Ex-Porn Star Becomes a Pastor: The Story of Joshua Broome

[@heavnxbound]

My prayer is that someone who’s in the industry and is where he was at sees this interview and calls out to Jesus. Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

[@iamjoshuabroome]

Amen. That’s my prayer as well.

[@charlieshammer6129]

@@iamjoshuabroome Thank you brother, I will one day look forward to getting to know you, maybe not today but in eternity. Thank you for sharing your story I believe God will prosper you in your ministry.

[@yesenia3816]

Amen!

[@shirleya7198]

And that would be Joshua's best place, to minister to the people in the industry who are desperately needing a pastor to lead them out of it's chains, and into the saving arms of Jesus Christ as their Savior.♡

[@aaronmichaels807]

Such people are not broken but happy, free and healthy.

[@myprofchief]

“Intimacy is not sex, and lust is not love. Lust takes, love gives” - Pastor Joshua Broome. Wow… God bless you

[@mariavani8839]

Yes!

[@NyNj911]

My brother please look up Dr. John henrike clarke

[@bernardwilliams4071]

Powerful

[@johnnieblack1061]

Whoremongers and adulterers GOD will judge

[@johnnieblack1061]

GOD is not mocked

[@lesliesmilez]

Breaks my heart how Joshua describes how these women come to a point in their lives and how he came to a point in his life were it was just horrible. Before Christ, ofc I was in the World, and I would watch these adult movies and now it really makes me reflect how broken these women and men are in the porn industry as well as myself before the Lord. Glory to God that I am redeemed in Christ and no longer watching those sexual immoral things! I pray for my brothers and sisters that are struggling with porn; that they may turn to the Lord and have the Word written in their hearts in that they lean on the Lord to have them completely break away from this trap of the devil! What an amazing interview. Really opened up my eyes to a lot thank you!

[@Eric-z6i4p]

Such precious words you have shared with us this day.

[@camthejock]

What’s crazy is that I used to watch him in high school, and now I stumbled upon his story. God is awesome.

[@faith8484]

Thank you so much in advance Brother Sean for bringing this talk. I've recently given up on porn as God led me to do so, it wasn't easy, but I'm trusting in God. God bless your heart..

[@SeanMcDowell]

Thanks Faith!

[@gardenoflife7833]

@Collin Lutz I’ll be praying for you, just don’t forget that Jesus’s blood covers it all. Entrust in Him with it all, you can’t fight flesh with flesh and expect to concur. God concurred it all on the cross, He sees your struggles and you’re not alone through it but it’s a battle you can’t fight on your own. The burden of sin is too great for us to bear on our own, sin and shame of our crimes are too great to bear. All we can do is surrender it to God, let God have control of your desires to your heart and your mind.

[@faith8484]

@Collin Lutz I used to pray that too, brother. Here I am sharing my brief testimony.. After more than a decade of dealing with lust, porn and masturbation, I thought it's impossible to stop it. But now God has brought me to a place that I have seen the harm that I let to happen to my thought process, spirit, body, my relationship with God and with others, I don't want to live the way I used to live. I don't want to loose God's salvation and the faith upon God that I have. Now, I view all the young/same age daughters of God as my own sister and all the women elder to me as my mother. I view them as a wonderful human being that God has created. And at times, I literally have to turn my eyes off of girls/women who dress/talk seductively. God has given me new perspective, And to fill my empty mind now, I had no way but to truly seek God through Bible study, prayer and fellowship.. May God transform you and draw you closer to Him. God bless your heart..

[@veronicaspencelocke2003]

@@faith8484 What a wonderful testimony, I don’t think a lot of people see the harm it does, not only to ‘you’ but to those in your life as well. I’m praying for you both, God bless!!

[@faith8484]

@@veronicaspencelocke2003 Praise God.. Thank you very much for your prayers, Ma'am. I treasure them, May God bless your heart..

[@hotwings80]

God bless this man. He was literally liberated from the snares of the devil.

[@robynhowes5667]

Oh this is so true

[@auntielaura2937]

Fantastic interview. The more all this is brought into the light, the more it dies.

[@iamjoshuabroome]

Amen

[@taracassell7622]

Sooo very true! When the light comes, all things are exposed ❤️🙏🏻

[@omnitone]

hey look it's the guy :0

[@MJ-qb5ph]

@@iamjoshuabroome thank you for what you are doing Joshua from a Buddhist currently living in New Zealand. I chant for your mission. It is extremely important and not just for Christians to hear. It speaks to us all, regardless of faith, belief or where there is none at all (possibly more so there). Don’t underestimate it and hold true to your honesty and transparency. You have great courage and the Higher Power knows this - which is why you have been guided to it. My worry is that your insight may be highly confrontational for and triggering to some and you may experience backlash, resistance or a misinterpretation of your purpose (possibly from within your faith). In my own way, I have trod a slightly similar path (advocating for sometimes very difficult, marginalised and misunderstood groups and issues as a freelance journalist). Reach out to me if it ever gets tough. Kind regards Joshua. Take care. Nigel

[@greggsingletary8777]

God uses anyone to show his glory through his Son Jesus. Such a beautiful story of a man sold out for Jesus!

[@godsbabeborn-again5945]

This broke my heart. 😭 I completely understand the explanation of of seeing something on screen vs seeing/doing it in reality. The Mickey Mouse analogy was spot on. We forget that porn "actors" are humans first.. They objecyify themselves and we only focus on that too. But hearing a former sex worker talk about it like this makes so much sense why it's wrong to also watch it. God, please deliver us. 😭

[@benjiradach347]

Thank you, Josh. Grateful for you, what God has done in you, and what He continues to do in and through you.

[@ActualFaith]

Wow, powerful testimony! The pathway of sin is devastating. I am grateful for the grace of God. Thank you for sharing.

[@misstramaine1981]

Powerful! I appreciate Brother Joshua Broome's testimony it was so powerful and moving. What got my attention is when Brother Joshua explained how he was lured into the Adult Industry. I have never heard someone explain it in that detail, it gave me a whole new perspective how easy it is to be lured in that line of work. Brother Broome's story also softens my heart even more towards those who are trapped in this industry. It reminds me not to be so judgmental, but, instead, to show more compassion. We really need to pray for the men and women who feel trapped in adult entertainment. So much to be done for the Kingdom of God. Again, great video! Glory to God.

[@MJ-qb5ph]

Agree. I wonder if part of it was him being a very ‘open’ person, transparent and Non-judgmental and almost childlike. Almost ‘ripe for the picking’. His testimony can be a huge benefit not only for Christianity, but anyone. Bless

[@lindseydallos7939]

This brought me to tears many times. I can relate in some way, being exposed to this industry in entertainment as an unsupervised teen, early in my prodigal years. 20 years later the Lord rescued me from my former self. Thank you for your vulnerability and shepherding the lost.

[@InfinitEternaLovEmmanuel]

Amen and hallelujah!!! God bless Joshua, his wife and family! What a beautiful illustration of God's mercy, redemptive grace and providence!! Very inspiring...unexpectedly so! I appreciate his honesty, genuineness conviction and non-victim mentality! 🙏🏼🕊✝️🤍

[@ae_pd]

Relational discipleship is needed so much. Thank you Sean. You have helped me in so many ways through this channel ❤️🙏🏻 It is beautiful to see how God uses you for the advancement of His kingdom.

[@pookiemartinez1745]

known of Josh Broome for couple of yrs ever since he was on Steve Noble show. amazing the LORD took him out of death into Life with Him..

[@cindyreeves5048]

I love how this is all about redemption, disciplining & the transforming power of the Gospel. Thank you for your testimony. Praise God & Glory to His Name!

[@patticarey9016]

That was the most riveting, amazing story of God's redemption in the life of a broken person!!! So glad he's writing a book. Definitely gonna read it! Praise to God and blessings to this pastor. 💕🙏🏼

[@valeriewynalda7655]

So appreciate this interview and the emphasis on the identity God gives us as opposed to the identity we give ourselves or allow others to give us. Wonderful to hear such a powerful story of transformation through Jesus!

[@franciscomunoz5239]

One of the best interviews I've ever seen on here. Excellent

[@jennifernihongi9696]

Wow. This is so powerful! Looking forward to the book! :) Sean, thank you for having Joshua on. You should have more conversations like this (if possible) more often! :)

[@SeanMcDowell]

You bet. I’d LOVE to have more convos like this!

[@jennifernihongi9696]

@@SeanMcDowell, awesome. Looking forward to the next one! :)

[@r.a.b.1978]

Just amazing the Lord knows who will find this interview a blessing. Thank you 🙏

[@lynghee159]

Great program! Some plant the seed, some water, some harvest. Godspeed to you both 🕊

[@User_Happy35]

Encouraging interview. May God bless his ministry!

[@jokebookrally]

Awesome! Praying for Josh’s ministry.

[@How.To.Get.Saved.]

I never thought this would bring tears, but thinking about God's infinite mercy and grace, how he saves the worst of us (speaking of myself) brought tears. This is such an encouraging interview as it reminds me not to give up on my niece who was in the porn industry and is now heavily into drugs and in and out of jail. Thank you so much.

[@theresabriant6499]

Pastor Joshua Blessing for shining 🌟 the light in the dark. I was judgemental & I now have a heart of compassion instead of judgement to pray for those addicted as well as those used in this industry. Thank You & may God strengthen You _ Your wife and Your Ministry

[@CoffeeScribe]

Thank you Jesus that you save anyone who will come to you in humbleness and brokeness... and you saved Joshua, and called him by name!! You are LORD!

[@apracity7672]

Awesome interview idea, please, can you make sure to squeeze in extra Q&A time? Im sure lots of us will have more questions than usual🙂

[@EvieJewel]

Powerful Testimony!!! 👏👏👏Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@woofbark4475]

Incredibly powerful line regarding the Award "it illuminated my brokenness!"

[@jericosha2842]

For people questioning if he should serve as a ministry leader due to his past, I ask you to consider the apostle Paul.

[@saurabhjohnson]

Sir, I really adore your work. You talk politely to guest of whatever may be their standing in front of God. Thanks, Sir. Love from India. .

[@ChristianMotivationMedia]

“And all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.”2 Timothy 3:12,13

[@aliceobukhova7604]

This would be the test. Praying he’s real.

[@rc9266]

@@aliceobukhova7604 We are known by are fruits says the Lord, and time proves if we are sheep or goats because only his sheep hear his voice

[@TriciaRP]

@@rc9266 what if we long ago fell.and went into world...u gate I did this andl living hypocritical... No holy spirit .but out here and getting torn down from trying to live for self.....I HATE THIS.

[@adeleprince3913]

@@TriciaRP God's arms are long enough to reach you. He will ALWAYS welcome you back. Cry out to Him!

[@sarah_belightinthedarkness]

Excellent excellent! 💐 Especially when he talks about keeping the relationship pure until marriage. Even if you made mistakes with that person, even if you have been with so many people already, it is not too late to start over. It is valuable and good to strive for purity. Sex is not equal to intimacy. Lust is not love.

[@JessicaMBritt]

Wow. I am speechless after that interview. Absolutely amazing! God Bless you both.

[@jamielcoyle]

What a powerful and incredible story! You give me so much hope for those walking in darkness! And God is using your story to bring the demonic and dark industry into the light! God Bless you Joshua! ❤️🙏🏻✝️

[@SeanMcDowell]

Amen!

[@poolesracing]

As a youth leader this content is so helpful to connect with struggling teens

[@MJ-qb5ph]

I bet

[@MsElleDluv]

Such an amazing testimony! I’m truly inspired

[@MrDreadEnd]

This is very encouraging

[@linnvillama18]

The things you do in darkness, in order to heal must be brought to Light.💕 May the Lord keep all our testimony for His glory ☝🙌🙌💗 #Jesusbeglorified🌻

[@dulcelopez5454]

I think what I loved most about this testimony is that it illustrates so well that God hears and rescues broken people when they cry out to Him. It's weird, but some testimonies kinda make me think of calvinism and how God "chooses" some people for salvation. But then there are these other kind of testimonies where it doesnt seem like God was after someone... Joshua was just really broken... and cried out... and God heard. Reminds me of my own testimony!

[@godsbabeborn-again5945]

Sean, you're a great interviewer. You give your interviewees a chance to speak and you're very considerate. May the Lord continue using you to teach us like this. I've learnt a lot. I now understand how important it is to love and pray for people in porn. They are humans like us who've received Christ and they deserve the same chance too. ❤️😝 One love.

[@inekeaknoeff7761]

So well explaned how disceiving it works to step into darkness.

[@robynhowes5667]

Wow! This gives me hope . God can help me with healing my past BUT also help and use my past to help others to see about the love and forgiveness that HE will not only do but have open arms to hug me and keep me safe and close to Him as I walk in my journey. I will never be alone I love Jesus so much and I can feel my hand in His

[@vincentmccann8988]

Amazing story. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@rajanishanker7386]

Amazing testimony!

[@waitingandwatching9328]

There's nothing that compares to transformation by Jesus. May God continue to use him to draw broken souls in the porn industry to Jesus.

[@kcndavid]

How gracious is our God. 1 Corinthians 16:11. My only question is how mature he is in the Lord, being only saved since 2014, to shepherd a church. That being said, may God be glorified.

[@aliceobukhova7604]

This is a very good question.

[@theologymatters5127]

Blessings Joshua. I pray you are used richly!

[@qmacsemployee]

This guy is so genuine and not talking all the Christianese that a lot of Christians talk. It plain and simple. Anyone could understand and receive Jesus right after hearing this. God took the bad and used it for good. I love it!

[@MJ-qb5ph]

I completely agree. He is the only Christian who makes sense to me. Have you noticed he is an empath? He never belittles the victims he worked with. He may be highly confrontational for the Christian church but he is the only Christian I have ever encountered who is totally honest. Cudos to him from a Buddhist of 30 years downunder. I’d love to see him talk to our organisation. He has a lot to impart to us all. Bless

[@paulajomoore]

Jesus shines through you! God Bless You!

[@daughteroftheking469]

Very dissapointed in these responses... A lot of people are talking about this man like they are God and can see into the hearts of men. Well, sorry, but you can't. What we know from this man's story is that he repented and turned to God, is that not enough for you? Are you the forgiver of sins? Are you the holy and just God? I think not. God knows this man's heart, and it is not up to us to question his salvation, unless we also would want the same done to us. I truly applaud this man for sharing his story and for turning away from sin to follow Christ. That is not easy at all, but by his testimony, in sure he is helping so many others. And just to end off: A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. Proverbs 29:11 ESV

[@lindanaalokun6181]

Don’t mind them , God is God and man is not God . I believe that God can use anybody no matter how low they have gone . The Grace is for everybody . God has found him and Is using him . I think anyone that has an issue to take it up to God and leave this nasty comments somewhere A true Christian and Child of God will accept this man and his testimony in humility.

[@lamisharochelle]

I totally agree. These people are making these negative comments, for example, "He is not qualified to be a pastor." So, they are condemning him as if they are God themselves. They are not. Also, God can change people. Like God changed Saul to Paul.

[@jeffry8934]

This is so powerful for me as someone who struggles with porn 😨

[@katestocker6066]

Honest testimony, thank you God

[@SeanMcDowell]

Amen!

[@caryssachristian2823]

Thank you for this video! God is truly incredible. I'm so thankful Joshua has been brought out of the darkness and into the light!! We need to realize people in the porn industry are real people, they are made in God's image and we need to love them and pray for them. God is using Joshua & Sean in profound ways. Praise Him! Thank you Lord❤️❤️❤️

[@janetdavis160]

Thank you Joshua for your candidness. God bless you and your family. Love from Canada 🇨🇦

[@LetsTalkChristMinistries]

It can be a struggle, but the good fight must be fought against lust. Sexual immorality, lust is never satisfies. If left unchecked, it destroyed completely. It must be dealt with aggressively. Thank God His Spirit enables us to do just that.

[@slamrn9689]

I lived and worked in SC in a rather smallish community, I can't imagine growing up in the same town where your absent father lived.

[@ruthlanga6123]

God is so good. Find your real identity in Jesus. Not from the world as it is only temporary.🙏🏼

[@investfluent4143]

Amazing story! So glad to hear it!

[@mariavani8839]

Great interview! It was riveting!

[@rah1721]

God is so good and Jesus is the great healer. God is also no respector of persons. We are all loved equally in his sight and he wants us to come to him in faith. His forgiveness is the start of a redeemed life. Thank you Lord.

[@Zumbamom]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@SherryApanay-oi9bw]

Loved this story!

[@El-Mazz]

Great interview!

[@new_comment]

Crissy Moran, left the industry and gave her life to Christ. I pray she's doing well. Also, Sean's forehead is incredible.

[@bernardwilliams4071]

Jamie Prestley did too she left the industry and gave her life to Christ too

[@tubenamel]

Lust requires a sacrifice by you for me--love requires a sacrifice by me for you.

[@mariarubinstein581]

I used to hate people who were in the porn industry. I saw them as sick, wicked people who destroyed homes and families. But now I just feel sorry for them because they have put themselves in a prison which often becomes a life sentence.

[@TriciaRP]

Well we see it is not a life sentence if God decide to deliver.

[@MJ-qb5ph]

Maria - in another testimony Joshua reveals that 35 of his peers committed suicide during his five years in the industry. That blew me away. I would never have guessed. Terrifying. Bless

[@crystalsherman8896]

Your not suppose to hate anyone.

[@daveolson722]

God will and does use ALL of his children in many different ways. Joshua is only one way.

[@rc9266]

Well lets see what this bible says about this...... So I agree with the word of God. May he fill us with love for Him and His word and keep Joshua on the narrow path home.

[@zizaduchristtasy7586]

Beautiful and edifying

[@meowmeowmeow1243]

Mindblowing!

[@jackieventer2485]

Wow Joshua thank you for your honesty. Because you broke free and have now transformed yourself through GOD others can follow easier😘

[@TyMalice]

This “pastor” told me Satan was controlling me just because I worked night shifts and had zero time and energy for church-related activities. He didn’t even offer me a lick of prayer when I opened up to him about his struggles. Ditto on the people here who say he’s unfit to be a pastor or any other spiritual leader.

[@dulcelopez5454]

This pastor? As in Joshua Broome?

[@lilggs4813]

51:00 Wow, I did not know that about Sean’s dad, it was that one man., that has a ripple effect on literally everyone watching this video.

[@pastoraaroncrowley]

Yay Joshua!!

[@barbarabrooks4747]

It's wonderful that he has repented, but I am concerned that I Timothy says that a bishop or overseer needs to have a good reputation with outsiders. How long does a person from a disreputable background need to take to build up a good reputation in the community? So many pastors or their wives have major problems because they haven't had time to build up the qualities mentioned in I Timothy.

[@SeanMcDowell]

Fair question. I can’t say exactly how long, but he’s been working with some very good people for an extended season, and I have confidence in his character.

[@mattparksmusic]

The Apostle Paul (who penned that verse) also struggled with his public image for a long time after his conversion. That verse seems to be more about life in Christ, after conversion.

[@impish22]

Barbara you are right to be concerned. Ephesians 5:12 says "it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret"... no need for all of the detail that they go into.

[@woofbark4475]

@@impish22 I get where your coming from but he didn't IMHO go into sorded details.

[@woofbark4475]

Well certainty it's a consideration but Paul was technically a murderer whether he participated or held the cloaks of those who killed Christians. Many suffered at his hands and the Church knew all about his persecution. So as long as we are not 'glorifying' or promoting people based on their conversion story then it's all under the blood of Christ.

[@kristinberry3915]

Praise God! Praying for more Jesus followers to love the Word in the way you expressed Joshua!

[@juliestautland9196]

HI Sean. This video showed up in my feed because I got to interview Joshua Broome last week on the show I guest cohost on, THE PERSPECTIVE WITH MIKE SHERBINO. I'm thankful for the courses Of Gen Z, pornography and holy sexuality you taught that I got to participate in as I see where it takes me.

[@SeanMcDowell]

Thanks Julie. Nice hearing from you here!

[@noodilious1610]

I so happy hes happy again😭😭😭

[@ESM77]

Sex and the emotions that come with it are so powerful, the spirit of Jezebel and evil needed to be cast out, I didnt beleieve it until I had experience with deliverance but I read John Eckharts book about routing demons, and said the Jezebel prayers just a few moments ago and I dry heaved up and burped and felt something different, I am still learning my true authority in Christ. But i thought it was important to share, the thoughts and urges could possibly be not your own, but opression. Hope this helps somebody else.

[@TheNinjaInConverse]

Interesting!

[@Ex-muslim-qz4uf]

God bless that guy 🙏🏻

[@Lillaloppan]

Thank you!

[@shirleya7198]

This is my question for Sean, since we all know that porn is a huge problem for many people - including Christians, do you think having an interview on a Christian site, with an ex-porn actor who made 1,000's of videos *that are still out there for viewing* is doing harm to young and old Christians? Because they will often out of curiosity, be tempted to look at his videos. These videos are both hetero and homo-sexual. I applaud Joshua's conversion and his turning from all the sin in his past. *Praise God!* But to promote his testimony as an ex-porn star, and talk about all the awards he won doing it, and how many 1,000's of videos are still out there, is wrong and harmful to the Body of Christ - along with many others. If this were a woman ex-porn star who won awards making many hetero and lesbian sex videos, that are still out there, do you think it would be a good thing publicize that for the girls, women, boys, and men in the body of Christ who watch your channel? Sean, you are unknowingly _(I hope)_ tempting many people into sin. It all has to do with the *thousands of filthy videos* that are still out there for viewing, and so I ask you out of love and respect for Jesus Christ, to remove this video. And I thank God for Joshua's new life in his Savior! May he and his beautiful wife continue to grow, heal, as a godly family, and mature in their relationship with Almighty God, through Jesus. ✞

[@susanfanning9480]

I think you have a valid concern. I'm thinking I am interested in other opinions pro and con. I really don't know which would serve the Lord more because I'm not in the public ministry. Praise God for him turning his life over to God.

[@shirleya7198]

​@@susanfanning9480 - Thank you, Susan. I feel that IF there were No ability to view these 1,000's of videos, then there would be No problem with publicly interviewing Joshua about the amazing transformation God has done in his life. But unfortunately, there is a very convenient way to SEE the exact sins that Joshua participated in and was paid for. And in seeing those sins, there will be others *who sin while watching it.* Many who watch these videos, may be christian youth who may form an addiction to porn while watching his videos. It's horrifying. *Also, I do have one question for Joshua. Is he still receiving royalties/payments for his thousands of pornographic videos? It's a hard thing to refuse money for past sinful behavior.* But God expects us to turn from ALL sin and that includes refusing to continue to receive 'rewards' for those sins, after turning to God Especially because others will be harmed by looking at that sin. That is a sign of true repentance. Never promoting our past sin, to cause others to fall INTO that sin. God bless you.~ *P.S.* This scripture always shocked me, it told about many people who were witches and sorcerers, practicing satanic magic arts, etc. and who had turned to faith in Jesus Christ. Then they all brought their expensive scrolls and witchcraft books, with all the magic spells and sorcery, and they decided to burn them in front of everyone. It shocked me! I thought why not sell them, right? They'd be rid of them, and could make some ca$h because they were So expensive. But God wanted them to be completely Free of the Sin and NOT give or sell those satanic books to others who would then be in evil darkness. What an example! And when they were all burned, they counted up the value of the scrolls and books, and it totaled *fifty thousand pieces of silver.* Money is never worth causing others to fall into sin or to remain in sin and darkness. (Acts 19:18-20) *..✞..*

[@ellenw1881]

Yeah I actually agree. I could see this really being a strong temptation, a few years ago I could see myself coming across this video and probably looking up the videos.

[@lakentruman9220]

It crossed my mind to search for his videos. But I laughed, because the Devil never stops! I literally said out loud, Get behind me satan!” while driving in my vehicle. I didn’t succumb to the temptation. It made me feel stronger in my faith. And this message helped me a lot. I sexually immoral before getting married. It has been the BIGGEST blockade in my relationship with God, due to guilt, and this man’s message helped me. And I know it will encourage many others. Maybe there should be a disclaimer though. For people who know they are weak in the flesh when it comes to porn, to visit the video at a later time, when they can withstand the temptation

[@womanofgod2948]

I understand what you are saying. You should see the interview he did with Alan Parr, he went into graphic detail about the sex, porn, maintaining your erection during filming, how the set was arranged, dating as a porn star.... It was irrelevant, unnecessary, and not needed to be said. My spirit was grieved and I fastforwarded through that interview. I literally went into prayer afterwards, and I would not recommend any young believer or teen to watch this testimony. This interview is more professional and better done. I understand God can do a redemptive work in anyone, but some things are better not said.

[@thinkconsider2639]

I’m not a Christian but this interview hit me in the core. The grace and healing in this man’s story is beautiful. However, I struggle to see how this comes from the Christian god. My heart equally goes out to the 30+ people who were with him in the industry who took their lives and will then end up burning in hell forever according to Christian doctrine. It doesn’t add up and it doesn’t make sense to me. On one end there is beauty and on one end there is unspeakable horror; how can these come from the same being?

[@tommyvizrima4443]

Christianity is about life & this must always be encouraged at all costs. But God understands mental illness/pain where people are not in their whole minds to make sound decisions. Therefore as people die of sicknesses such as cancer, without blame, I believe people can die due to emotional and mental illnesses which gravely affects their judgement. That said, I also believe at some time prior to taking their lives,, such persons must have had some regard for God & have cried out to Him to help them!

[@jacobgingerhoffman7816]

When you say at the end that incredible beauty and incredible horror come from the same God it depends on your view of it. God as from a Christian perspective is completely good and holy and no evil is in Him, but we as free people who can choose to love or hate. God wants no one to do evil, but by the evil desires in ourselves we do them anyway. This doesn't make God evil anymore then when if you give someone a car. He can go to work or pick up his kids or he can intentionally run some one over. You aren't evil or to blame because someone misused your gift of the car. God who gives everyone life isn't evil because we misuse our free will to do evil instead of good. You like mostly everyone else doesn't like evil and neither does God and God will do away with evil forever but He wants us to repent (basically turn away from evil and come to Him whose commands are only good and follow His lead because He loves us and sent Jesus to die on the cross to take away our sin because He loves us and wants to make us new creations who only want to do God's will which is to love God and one another) because He wants no one to be separated from His love and glory. God however has made us free and we can choose to love God who is the most beautiful and virtuous one who is Lord of all or we can choose to not. The opposite of life is death. God doesn't want us to choose that and has made a way to life by the forgiveness by Christ and the grace to walk in the life of God by His Holy Spirit. God isn't evil because people choose the darkness over life. He isn't the bad guy anymore then you for giving the car to your friend. Anyone who is honest knows they do evil and needs forgiveness and help to do right. That is what God promises. He will give a new heart with new desires for anyone who wants it. Jesus tells us that Hell wasn't originally created for man but for the Angels who sinned and rebeled against God's good rule. However like the Angels who sinned who wanted to rule themselves man will be with them because we choose the same thing. Evil destroys and nothing comes from it except torment and horror. I suggest the book The Great Devide by S.C. Lewis for a better understanding on it. Also read the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to get a picture of how awesome Jesus is. I pray that you seek after God with all your heart friend because Jesus promises He will meet you.

[@abullard8409]

@@jacobgingerhoffman7816 a brilliant reply. I Find that when people talk about the evil that God does it's a fallacy. Because God doesn't do the evil human beings do. And most people want to talk about the Canaanite annihilation. However God gave them many chances to repent and they still continued in their abhorrent child sacrifice practices. Evil happens people want God to intervene but when he does then he's considered evil. We all are going to be judged for our deeds. As Christians we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ repent and turn away from our sins. I also was a skeptic until I came face to face with mortality after my father died. So I took the time and researched Christianity as I had already followed different world views. Through my years of research I realized that Jesus was who he said he was and I bent the knee and proclaimed him as Lord of My Life. Intellectually it made sense but experientially my life has never been the same.

[@bobak5126]

I scrolled down to find a fellow non-Christian. I find that Christians love to claim everything positive as something that's innate to Christianity and everything that is wrong with Christianity is something that caused by something else. Fatherlessness, abuse, etc... In my case, I grew up in a Christian home, but I was terrified from early childhood of dying and going to hell. My parents were very devout, brought me to a church (in the former Soviet Union) where Bible reading was encouraged. So as.a young man, as a teenage boy I was repenting of the sin of adultery of the eyes (aka looking at a woman with lust). Because the Bible has no exceptions and makes these all encompassing, either/or statements, it was easy to find myself among the sinners. And the doctine of salvation is confusing as heck too. How do you get saved? By what you believe (as John 3:16 says?). By repenting of your sins as Jesus taught elsewhere? Or by strictly doing good works and nothing else, as Matthew 25 says? Christians today debate these doctrines and yet, they present "the Gospel" to us as if it's a clear message and as if all 'true" Christians agree on this. Your point on Hell is a good one. It takes a special kind of a monster to device eternal torture. And yet, Christians are convinced this being also has the most love! These things couldn't be more apart and yet Christians find ways to combine these into a single being! Amazing what a human mind is capable of doing.

[@bobak5126]

@@jacobgingerhoffman7816 Let me ask you this hypothetical question. Lets say I give you a choice. You either whisper for the rest of your life or you talk normally but I hit you every time you speak loudly. Now, when you speak normally, are you making a choice to be hit? This is virtually identical to the "choice" your God is giving people. You either accept his Bible, full of violence and nastiness (among good bits here and there) or you end up being tortures forever and ever in the very Hell this God created.

[@MamaBear-mg1ux]

Praise God!!!

[@mondayinedu6565]

Thank you Jesus for the Life this man.joshua broom

[@beautifulheart7]

This is so inspiring!!

[@pedinurse1]

wow oh wow. Yes God can reach anyone

[@22gamefreak]

I must pre-empt my comments saying that I respect you Dr. McDowell, I find you to be sincere and respectful which is why you have earned my subscription despite the fact that I highly doubt anything you have to say will convince me to come back to Christianity, I appreciate the way you encourage people to be more respectful towards each other especially encouraging believers to be kind towards non-believers, if anything is Christ-like, I'd say that is. Now on to what I want to say. This comment is a little pre-emptive but conversion stories have never been convincing to me, especially since more people are leaving Christianity than are joining or being born into it according to pew. It's hard to be convinced by anyone becoming a pastor when there are many pastors who leave the faith. When the most devout and knowledgeable people end up leaving it is a stronger argument to me than any I've ever heard from someone who has converted to Christianity. I've spoken to pastors who've left the faith after having devoted their lives to it and they all just realized that they had no good reason to believe that any of it is true. When theologians confirm that the gospels are not eyewitness documents and that they were first written down decades after the supposed occurrences there is little reason to believe anything written in it, especially anything miraculous. I don't know this guys story, but conversion stories have never had anything of substance to me, many people convert for many different reasons but I find the fewest people convert to the religion based on reason, the majority convert for emotional reasons as far as I'm aware. In the information age everyone is capable of reading up on many things and I believe that is contributing to the sharp decline of religion in the west. I encourage every one to explore both sides, after watching this conversion video, go listen to some deconversion stories to make sure you take in all arguments, if Christianity is true, then there is absolutely nothing to fear by hearing opposing stories. I understand you do what you do because you believe in it and because you think it is the right thing to do, please continue to fight for what you belief Dr., don't let anyone ever stop you, don't stop being the sincere and respectful man that you come across as.

[@SeanMcDowell]

Thanks for a thoughtful and kind comment…and for engaging the content here. Even if you’re not convinced, I’m glad it’s helpful and interesting!

[@frankwhelan1715]

Agree with most of what you say,except your praise of Sean is a bit excessive,he's very polite but he listens to all these other apologeists (not esp this one)practically uncritically from beginning to end

[@SerenityNow22]

I agree we should listen to all sides and to have an answer for the faith we hold (“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:15‬) We do not have an “emotional belief” but an intellectual belief. We believe & are saved by faith but it is not a mindless belief. People have tried to disprove Christianity & the Bible for centuries and are unsuccessful. Have you looked into the number of manuscripts we have of the scriptures? Scribes copied them over the centuries to preserve them. For the originals to be preserved is impossible. Even atheists agree Jesus was a historical person. Many even concede he was killed on a Roman cross. Have you considered the fact that the 12 disciples went into the world to spread the good news after Jesus was resurrected, appeared to them & to 500? 11 out of 12 we’re horrifically murdered spreading the news of what Christ had done. Would they have done that for a lie? They were EYE WITNESSES to his death & resurrection. As for pastors & supposed believers that leave Christianity; “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:19‬ ‭ Christianity is the ONLY belief system where we don’t strive uphill to be worthy of salvation. It is the one Faith where our creator and saviour put on flesh, came down to earth, lived the life we’re incapable of living & died the death we all deserve. A propitiation for our sin. The great exchange. He took on my sin & I get to put on his righteousness. My heart of stone has been replaced with a heart of flesh. Atheism has no answers. The transgender movement that is taking over is fine. There is no truth in your worldview. There is no standard to judge right and wrong. Have you read the entire gospel of John? Romans? Romans 1:18 is exactly what is going on in the world today. There are no failed prophecies in the Bible. Jesus is the way, the truth, & the life. Yes there are FAR too many ignorant, professing Christians who make us look like idiots. But there are many, many of us who see the western world failing and are diving into the word, desperate for the hope that is in Christ Jesus alone. The Bible has an answer for everything. It is the living, active word of God. You say religion is declining in the west. Have you looked at the explosion of Christianity overseas? Korea? We’ve turned our back on God here and we are seeing the results of that. A once Christian nation has abandoned God & his law and his judgement is upon us.

[@josh4614]

Do you believe there is no God then?

[@AsEasyAs_]

I don't think I can address all the things you said, but three things make me want to respond: People converting for emotional reasons meaning that the things they believe in now are wrong would be committing the genetic fallacy - that is, judging the truth of a statement based on how the person making it came to that conclusion. But if we were to say that emotions should not have a say in conversion, then we should not forget that a lot of people who have openly talked about their deconversion also mention emotional reasons such as finding it unfair that God would condemn people to hell or that he Bible condemns homosexual acts. "When theologians confirm that the gospels are not eyewitness documents ..." - how can they confirm that? I've sometimes heard atheists claim that we cannot know at all who wrote the gospels. But that would cut both ways: If we cannot know the authorship at all, then we can also not know that it was not the people after whom the books are named. Yet, we do know this authorship with the same certainty and by the same methods as for any other historical text from antiquity: Because books from that age generally don't give the author's name, we use information from the texts of other writers of antiquity who ascribe authorship of a work to a certain person. We do this for non-Christian writers' texts such as the Odyssey, too. "... they were first written down decades after the supposed occurrences there is little reason to believe anything written in it" - decades later means during the lifetime of the eyewitnesses. If it were centuries later, I'd say you have more of a point. There are a lot of people alive today that were around during the 1990s. If they were to write down what life was like during the Bush presidency, would it mean that there is little reason to believe their words, because that was like 30 years ago?

[@emdefesadafe-apologetica630]

Sean McDowell, could you subtitle the videos in English so I can translate to Portuguese and watch, I don't understand English very well.

[@adiblatif]

Deus abençoe meu irmão

[@MrMuruks]

Do you remember what the stats from your dads book about women in the porn industry were Sean? Writing an article on porn later and would be very useful for what I plan to write. I could buy the book and search for it myself but if you remember where (which chapter forexample) you found it that would be super useful :)

[@KeithCindyPanama]

I wonder if it’s the same with the entertainment industry you’re only worth something while you’re young then you’re out.

[@bgail20]

Am so thankful that you came out of this life and what God has done in your life. And there are many things God can use you to do for the kingdom but when comes to being a pastor am thinking is that wise? Studying the book of Timothy and Titus I don't see it. I think that depending on our past the office of pastor is off limits. Evangelism sure and many other things but pastoring ?

[@shannonclark7190]

I wonder why it seems that so many creative people have so many struggles with identity and sexuality,.etc?

[@MJ-qb5ph]

Me too - Elton John, Freddie Mercury, George Michael just for starters. It’s a really good question and I have always asked it. Bless

[@waxworse]

Does he meet the Biblical requirements for holding the title of Pastor of a church?

[@ZGNOHKUSRETEPX]

No he does not. 1 Timothy clearly disqualifies this man, this man seeking attention and glory of a pastoral position.

[@mattparksmusic]

1 Tim 3:1-7 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. As a new creation in Jesus, yes Joshua fits the criteria. Obviously he didn’t before, but Jesus has ripped him apart and reshaped him.

[@TriciaRP]

@@ZGNOHKUSRETEPX that was HIS PAST. HE i s no longer doing that. You can't hold a person for something God delivered them from. Let's dig up YOUR PAST

[@ZGNOHKUSRETEPX]

@@TriciaRP the Bible says he must have a good reputation with out siders to be pastor. A porn star as reputation is despicable to both In And out. The Apostle Paul However, had a good reputation with outsiders, he was a Pharisee and one who obeyed the mosaic law. You all are making this comparison of Paul a Pharisee and a Porn star, this is laughable. A Pharisee was a teacher of the law and official. A porn star is looked down in all societies as deplorable. Paul was simply misguided in his zeal for God and by Gods grace he was saved. Paul’s reputation was outstanding, don’t get it twisted.

[@ZGNOHKUSRETEPX]

@@TriciaRP not everyone is qualified to e pastor, read your Bible. I am not a pastor this this scripture does not apply to me.

[@RobertBuckinghamTh.D.]

We have all sinned and made mistakes. And I am glad he has made better life decisions these last few years. That being said - where do we draw the line on who holds the title of "Pastor" The woke church keeps pushing that line every day the wrong way.

[@wanjikz92]

True some discernment is needed but the same could have been said about Paul, he killed and hunted Christians. Yet look at who he became. God makes us new when we repent and change our lives and live for him. I think Joshua, through his testimony, can be an amazing minister especially to all those people who are trapped in the demonic porn industry.

[@MJ-qb5ph]

With respect and as a non Christian, I am Buddhist, I think joshua’s transparency is what makes him perfect to be a pastor but I do hear why what he brings is confrontational - but maybe that is good. He speaks a relevancy that needs to be heard. Pornography is a massive industry and problem for many people, including Christians. I was stunned when he said he could ‘flick’ to gay porn and that no guys he did it with were gay. What he says is rough but it’s real. Bless

[@josephpratt8223]

Sean, Joseph thanks for sharing Josh's story. Im in recovery myself going to Celebrate Recovery in the Recovering Sex Addicts group and to Sex Addicts Anonymous.