure to it. So how can every man fight to get his dignity back? How can men band together to stop playing defense and start playing offense against the industry creating porn?
The Death of Porn is a series of personal letters to young men, calling an entire generation to believe in their God-given royalty and to push back against the degrading porn industry. As men walk together in honesty, prayer, and activism, they can diminish the industry, pushing it out to the margins of culture, stigmatizing its image, choking its demand, calling its bluff, and reducing its income. Men standing together to lead the movement as champions of nobility can build a new world where all people are dignified as never before.
160 pages, ebook
Published September 14, 2021
181 people are currently reading
1128 people want to read
About the author
Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.
67 books142 followersPastor Ray Ortlund received a B.A. from Wheaton College, Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, M.A. from The University of California, Berkeley, and Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Pastor Ortlund served as Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois, from 1989-1998. He was ordained by Lake Avenue Congregational Church, Pasadena, California, in 1975
In addition to a number of essays and articles, he has published several books. Ray also participated in The New Living Translation and the English Standard Version of the Bible. He contributed the introduction and study notes to the book of Isaiah in The ESV Study Bible.
Ray is the President of Renewal Ministries, a regional director in the Acts29 Network and serves on the council of The Gospel Coalition.
Ray and his wife Jani have been married for forty-one happy years, and they have four delightful children. Ray says, "I have the most wonderful wife, I love my kids and grandkids, and I love Immanuel Church. My dream is that God would use us for true revival in our city."
In addition to a number of essays and articles, he has published several books. Ray also participated in The New Living Translation and the English Standard Version of the Bible. He contributed the introduction and study notes to the book of Isaiah in The ESV Study Bible.
Ray is the President of Renewal Ministries, a regional director in the Acts29 Network and serves on the council of The Gospel Coalition.
Ray and his wife Jani have been married for forty-one happy years, and they have four delightful children. Ray says, "I have the most wonderful wife, I love my kids and grandkids, and I love Immanuel Church. My dream is that God would use us for true revival in our city."
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January 15, 2022
If you were wondering how the theology found in Gentle & Lowly might trickle down into the sanctification of the believer, this is the book you should read.
Ray Ortlund doesn’t believe men can be shamed out of watching porn. He believes men can be so captivated by the love of God, the dignity of women, and the royalty found in following Jesus that they joyfully oppose the porn industry.
He writes six letters to men. Each one has a unique contribution to his thesis: forming men or integrity who build a world of nobility.
Absolutely beautiful.
Ray Ortlund doesn’t believe men can be shamed out of watching porn. He believes men can be so captivated by the love of God, the dignity of women, and the royalty found in following Jesus that they joyfully oppose the porn industry.
He writes six letters to men. Each one has a unique contribution to his thesis: forming men or integrity who build a world of nobility.
Absolutely beautiful.
October 2, 2021
Ever since the days of Every Man's Battle in the early 2000's, the topic of male sexual sin along with the prevalence of pornography and its effects on men and society has been a back-burner interest of mine. Though The Death of Porn: Men of Integrity Building a World of Nobility is specifically written for men, I welcomed the chance to listen in on how an older man (the author) would approach and speak about this topic. The Death of Porn is a collection of six letters. It is written from the perspective of a loving father-figure to the reader who is repeatedly referred to as Son.
In this way, pastor and author Ray Ortlund Jr. has written a book that addresses pornography not psychologically or scientifically, or even solely theologically, but first and foremost, relationally. The first three letters, 1) You are Royalty, 2) She is Royalty, 3) He is Royalty, encourage the reader to see himself differently. Whoever he might have been, or currently is, or is convinced that he will always be, the author brings him to Christ for a new identity. Once the man is able to look at himself, once he sees that God has nothing but a heart full of love for him, he is then able to look up and begin to see others. Walking always with him is Christ the Lion, and Christ the Lamb.
The second half of the book has a more practical focus. The final letters 4) We Can Do This, 5) We Can Work Together, 6) We Can Make a World of Difference encourage the reader toward community. The key action step of this book, besides prayer and looking to Christ in times of struggle and temptation, is reaching out to find a brother confessor. It's not that hard to confess to Jesus alone. But when you have the experience of confessing your sins to a flesh and blood brother and being received with love and not rejection, it makes the real love of Christ all the more real to him. The idea is to find someone with whom the relationship is mutual, where both men (or more if you can find them, which the author encourages) are hearing, forgiving, and praying for each other.
There are several strengths to be found in this book. The first is the author's unashamed proclamation of Christ alongside his tender application of the Gospel. There are brief times he gets very forthright and direct about the evil and obscene nature of pornography, which he compares to the days of the American slave trade and slavery, but at no time does he beat you over the head with "the truth". Quite interestingly, he writes a book about pornography without spending much time at all talking about it. Pornography is like the elephant in the room blocking the way to the only door, but you don't even notice because he so finely redirects the reader's gaze to another place.
This is not a work of the author's sexual self-disclosure, though the book had some real and honest moments that really stood out to me. In chapter 4 he writes, "For too many years, I didn't understand why God created me sexual. This male sexual intensity I began to feel in my boyhood, which grew with my adult manhood and has been surging within me all these years--why?" He goes on to say that it finally dawned on him that these feelings weren't just for him, but were there to drive him to his wife, to be used to care for her and for the mutual strengthening of one another: Feelings can be channeled into positive action. At another point in the second half of the book, in what felt like such a raw and completely unpretentious teaching moment, he is not just telling someone "find a brother confessor". He instructs the reader in how to vulnerably interact with another man. "But it begins humbly, even embarrassingly", he assures them. It's as though he's anticipating the awkwardness and resistance, while acting with the knowledge that fellowship with other men is an absolute necessity. The best kind of leadership empowers others, and this moment shined as truly loving and empowering. The author's enthusiasm is palpable and genuine. You get the feeling that he really does believe men can do this. It was one of my favorite sections to read.
I have a few thoughts regarding what could be seen as the book's weaknesses. If I'm understanding the author correctly, the more immediate goal of this book is to aid and encourage men who are trapped inside the world of pornography. His more long-term goal, together with the group of men who are one-by-one being freed, is bringing down the entire pornography establishment. I truly appreciate the author's vision. At the same time, the language in this book can sometimes come across as unrealistically grandiose. Examples of this include lines like, "Your problem is that you haven't stared transfixed at the grandeur of God's lofty purpose for you", or "And that's how you start getting traction for a new you--when you dare to believe that God your King created you for a purpose of greatness", and "Opposing porn will demand your best, but Jesus will keep giving you his best. You are not doomed to failure. He will bring down this wretched industry, and he will create a world of nobility--through you." That's a lot of pressure to put on himself or any person.
I know I'm not the only one, but one of the major adjustments I've had to make, going from a youth and young adult "let's get the Gospel to the entire world" Christian, to a present-day millennial American Christian, is realizing we're all just people doing regular things. The Gospel must go out to the ends of the earth, the porn industry needs to be burned to the ground, and somebody still has to take out the garbage. The author writes to encourage and inspire, and I do think he succeeds in this. But I am also curious: How much of the fighting and battle language still resonates with and inspires men? I realize I'm speaking as a flesh and blood woman here, but I'd be lying if I said I had never longed to see the day when the evangelical American men can come home from the war.
These are difficult days we live in. Pornography is not an easy subject to talk about. Ray Ortlund Jr. has written something to make it easier, to set even one more person on the way toward freedom. For all these reasons I pray this book is a blessing to many. It's a short read with a lasting message.
In this way, pastor and author Ray Ortlund Jr. has written a book that addresses pornography not psychologically or scientifically, or even solely theologically, but first and foremost, relationally. The first three letters, 1) You are Royalty, 2) She is Royalty, 3) He is Royalty, encourage the reader to see himself differently. Whoever he might have been, or currently is, or is convinced that he will always be, the author brings him to Christ for a new identity. Once the man is able to look at himself, once he sees that God has nothing but a heart full of love for him, he is then able to look up and begin to see others. Walking always with him is Christ the Lion, and Christ the Lamb.
The second half of the book has a more practical focus. The final letters 4) We Can Do This, 5) We Can Work Together, 6) We Can Make a World of Difference encourage the reader toward community. The key action step of this book, besides prayer and looking to Christ in times of struggle and temptation, is reaching out to find a brother confessor. It's not that hard to confess to Jesus alone. But when you have the experience of confessing your sins to a flesh and blood brother and being received with love and not rejection, it makes the real love of Christ all the more real to him. The idea is to find someone with whom the relationship is mutual, where both men (or more if you can find them, which the author encourages) are hearing, forgiving, and praying for each other.
There are several strengths to be found in this book. The first is the author's unashamed proclamation of Christ alongside his tender application of the Gospel. There are brief times he gets very forthright and direct about the evil and obscene nature of pornography, which he compares to the days of the American slave trade and slavery, but at no time does he beat you over the head with "the truth". Quite interestingly, he writes a book about pornography without spending much time at all talking about it. Pornography is like the elephant in the room blocking the way to the only door, but you don't even notice because he so finely redirects the reader's gaze to another place.
This is not a work of the author's sexual self-disclosure, though the book had some real and honest moments that really stood out to me. In chapter 4 he writes, "For too many years, I didn't understand why God created me sexual. This male sexual intensity I began to feel in my boyhood, which grew with my adult manhood and has been surging within me all these years--why?" He goes on to say that it finally dawned on him that these feelings weren't just for him, but were there to drive him to his wife, to be used to care for her and for the mutual strengthening of one another: Feelings can be channeled into positive action. At another point in the second half of the book, in what felt like such a raw and completely unpretentious teaching moment, he is not just telling someone "find a brother confessor". He instructs the reader in how to vulnerably interact with another man. "But it begins humbly, even embarrassingly", he assures them. It's as though he's anticipating the awkwardness and resistance, while acting with the knowledge that fellowship with other men is an absolute necessity. The best kind of leadership empowers others, and this moment shined as truly loving and empowering. The author's enthusiasm is palpable and genuine. You get the feeling that he really does believe men can do this. It was one of my favorite sections to read.
I have a few thoughts regarding what could be seen as the book's weaknesses. If I'm understanding the author correctly, the more immediate goal of this book is to aid and encourage men who are trapped inside the world of pornography. His more long-term goal, together with the group of men who are one-by-one being freed, is bringing down the entire pornography establishment. I truly appreciate the author's vision. At the same time, the language in this book can sometimes come across as unrealistically grandiose. Examples of this include lines like, "Your problem is that you haven't stared transfixed at the grandeur of God's lofty purpose for you", or "And that's how you start getting traction for a new you--when you dare to believe that God your King created you for a purpose of greatness", and "Opposing porn will demand your best, but Jesus will keep giving you his best. You are not doomed to failure. He will bring down this wretched industry, and he will create a world of nobility--through you." That's a lot of pressure to put on himself or any person.
I know I'm not the only one, but one of the major adjustments I've had to make, going from a youth and young adult "let's get the Gospel to the entire world" Christian, to a present-day millennial American Christian, is realizing we're all just people doing regular things. The Gospel must go out to the ends of the earth, the porn industry needs to be burned to the ground, and somebody still has to take out the garbage. The author writes to encourage and inspire, and I do think he succeeds in this. But I am also curious: How much of the fighting and battle language still resonates with and inspires men? I realize I'm speaking as a flesh and blood woman here, but I'd be lying if I said I had never longed to see the day when the evangelical American men can come home from the war.
These are difficult days we live in. Pornography is not an easy subject to talk about. Ray Ortlund Jr. has written something to make it easier, to set even one more person on the way toward freedom. For all these reasons I pray this book is a blessing to many. It's a short read with a lasting message.
September 20, 2021
Pornography has a stranglehold over countless men and women in our culture. There was a day when one needed to seek porn out but with the rise of the internet, it stalks the unsuspecting through means of a phone, computer, or television. Sadly, many of these are naively lured into grievous sin and find themselves in a pattern of defeat.
Ray Ortlund is burdened for people entrapped in pornography; he also has a burden to see the industry burn to the ground. In his book, The Death of Porn, the author addresses the hearts of men in particular. His aim is to see men become men of integrity who play a vital role in building a world of nobility.
The Death of Porn is a unique book, written with a personal and pastoral tone. It is a simple read and practical in nature. The driving factor in Ortlund’s book is not psychology or self-help. At the very center of the book is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In six short letters, Pastor Ortlund addresses Sons as he would address one of his own.
Part one, Reintroducing the Characters focuses on three specific characters: 1) Men who struggle with sexual sin, 2) Women who have been hurt by the porn industry, and 3) The Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is presented as the conquering Lion, the One who reigns over sin and resurrected from the grave. But Jesus is also presented as the Lamb who was slain. At the heart of this discussion is the need to understand that Jesus is both the lion and the lamb:
This Lion and Lamb calls sinners to the foot of the cross to repent and believe. He calls sinners to drink from the fountain of his grace, the only fountain that truly satisfies. Ortlund urges readers to draw near to the Lord Jesus Christ:
Part two, Reimagining the Future offers readers hope for the future as the death of porn becomes a reality. Ortlund assures his Son with timely encouragement: “You’re on the right side of history, not because of your resolve but because of his resurrection.”
The author builds on this hopeful theme by summarizing how to fight well. First, What You’re Fighting For. He adds, “When you take up the fight against evil, you are planning a noble thing. You are standing for a noble thing. If you ever feel like a coward in the face of the battle, you can pivot immediately, turn from your fear back to Jesus, and brace yourself again for the fight.”
Second, How You Can Fight Well. Ortlund encourages his son to remember that God is with him and rejoices over him. This point assumes that the battle against sin is ongoing until we reach the shores of the Celestial City. He urges, “Let’s support one another as we fight for our integrity. But let’s never make room for sin - even in our thoughts.”
Third, What Winning Will Cost You. The author challenges his Son to be killing sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. Such an endeavor will obviously be costly and will be worth every ounce of gospel-centered obedience. Ortlund concludes, “Jesus calls you to fight for his new world of nobility … joyously, decisively, repeatedly.”
In the fifth letter, Sons are encouraged to work together. The author exhorts him, “ … You, with your brothers, will create a new world of nobility. Moving forward shoulder to shoulder, you can starve that predatory Beast - the porn industry.”
Ortlund underscores the importance of transparency. He draws on James 5:16 and encourages his Son to confess sin, pray with like-minded brothers, which ultimately leads to healing. The sum of the matter is deeply encouraging:
The final letter focuses on making a world of difference. Ortlund writes, “Jesus is calling you to build a new world of nobility, to the furthest extent of your influence, for the rest of your life. And he’s in the fight with you.” He includes practical proposals that will enable men to make a maximum impact in their world.
My hope is that The Death of Porn reaches thousands upon thousands of young men who need a strong and biblical challenge from a seasoned pastor who cares about the legacy of the next generation. That legacy involves men committed to holiness and integrity; men who are building a world of nobility.
Ray Ortlund is burdened for people entrapped in pornography; he also has a burden to see the industry burn to the ground. In his book, The Death of Porn, the author addresses the hearts of men in particular. His aim is to see men become men of integrity who play a vital role in building a world of nobility.
The Death of Porn is a unique book, written with a personal and pastoral tone. It is a simple read and practical in nature. The driving factor in Ortlund’s book is not psychology or self-help. At the very center of the book is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In six short letters, Pastor Ortlund addresses Sons as he would address one of his own.
Part one, Reintroducing the Characters focuses on three specific characters: 1) Men who struggle with sexual sin, 2) Women who have been hurt by the porn industry, and 3) The Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is presented as the conquering Lion, the One who reigns over sin and resurrected from the grave. But Jesus is also presented as the Lamb who was slain. At the heart of this discussion is the need to understand that Jesus is both the lion and the lamb:
It helps us that the roaring Lion and the sacrificial Lamb are one and the same person. He respects us enough to confront our sins. But he also values us enough to pay for our sins - at cost to himself alone. Jesus is building his new kingdom in a surprising way. He gives porn stars their dignity back, and he gives porn consumers their honor back. He loves doing this.
This Lion and Lamb calls sinners to the foot of the cross to repent and believe. He calls sinners to drink from the fountain of his grace, the only fountain that truly satisfies. Ortlund urges readers to draw near to the Lord Jesus Christ:
But this letter is about our true King. And I’m asking you to hand yourself over to him. Then he’ll plunge your past under his own blood. And he will provide everything you’re going to need - moment by moment - as he leads you into your future.
Part two, Reimagining the Future offers readers hope for the future as the death of porn becomes a reality. Ortlund assures his Son with timely encouragement: “You’re on the right side of history, not because of your resolve but because of his resurrection.”
The author builds on this hopeful theme by summarizing how to fight well. First, What You’re Fighting For. He adds, “When you take up the fight against evil, you are planning a noble thing. You are standing for a noble thing. If you ever feel like a coward in the face of the battle, you can pivot immediately, turn from your fear back to Jesus, and brace yourself again for the fight.”
Second, How You Can Fight Well. Ortlund encourages his son to remember that God is with him and rejoices over him. This point assumes that the battle against sin is ongoing until we reach the shores of the Celestial City. He urges, “Let’s support one another as we fight for our integrity. But let’s never make room for sin - even in our thoughts.”
Third, What Winning Will Cost You. The author challenges his Son to be killing sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. Such an endeavor will obviously be costly and will be worth every ounce of gospel-centered obedience. Ortlund concludes, “Jesus calls you to fight for his new world of nobility … joyously, decisively, repeatedly.”
In the fifth letter, Sons are encouraged to work together. The author exhorts him, “ … You, with your brothers, will create a new world of nobility. Moving forward shoulder to shoulder, you can starve that predatory Beast - the porn industry.”
Ortlund underscores the importance of transparency. He draws on James 5:16 and encourages his Son to confess sin, pray with like-minded brothers, which ultimately leads to healing. The sum of the matter is deeply encouraging:
Your brotherhood can go viral. It can easily multiply, leaping over barriers, reaching men far away, men you might never even meet in this life. But in our sick world, healing is a powerful force. Your new freedom of heart can flow out, by the grace of God, reaching even the darkest places of porn. God can do that through you - the real you, with other real men.
The final letter focuses on making a world of difference. Ortlund writes, “Jesus is calling you to build a new world of nobility, to the furthest extent of your influence, for the rest of your life. And he’s in the fight with you.” He includes practical proposals that will enable men to make a maximum impact in their world.
My hope is that The Death of Porn reaches thousands upon thousands of young men who need a strong and biblical challenge from a seasoned pastor who cares about the legacy of the next generation. That legacy involves men committed to holiness and integrity; men who are building a world of nobility.
September 11, 2021
Ray writes like an Ortlund. Which, by essence, means that he points to a loving Christ in a Biblically saturated way.
This book is valuable. It’s an excellent synthesis of what so many have written in previous years. Not only is it an exhortation toward piety and a walking in the light, but it is also written as if Ray is your father and you are his son.
He deals gently with you. (Probably gets that from being an Ortlund.) He points to the deep and lasting impacts of sin. He displays the glory of the imago dei. He points to Christ as advocate, atonement, and absolute mercy.
And then he exhorts you to live as an activist against the biggest tech industry in the world. Publicly, for the nobility of so many men entrapped by the lies of the deceiver.
Again, this book is valuable. It is only in recent years where I believe that the church is catching up to the pornography epidemic. We are realizing the depths of the depravity of man as seen behind closed doors. Who we are behind those doors, as Lewis puts it, displays the true heart of a man.
“The Death of Porn” will be making it to the top of my discipleship resources when mentoring and discipline other men. It will then be immediately followed by “More than a Battle” by Joe Rigney and Powlsin’s works on sanctification and sexual wholeness. (Powlsin actually writes the appendix on identity in this book!)
In a similar manner to his brother, Dane Ortlund (notable for writing the generationally defining book Gentle and Lowly), Ray excellently displays a Christ who is near to men in their deepest and darkest shame and the beautiful actualization of man that occurs through the work of the Spirit to become those of nobility and honor; rejoicing and giving glory to God in all that they do.
This book is valuable. It’s an excellent synthesis of what so many have written in previous years. Not only is it an exhortation toward piety and a walking in the light, but it is also written as if Ray is your father and you are his son.
He deals gently with you. (Probably gets that from being an Ortlund.) He points to the deep and lasting impacts of sin. He displays the glory of the imago dei. He points to Christ as advocate, atonement, and absolute mercy.
And then he exhorts you to live as an activist against the biggest tech industry in the world. Publicly, for the nobility of so many men entrapped by the lies of the deceiver.
Again, this book is valuable. It is only in recent years where I believe that the church is catching up to the pornography epidemic. We are realizing the depths of the depravity of man as seen behind closed doors. Who we are behind those doors, as Lewis puts it, displays the true heart of a man.
“The Death of Porn” will be making it to the top of my discipleship resources when mentoring and discipline other men. It will then be immediately followed by “More than a Battle” by Joe Rigney and Powlsin’s works on sanctification and sexual wholeness. (Powlsin actually writes the appendix on identity in this book!)
In a similar manner to his brother, Dane Ortlund (notable for writing the generationally defining book Gentle and Lowly), Ray excellently displays a Christ who is near to men in their deepest and darkest shame and the beautiful actualization of man that occurs through the work of the Spirit to become those of nobility and honor; rejoicing and giving glory to God in all that they do.
January 24, 2025
There's plenty of books that are heavy on shame: of sexuality, of the female body, of male desire.
This book was dignifying: of sexuality, of women, of male desire.
There's also plenty of research showing the psychological and relational harm of pornography consumption and/or addiction. That's all available to find elsewhere.
Where this book shines is in its brotherly tone and dignifying approach. Men don't need more shame or statistics. They need someone to come alongside them (hopefully in person, as well) and show them a better way, show them the spiritual realities at play, and show them the grace and loving gaze of Christ which is stronger than willpower.
As the availability and depravity of pornography (and the industry as whole) has increased at an alarming rate (reaching younger and younger children), this is a topic that is not going away. We need more wisdom, more diligence, and more care in this area than ever before.
*We can all assume women are caught up in porn, as well, but any statistical data and will show it's overwhelmingly men who are consumers. In addition, women are often addicted to porn in the written form of erotica. For similar resources for women and sexuality, I highly recommend Phylicia Masonheimer's work and writing on this topic.
This book was dignifying: of sexuality, of women, of male desire.
There's also plenty of research showing the psychological and relational harm of pornography consumption and/or addiction. That's all available to find elsewhere.
Where this book shines is in its brotherly tone and dignifying approach. Men don't need more shame or statistics. They need someone to come alongside them (hopefully in person, as well) and show them a better way, show them the spiritual realities at play, and show them the grace and loving gaze of Christ which is stronger than willpower.
As the availability and depravity of pornography (and the industry as whole) has increased at an alarming rate (reaching younger and younger children), this is a topic that is not going away. We need more wisdom, more diligence, and more care in this area than ever before.
*We can all assume women are caught up in porn, as well, but any statistical data and will show it's overwhelmingly men who are consumers. In addition, women are often addicted to porn in the written form of erotica. For similar resources for women and sexuality, I highly recommend Phylicia Masonheimer's work and writing on this topic.
July 11, 2024
To get a guy to stop looking at porn, you could shame them. Scaring them sometimes works. Maybe install an app too. Ortlund loves them. He loves men looking at porn so fiercely and with so much hope that they couldn’t imagine not stopping.
Ortlund is serious about the dangers and harm of porn. He doesn’t allow men to call it a mistake. It’s predatory, oppressive, and satanic. He’s serious about the power of the gospel too. He believes that God is kind, that men can regain nobility, that confession is beautiful, and that Jesus’ kingdom is more powerful than the hell gates of porn.
Jesus “gives porn consumers their honor back.”
I’ll be recommending this book for a long time.
Ortlund is serious about the dangers and harm of porn. He doesn’t allow men to call it a mistake. It’s predatory, oppressive, and satanic. He’s serious about the power of the gospel too. He believes that God is kind, that men can regain nobility, that confession is beautiful, and that Jesus’ kingdom is more powerful than the hell gates of porn.
Jesus “gives porn consumers their honor back.”
I’ll be recommending this book for a long time.
August 24, 2023
This is great resource for those looking to counsel and shepherd men in their fight against pornography and sexual sin. Ortlund is practical and pastoral as he cares for his readers and the world he desires to see them build. The call for men to walk with integrity for the sake of a more noble world for women is an incredible way to connect real life application to a wide range of readers from those struggling to those not struggling. The fervor this work is written with is a great lesson for those looking to exhort a people to righteousness.
March 5, 2022
This is an incredible book. Though written for men, I wanted to read it so that I could recommend it with a good conscience. What I didn’t anticipate was the sense of value, royalty, and worth that it would affirm in me. I can now see how the presence of porn in our society has influenced how I perceive men see women, but this book establishes the value of men and women as children of God. I am grateful that there are men of integrity who want to see a right view of God and of each other restored.
The Death of Porn is challenging and empowering. Ortlund writes in such a way the the words (though hard to read) are like a balm to the soul, free from shame. It is inspiring, it invokes bravery, and it cultivates a sense of community and integrity that porn demolishes. For anyone wondering, this book does not trigger temptation or feed the flesh, rather, it is life-giving and breeds courage. This book is about the gospel. It takes a look at sin against the backdrop of God’s Story, and suddenly sin loses its power as it’s brought to the light and nailed to the cross. Confess, pray, find healing. We can work together to fight for nobility and be a part of God’s redemption story. After all, we are Royalty.
The Death of Porn is challenging and empowering. Ortlund writes in such a way the the words (though hard to read) are like a balm to the soul, free from shame. It is inspiring, it invokes bravery, and it cultivates a sense of community and integrity that porn demolishes. For anyone wondering, this book does not trigger temptation or feed the flesh, rather, it is life-giving and breeds courage. This book is about the gospel. It takes a look at sin against the backdrop of God’s Story, and suddenly sin loses its power as it’s brought to the light and nailed to the cross. Confess, pray, find healing. We can work together to fight for nobility and be a part of God’s redemption story. After all, we are Royalty.
October 11, 2025
Such a good book that every man and even woman should read. Ray does well in highlighting just how damaging porn is, as well as the way it causes men to look at women, since he’s specifically writing to men. Also highlights the very real truth of what people support when they engage in porn. I love how he is constantly tying it back to our identity in Christ and how we can live as the image bearer God has created us to be. So so good!
October 17, 2025
A lot of rich truth I needed to hear from a man of faith. I enjoyed the personal aspect of him writing each chapter as a letter. Very fatherly, pastoral, tender, and encouraging. The hatred he has toward the porn industry is so refreshing and empowering. It’d be such a huge blessing to see in our lifetime this industry truly crumble to the ground. The redemptive love he has toward his wife is also so wonderful to read. Definitely a husband to emulate. Good man. Good book. Good read.
September 17, 2021
I found this book to address and attack the problem of pornography from an angle that hasn’t been done yet. Using Scripture, C.S. Lewis, etc., Ortlund reminds and wakes readers up to who they are in Christ. Out of this identity, he calls us to be a part of a brotherhood that lives out this identity and new creation realities. I loved his practical ways forward in the last chapter. I will be using this book with other men at our church to continue the fight for integrity and nobility.
September 15, 2021
Is this a book that will help someone who is battling a pornography addiction? For sure. Will this book help anyone learn to overcome any sin that they feel defeated by? Definitely. This book is a valuable resource to anyone who wants to experience the freedom from sin and shame that God promises to His children. I would recommend this book to anyone, no matter their present, personal struggle with sin.
February 8, 2024
My first MUST read of 2024! Read for my sprint series on sexuality & wow just wow. I love the structure of this book. Ray writes deep truths in the form of letters to other men. He writes how we learn, simply and easy to understand. Even if this book was written for men, I gleaned SO much from it. I love how he reframes sexuality & porn struggles. I would highly recommend to all.
August 26, 2022
Very rarely do I find a book on this subject to be worth 5 stars.
Ray Ortlund is a good writer and an even better audiobook reader. This book lays out a vision for authentic, redeemed masculinity too noble, exciting, and “royal” to be confined to the issue of porn itself.
He centers the call to Christian holiness in man and woman’s “image-of-God” creation and calling. He exposes the true nature of the porn industry and its harmful effects on trafficked women (and the men who view them) — men, we are culpable for what we consume. Yet he avoids shaming the reader and reminding him of his true identity — not only as image-bearers of God, but as his redeemed new humanity commissioned and equipped to build “a world of nobility,” the kingdom of Jesus on the earth.
This book, unlike other books about lust, gives more than a method or brief motivation to fight porn. It gives readers a vision for how Jesus can transform a man to be filled with his Spirit and anointed to bring “good news to the afflicted, liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
There’s no ‘silver bullet’ in the battle against lust. But Jesus changes lives, and I think this book—especially in community—could be a piece of that for some men.
Ray Ortlund is a good writer and an even better audiobook reader. This book lays out a vision for authentic, redeemed masculinity too noble, exciting, and “royal” to be confined to the issue of porn itself.
He centers the call to Christian holiness in man and woman’s “image-of-God” creation and calling. He exposes the true nature of the porn industry and its harmful effects on trafficked women (and the men who view them) — men, we are culpable for what we consume. Yet he avoids shaming the reader and reminding him of his true identity — not only as image-bearers of God, but as his redeemed new humanity commissioned and equipped to build “a world of nobility,” the kingdom of Jesus on the earth.
This book, unlike other books about lust, gives more than a method or brief motivation to fight porn. It gives readers a vision for how Jesus can transform a man to be filled with his Spirit and anointed to bring “good news to the afflicted, liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
There’s no ‘silver bullet’ in the battle against lust. But Jesus changes lives, and I think this book—especially in community—could be a piece of that for some men.
January 10, 2024
Excellent. A few reservations here and there, but overall - excellent.
“Jesus died and rose again to give you nothing else than a magnificent new you. But you can’t drag your old fantasies into his newness. They’ve got to die. They deserve to die. And the time is now. What do you have to lose?”
“Jesus died and rose again to give you nothing else than a magnificent new you. But you can’t drag your old fantasies into his newness. They’ve got to die. They deserve to die. And the time is now. What do you have to lose?”
September 14, 2021
Ortlund has cast a vision for a better, more noble existence than what porn provides. Gospel drenched goodness for life here.
December 21, 2024
Wise words
Written in an easy, yet thorough way.
There is so much beauty in the way Ortlund edifies and give magnificent truths that speak to our own realities as children and royalty of the one Most High, while still not holding any punches to our sin. The porn industry degrades, hurts, and traffics. It causes women to lose sight of their design as an Imago Dei, and see hope of getting out as foolish. And every time a man watches, and engages with this hideous beast, he not only committing a sin against his own body, but them as well. As Ortlund so wisely puts it, we may be a King, but are still sinful.
Solution could have had a bit more nuance, but also the no-BS ideal was refreshing in some capacity.
Three things that made this unique
1. The stylistic choice of it being written as if a letter from Father to Son. Deeply personal, and for many men something they could never dream of receiving in real life. However, in that there were many times, though the encouragement truthful and biblical, it became apparent this had never been a personal struggle. Which would hold true for the majority of men in that Generation. Not a bad thing, just an observation.
2. Viewing each man’s personal struggle as a bigger battle towards the Evil contained in the Porn Industry, which as he argues is essentially Satan. Not exactly sure my thoughts on whether it is wise to put a whole system of evil on one man’s struggles I certainly need more contemplation. However, if anything a good remind that our sins have real consequences not only to us but the world around us.
3. Such a strong focus on the ideals of integrity and nobility. Beautiful. Men have long lost the ideals of honor, service, and sacrifice. But in Christ we are called higher, we are called to accept discipline like a young Prince would be in service to his Kingdom. Becoming Men of Integrity building a world of Nobility.
Written in an easy, yet thorough way.
There is so much beauty in the way Ortlund edifies and give magnificent truths that speak to our own realities as children and royalty of the one Most High, while still not holding any punches to our sin. The porn industry degrades, hurts, and traffics. It causes women to lose sight of their design as an Imago Dei, and see hope of getting out as foolish. And every time a man watches, and engages with this hideous beast, he not only committing a sin against his own body, but them as well. As Ortlund so wisely puts it, we may be a King, but are still sinful.
Solution could have had a bit more nuance, but also the no-BS ideal was refreshing in some capacity.
Three things that made this unique
1. The stylistic choice of it being written as if a letter from Father to Son. Deeply personal, and for many men something they could never dream of receiving in real life. However, in that there were many times, though the encouragement truthful and biblical, it became apparent this had never been a personal struggle. Which would hold true for the majority of men in that Generation. Not a bad thing, just an observation.
2. Viewing each man’s personal struggle as a bigger battle towards the Evil contained in the Porn Industry, which as he argues is essentially Satan. Not exactly sure my thoughts on whether it is wise to put a whole system of evil on one man’s struggles I certainly need more contemplation. However, if anything a good remind that our sins have real consequences not only to us but the world around us.
3. Such a strong focus on the ideals of integrity and nobility. Beautiful. Men have long lost the ideals of honor, service, and sacrifice. But in Christ we are called higher, we are called to accept discipline like a young Prince would be in service to his Kingdom. Becoming Men of Integrity building a world of Nobility.
September 28, 2023
A compelling call to Christian men to go on the offense against both lust and the pornography industry itself. In the form of six letters, Ortlund combines gracious encouragement and robust exhortation to spur his readers to both hope and action.
I've heard some complain that Ortlund, in turning his readers' attention to the crimes of the pornography industry and sex slavery (in which viewers of pornography become participants), leaves out some more voluntary forms of pornography (ones that do not involve coercion or slavery). But, after reading this book, I don't think the complaint is a legitimate one. All who engage in sexual sin (even a voluntary performer), are enslaved to Satan, an even more damaging form of slavery, something a believer should fight with equal force.
I do wish Ortlund had focused more on the importance of belonging to a local church (not just a small group of believers). It is the church (no matter how unlikely it may seem) that is the engine for creating men of integrity and a world of nobility
I've heard some complain that Ortlund, in turning his readers' attention to the crimes of the pornography industry and sex slavery (in which viewers of pornography become participants), leaves out some more voluntary forms of pornography (ones that do not involve coercion or slavery). But, after reading this book, I don't think the complaint is a legitimate one. All who engage in sexual sin (even a voluntary performer), are enslaved to Satan, an even more damaging form of slavery, something a believer should fight with equal force.
I do wish Ortlund had focused more on the importance of belonging to a local church (not just a small group of believers). It is the church (no matter how unlikely it may seem) that is the engine for creating men of integrity and a world of nobility
March 11, 2022
Great book! Reads like a letter from a father to a son. Very encouraging and personal. Comes across as someone to root for your success!
January 2, 2022
A book that I wish I could hand to every man in my generation. Ray writes like a father to sons, telling us what we need to hear in a manner we can receive it.
September 18, 2025
Yep. Not a man. Yep. I read it. And I’d do it again. I’m that rebel kid that reads everything. I began the book thoroughly angry that he wrote it only to MEN. (Women engage with pornography too!) It’s the number two thing I counsel on. I’m often surprised how much I say “porn,” for someone that, praise Jesus, doesn’t engage with it. I found it annoying, to me, that Ortlund was seemingly making a statement regarding the consumer of pornography being only men. Alas, reading the book lead me to the glorious recognition that he didn’t leave women out to make a statement about it, rather it was and is a love letter to men to call them to a higher standard of living and purity. This work is a William Wallace speech on steroids washed down with chamomile tea. Ortlund writes with passion about a very important topic and massages it with a soothing balm of peace and compassion. His Lord of the Rings references make my heart soar and he manages to share stories of strong women who have been wounded by sexual brokenness and pornography. His ever loving approach sings throughout the book and his emphasis on nobility being the tool of change is inspiring. I highly encourage everyone, regardless of gender to read it. His challenge on supply and demand is wonderful and wise. Very encouraging book! Highly recommend!
April 20, 2023
This book speaks on the terrible thing that is the porn industry and how all people must fight against it with dignity and nobility. Ray Ortlund is wise and comforting, speaking like a grandfather to a grandson.
March 5, 2023
A very encouraging book reaffirming our identity in Christ. A reassuring message of the hope of the LORD's sanctifying work in us by the Holy Spirit
January 20, 2022
This is a great book. I would recommend it to nearly every man I know. I say “nearly every man” because I have some reservations about the concluding chapter.
One “tip” that Ray gives in this chapter is to get married. It’s a great tip! I’d recommend it, too! But that isn’t an option for all men. He does mention that in passing, but unfortunately, that’s the extent of it. It’s another instance where marriage is essentially assumed of people, whether that’s the intention or not. To spend a significant amount of time speaking to men who will get married should warrant space devoted to those men who are called to singleness.
But this is a great and timely book, and I happily give it five-stars, though not an uncritical five-star rating.
One “tip” that Ray gives in this chapter is to get married. It’s a great tip! I’d recommend it, too! But that isn’t an option for all men. He does mention that in passing, but unfortunately, that’s the extent of it. It’s another instance where marriage is essentially assumed of people, whether that’s the intention or not. To spend a significant amount of time speaking to men who will get married should warrant space devoted to those men who are called to singleness.
But this is a great and timely book, and I happily give it five-stars, though not an uncritical five-star rating.
August 16, 2022
“Keep following Jesus down into death and up into resurrection-again and again. It worked for him. It’ll work for you. He’ll make sure of it. So when you lose yardage-even the best teams do sometimes-put your trust in the One who bounced back from death, get back up, and keep moving forward.”
December 5, 2021
This book challenged and inspired me to live purely, to love my wife, to hate sin, and to find my true identity in Christ. I highly recommend this book to every Christian male.
August 18, 2024
sososo goood
I like how Ray talks about porn plainly - he isn't afraid to give the ugly truth and say it for what it is. I thought the comparison of porn being the slavery of our time was so real
Instead of shaming or minimizing what porn is, Ray instead focuses on the dignity and royalty of men enslaved by, and women abused by porn. He also points to Jesus as the only source of freedom and forgiveness. I thought that was a really fresh and uplifting perspective compared to Every Man's Battle: Winning the War on Sexual Temptation One Victory at a Time which looking back I think normalized lust a little and encouraged relying on our own strength.
I love the hopeful vision of a world of nobility and the vision of brotherhood - will definitely have to try out confession prayer and healing with my bros and also relisten to this book some time
I like how Ray talks about porn plainly - he isn't afraid to give the ugly truth and say it for what it is. I thought the comparison of porn being the slavery of our time was so real
Instead of shaming or minimizing what porn is, Ray instead focuses on the dignity and royalty of men enslaved by, and women abused by porn. He also points to Jesus as the only source of freedom and forgiveness. I thought that was a really fresh and uplifting perspective compared to Every Man's Battle: Winning the War on Sexual Temptation One Victory at a Time which looking back I think normalized lust a little and encouraged relying on our own strength.
I love the hopeful vision of a world of nobility and the vision of brotherhood - will definitely have to try out confession prayer and healing with my bros and also relisten to this book some time
September 1, 2022
4.5 stars. This book was profound. I chose to listen to it on Audible, which was a good choice as it was narrated by the author. In this case, the result was listening to an elderly, fatherly, pastoral voice speak grace and hard truths about the stunning injustice of pornography.
The book is divided in two, with the first half "reintroducing the characters". Ray focuses majorly on identity. Who are you, young man? Who is that woman you are oppressing through your consumption of pornography? And who is Christ? A favorite portion of this section comes when Ray points out that if we could see the full future glory of what even the meagerest Christian here in this age is going to look like, we would not think of objectifying them at all, in fact we would have to refrain from worship as the glory of God in their new resurrection body would be too brilliant to behold.
The latter half of the book is spent asking the question of "what can be done?" The pastoral wisdom here for how a young man can spend his time and resources is invigorating. For example, a favorite quote from this section goes something like: "If God has equipped you with the ability to make money, than make as much of it as is lawfully possible, and then plow TONS of it into the cause of advancing justice for those who are oppressed.".
The way Ray approached this topic is more direct, and grace filled than any I've heard thus far. I appreciate the work and will reread.
The book is divided in two, with the first half "reintroducing the characters". Ray focuses majorly on identity. Who are you, young man? Who is that woman you are oppressing through your consumption of pornography? And who is Christ? A favorite portion of this section comes when Ray points out that if we could see the full future glory of what even the meagerest Christian here in this age is going to look like, we would not think of objectifying them at all, in fact we would have to refrain from worship as the glory of God in their new resurrection body would be too brilliant to behold.
The latter half of the book is spent asking the question of "what can be done?" The pastoral wisdom here for how a young man can spend his time and resources is invigorating. For example, a favorite quote from this section goes something like: "If God has equipped you with the ability to make money, than make as much of it as is lawfully possible, and then plow TONS of it into the cause of advancing justice for those who are oppressed.".
The way Ray approached this topic is more direct, and grace filled than any I've heard thus far. I appreciate the work and will reread.
June 4, 2025
This is a fantastic book. It is a good gift from God, to his people, by a faithful brother. I do think it would pair better with other books that lean more towards the confrontational side of exposing sexual sin and calling men and women to put it to death. This book seems to lean more (not totally) on the “what now?” What I mean by this is that often times restoring someone from the sin of pornography, even with good intentions, looks a lot like behavioral modification rather than full repentance, which isn’t simply “don’t look at porn” but also, “live for righteousness.” This book leans more towards how to I walk faithfully as someone restored from sin, and that’s not a bad thing, both are true and necessary. This is the second and certainly not the last time I’ll read this book!
May 9, 2023
4.5 Stars
In "The Death of Porn" Ray Ortlund has written an excellent book about a prevalent problem for Christian men. Ortlund's book is less of theological tome or battle-guide against sexual sin, but more of a sit down heart-to-heart conversation with a pastor. Ray Ortlund's book drips with grace, love and faithful rebukes. But ultimately he is calling men to live lives of nobility by seeing their high standing in Christ, the glory of women made in God's image and Christ's deep love for them. This should compel and encourage every man to fight against the lure of sexual sin and endure in faithful obedience to Jesus. This is a good book that would be a helpful companion book for books like "Sexual Detox" by Challies, "More Than a Battle" by Rigney, or "Finally Free" by Heath Lambert. I highly recommend this read.
In "The Death of Porn" Ray Ortlund has written an excellent book about a prevalent problem for Christian men. Ortlund's book is less of theological tome or battle-guide against sexual sin, but more of a sit down heart-to-heart conversation with a pastor. Ray Ortlund's book drips with grace, love and faithful rebukes. But ultimately he is calling men to live lives of nobility by seeing their high standing in Christ, the glory of women made in God's image and Christ's deep love for them. This should compel and encourage every man to fight against the lure of sexual sin and endure in faithful obedience to Jesus. This is a good book that would be a helpful companion book for books like "Sexual Detox" by Challies, "More Than a Battle" by Rigney, or "Finally Free" by Heath Lambert. I highly recommend this read.
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