Modern society pushes the notion that pornography and masturbation are harmless little guilty pleasures. Society completely scoffs at the notion that masturbation is harmful, and rejects the concept of “sin” in relation to it. The idea that a person can go to Hell for eternity for watching pornography is laughable in the modern mind.  

But Catholic teaching is clear on the grave and mortal situation that pornography and masturbation put a person in. The Catechism of the Catholic Church #2352 states: "Both the Magisterium of the Church, in the course of a constant tradition, and the moral sense of the faithful have been in no doubt and have firmly maintained that masturbation is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action."  

CCC #2354 goes on to say “Pornography consists in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties. It is a grave offense.”  

These are official Church teachings, with ecclesial language that may not be clear to the everyday layperson. When the Catechism says an action is “grave” or a “grave offense”, that is synonymous with a mortal sin.  

As the Catechism teaches, those who die in a state of mortal sin go to Hell.  

CCC #1035 "The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of Hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into Hell, where they suffer the punishments of Hell, "eternal fire." The chief punishment of Hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs.”  

Now, not everybody who commits acts that are considered grave commits a mortal sin. The Church teaches that “for a sin to be mortal, three conditions must together be met: "Mortal sin is sin whose object is grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent.”  

Things such as ignorance, addiction, and compulsion can mitigate the blame of a person. But for someone who knows that pornograhy and mastrubation are mortal sins, and they commit the acts regardless, is guilty of a mortal sin, and if they die in that state, they do go to Hell.  

But it is not God’s will for anyone to be lost. God does not want anyone to go to Hell, and the Catholic Church has never declared one single person to be definitively in Hell. God’s mercy and forgiveness are infinite. If you struggle with pornography and compulsive sexual acts, there is hope and forgiveness for those who seek it.  

Millions of men (and women) struggle with compulsive pornography use. It is estimated that 40% of men and 20% of women are addicted to it. This can include visual porn, chat rooms, erotic stories, and social media. While few are willing to talk about it, this is an epidemic that we need to begin facing now for the sake of your soul! 

Integrity Restored has created “Informed”, a groundbreaking DVD series will take you through science, facts, and personal testimonies to expose the reality of pornography. This series is intended for individuals, families, and parishes to educate and equip people in the battle against pornography.  

With this series, you will also learn about the hope provided by the Church, and a pathway to ending this epidemic and halting the ruining effects it is having on society.