Fighting pornography with bravery

A new startup is helping young people identify how porn is harmfully captivating their minds, and helping them find an opportunity to express their sexuality in a healthy way.

Nathan Robinson, a 27-year-old carpenter from south eastern Queensland, has launched The Braveheart Project, an organisation “dedicated to educating young people on the harmful effects of pornography.”

From the age of 18, Nathan felt God was speaking to him about the harmful effects of pornography, and wanted to do something about it, but didn’t know where to start.

“I knew God wanted me to act now and get more serious with this idea.” – Nathan Robinson

A committed Christian, Nathan confesses he dabbled in porn for several years in his late teens and early twenties. He went to speak in a friends’ classroom two years ago, and he says, “it was then I knew God wanted me to act now and get more serious with this idea.

“I thought well, no point waiting any longer, it’s now or never, if God’s in this it’ll work out,” recollects Nathan.

So at the beginning of 2016, he quit his full time job as a cabinet maker to devote a full five months to start The Braveheart Project.

But getting The Braveheart Project off the ground hasn’t been without obstacles.

In preparation, Nathan spent time researching the addictive nature of pornography. Through conversations with friends, he knew that lots of people needed the help of the organisation he was about to found.

In addition to this, as a carpenter, he says that in his work circles it is quite normal and acceptable to look and porn, and his colleagues have not always been supportive.

“I’ve been the brunt of a few jokes and copped a hard time from some people,” he says.

“…a lot of male Christians I know are still hooked on porn and feel guilty.” – Nathan Robinson

The reaction within the church hasn’t necessarily been much better.

“Church-goers are quite awkward to talk to about it cause a lot of male Christians I know are still hooked on porn and feel guilty.”

The Braveheart Project is a not-for-profit, and when Nathan quit his job, finances were tight, and while his friends were buying houses, travelling overseas and saving, he felt the pressure of doing something contrary.

“I know God is in this and is making a way for me.” – Nathan Robinson

But regardless of these challenges, he’s confident that as he took a step outside his comfort zone, God’s grace was with him every step of the way, and he wants to see others step out of their comfort zone too.

“I know God is in this and is making a way for me. I’m so blown away already at what he’s done through this and can’t wait to see where it goes.”