Real Talk Managing Director Paul Ninnes uses his 15 years of ministry experience to present life-changing messages. Photo: Matthew Lau.
By Matthew Lau
In helping Australians understand their deep desire for authentic love and human greatness, the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Project has last week teamed up with Real Talk Australia to highlight the problem of pornography.
Dozens of Perth people attended a speaker event on 15 June at the University of Notre Dame Fremantle Campus’ Santa Maria Lecture Theatre.
Paul Ninnes, Real Talk Co-Founder, spoke about the topic in relation to the recent release of his video resources: Pornography, Love and Relationships, and Relationships: Dating, Sex & Marriage.
The term “pornography” is defined as: “sexually explicit videos, photographs, writings, or the like, whose purpose is to stimulate erotic rather than aesthetic feelings”.
In an exclusive interview with The eRecord journalist Matthew Lau, Mr Ninnes described the detrimental effect porn has on people who become engrossed in it, and the harm it can cause the individual and their loved ones.
“It’s a game changer like we’ve never seen … the truth is that people can access pornography and explore any sexual curiosity with the touch of their device. And generally speaking people, especially the young, just can’t deal with the graphic nature of what they see,” he explained.
“It is distorted information that is false and misleading for young people. It’s leading them to experience less of the fullness of life, and less of what sex and relationships are created for.”
Since the establishment of Real Talk Australia in 2012, it is estimated that Brisbane-based Paul Ninnes gives presentations on a variety of topics to more than 10,000 people each year. Photo: Matthew Lau.
Real Talk’s presentations are based around Catholic moral teaching and the dignity of the human person.
“Before we talk with anyone about sex and relationships, we start with the principles that underpin that, which are: healthy self-worth, an appreciation of the dignity of people, and understanding that we’re made in the image and likeness of God.
“We’re hoping to increase awareness, but also to bring about change in behaviours and beliefs of young people and adults alike. We’re hoping to help people experience more from life, to experience a fullness of life, and the gift of love and marriage.”
During his presentation, Mr Ninnes shared his own inspirational journey and encouraged people to not be ashamed about discussing the matter.
“This is something that many people feel shame over, and yet porn use is very common. We need to bring it into the light and address it in a way so that we realise that many of us have struggles in the area of who we are, and in the area of chastity,” he concluded.
Safeguarding Office Director Andrea Musulin said she believes the issue is very relevant to our Catholic community, schools, parishes, and youth groups.
“It’s an issue that nobody wants to talk to about, but we need to. In religious circles specifically, we need to start having these conversations with our young people,” Mrs Musulin added.
“I agree with everything that [Paul] is talking about, and I enjoy the manner in which he’s delivering it. I think his pitch is just perfect.”
For more information and resources, visit: realtalkaustralia.com