“The same is true in accountability relationships. While these tools can be abused much like any other form of technology, they also can be harnessed to help men and women overcome the poisonous plague of pornography as they seek to walk in freedom and purity,” Thacker said. “Second, we must also remember that these systems are designed to be tools as part of a larger framework of discipleship. Abstaining from pornography is but one part of pursuing a life of holiness. We must also seek to have our hearts and minds transformed by the Holy Spirit as we put on righteousness and holiness,” he said, referencing Ephesians 4:22-24.
Thacker sees benefits in accountability software for Christians and others struggling with pornography addiction.
“Many of these apps and services can help Christians and all people to navigate the challenges of pornography and explicit content in community with others,” Thacker said. “They can be a critical part of Christian discipleship in our digital age, especially for those with histories of pornography use or sexual sin.”
Accountability software can be especially useful in the current age, Thacker said.
“Often we’re told by the wider culture that the Christian sexual ethic is oppressive or dangerous, but Scripture shows us that God’s design for sex and marriage is actually for our good,” he said. “In a time of radical individualism, many people are led to believe that they can simply walk through life and face these challenges on their own.
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“When used with wisdom and transparency, these systems can be invaluable tools in fighting the lusts of the flesh as we seek to walk with purity before God.”
Covenant Eyes and Accountable2You are available for use and downloads outside of Google. Covenant Eyes has appealed Google’s decision, and Accountable2You has accused Google of targeting the sites.
“Despite this attack, we will continue to build software that makes transparency easy for the device owner,” Accountable2You CEO Ben Lawrence wrote. “We will continue to call out sin and promote educational resources that will edify the body of Christ.”
This article originally appeared at Baptist Press.
