Covenant Eyes removed from Google Play Store

I will add to this discussion. Software like CE actually does help people overcome a habitual sin, who want to overcome the habitual sin. Here's how:
1. It breaks the pattern. You know you are going to have to find another method. When you are in your usual place and time when temptation comes, you are not going to be able to follow the same habit and access through the same channels. This alone causes the habit to be broken, which is incredibly helpful.
2. Yielding to the craving becomes complicated. You know you are going to have to jump through a LOT of hoops to get it without being discovered. This makes you think about what you are doing and the repercussions all the while that the temptation is raging. That process can be enough to remind yourself of what you are doing and how it is wrong, which is incredibly helpful.
3. The Accountability Report. When there are no concerning issues, an "All Good" is given. It is quite motivational to build a series of these (Read "Atomic Habits"). Keeping the streak going is an incredibly good tool to building new habits.
4. Red Flags. Knowing that the software is working in the background to capture EVERYTHING, causes the tempted to change how they use the internet. Phrases like "I'm not typing that into a search engine. Who knows what that might return and I don't want a red flag sent out." are actually spoken by people who want to keep a good reputation.
5. The Accountability Partner. This is only as good as the partner, but it can be very good. You know that you are going to have a conversation every week about your internet usage and a good AP will challenge what you are doing online.
6. CE Phone Support. If a spouse or other AP is concerned about behavior and wondering if the old sin habit has resurfaced, they can call CE support. There, they will get to talk to a technician who will be able to pull up much more detailed internet usage than is included in the weekly report. EVERYTHING is accessible to the AP. Every search, every website, every ad, every everything.
7. Advice and Encouragement. The website has good articles to encourage people who are struggling with this sin habit. Knowing that there is hope to overcome, and that people can be redeemed from this sin habit is very helpful. Articles also include advice on how to have beneficial confrontational conversations and what to look for in behavior patterns of people who are trying to sneak past the safeguards.
8. It is a good faith display of openness. A church leader who wants such software on his technology, is desiring accountability which is a good thing. It is a very good thing for a pastor to have an accountability team within the church to whom he may confide and who may ask him any question.

Yes, it is possible to circumvent the software. Yet, this software has done great good to help many people break the hold this sin has on their life.
 
Binaca Chugger said:
I will add to this discussion. Software like CE actually does help people overcome a habitual sin, who want to overcome the habitual sin. Here's how:
1. It breaks the pattern. You know you are going to have to find another method. When you are in your usual place and time when temptation comes, you are not going to be able to follow the same habit and access through the same channels. This alone causes the habit to be broken, which is incredibly helpful.
2. Yielding to the craving becomes complicated. You know you are going to have to jump through a LOT of hoops to get it without being discovered. This makes you think about what you are doing and the repercussions all the while that the temptation is raging. That process can be enough to remind yourself of what you are doing and how it is wrong, which is incredibly helpful.
3. The Accountability Report. When there are no concerning issues, an "All Good" is given. It is quite motivational to build a series of these (Read "Atomic Habits"). Keeping the streak going is an incredibly good tool to building new habits.
4. Red Flags. Knowing that the software is working in the background to capture EVERYTHING, causes the tempted to change how they use the internet. Phrases like "I'm not typing that into a search engine. Who knows what that might return and I don't want a red flag sent out." are actually spoken by people who want to keep a good reputation.
5. The Accountability Partner. This is only as good as the partner, but it can be very good. You know that you are going to have a conversation every week about your internet usage and a good AP will challenge what you are doing online.
6. CE Phone Support. If a spouse or other AP is concerned about behavior and wondering if the old sin habit has resurfaced, they can call CE support. There, they will get to talk to a technician who will be able to pull up much more detailed internet usage than is included in the weekly report. EVERYTHING is accessible to the AP. Every search, every website, every ad, every everything.
7. Advice and Encouragement. The website has good articles to encourage people who are struggling with this sin habit. Knowing that there is hope to overcome, and that people can be redeemed from this sin habit is very helpful. Articles also include advice on how to have beneficial confrontational conversations and what to look for in behavior patterns of people who are trying to sneak past the safeguards.
8. It is a good faith display of openness. A church leader who wants such software on his technology, is desiring accountability which is a good thing. It is a very good thing for a pastor to have an accountability team within the church to whom he may confide and who may ask him any question.

Yes, it is possible to circumvent the software. Yet, this software has done great good to help many people break the hold this sin has on their life.
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I know many in ministry who have used the software for personal accountability...some have had problems with pornography in the past and wanted that accountability. Others, though having it installed, circumvented the program by going around it under different personages, or just by burning a burner phone or tablet. Most of those who used this tactic ended up being caught when the churches requested records of ALL accounts and requested while the person was under the investigative power of the polygrapher. I know of one pastor who successfully covered up his indiscretion for a year or two, but who was caught red-handed by his son, who promptly reported him to the deacons of the church. He was brought before the church which promptly voted him out, and then a letter was drafted speaking of his indiscretion. It was sent to every church he went to after that.
 
Again.... It helps people who want help and who desire accountability. It provides a stern warning to someone sitting in an office and wondering what that stuff is like and thinking about doing a search. In today's world, there is always another way to get your fix if you are an addict. I am of the opinion that it is good for people to have something like this on all of their devices. Pornography is a huge problem with something like 70% of the population using pornography.

I also believe that it is a sin choice that can be overcome. Those struggling with the sin habit should be able to find help and encouragement from a church, not shame and disgust.
 
Binaca Chugger said:
Again.... It helps people who want help and who desire accountability. It provides a stern warning to someone sitting in an office and wondering what that stuff is like and thinking about doing a search. In today's world, there is always another way to get your fix if you are an addict. I am of the opinion that it is good for people to have something like this on all of their devices. Pornography is a huge problem with something like 70% of the population using pornography.

I also believe that it is a sin choice that can be overcome. Those struggling with the sin habit should be able to find help and encouragement from a church, not shame and disgust.
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I believe that's what I stated.
 
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