Amazon.com sells porn, is using the website sinful?

[gugg15]

Hi All,

I was recently alerted that Amazon.com sells pornography. I bought from amazon all the time, and it never occured to me that since they sell EVERYTHING they must also sell porn. The Christian bookstore owner that tipped me off used the example that if he had converted his back Children’s book section into an adult section and shielded it with a curtain so no-one had to see it except those that were patroning that section, there would be people protesting outside his store. This is in essence what Amazon does. I was shocked and disgusted that I was supporting a company that allowed that smut to be bought and sold. Especially when I’m big into the pro-life movement and I see how pornography has really fueled this culture of death.

Unfortunately, I feel like this is a great inconvenience as I’m not rich and Amazon is so cheap, plus I get free 2 day shipping which is great. I’m also able to buy hard to find books there. I found this obscure commentary of 1 Maccabees that I think would have been impossible to find elsewhere. What would the morality of this situation be? I know that it would be wrong to buy from there as per the bookstore owner’s example and I’d feel as if I’m contributing to the culture of death with my dollars. However it’s so cheap and convenient. I guess I’m in the same boat as those struggling with other moral issues that are clearly wrong and I can now see how personal convenience, money, and emotion might drive them to choose their particular choice. I appreciate your feedback.

 

[kmuestwin]

I don’t think it is sinful to shop from a site like amazon.com. It is true that they sell objectionable content but it is up to you to use your own judgement while shopping and buy things that are going to only support your moral improvement. This type of question was answered earlier this week on AAA. It is important to support your Christian stores but be cautious of the one who gave you the advice. He is most likely playing on your morals and emotions so that you only order books through him. It would be better for him if all of his customers avoided amazon completely.

 

[gugg15]

Thanks so much, kmuestwin. The AAA post deals with secular bookstores that sell anti-Catholic material. I’m not so concerned with anti-Catholic as anti-life and that that demeans the dignity of women. But I’m glad you pointed to that post as an example like Barnes and Nobles and Borders would also fit into this category of potentially selling sexually objectionable material. I guess since Amazon doesn’t market itself as family friendly or even Christian, I shouldn’t expect it to live up to my ideals? This kind of makes sense…

 

[vera_dicere]

There are lots of mainstream shops, both online and offline that carry products of a questionable nature for a Catholic.

But consider, someone has to package that Catholic book you’re ordering (or whatever) maybe it’ll catch their interest and lead them to Christ? Porn can be seen everywhere, and chances are the packer is seeing a lot of it - it might be interesting for them to see a Christian book for once.

 

[Newbie2]

Most pharmacies sell ABC.

One can hardly shop anywhere anymore without spending money at a place that sells morally objectionable “stuff”.

Go ahead and buy from Amazon…our Seminary website has links for most of the textbooks to Amazon.

But at the same time, wouldn’t this be an opportunity to, as an Amazon customer, write the management and tell them how we feel about this practice? Couldn’t hurt.

 

[edwest2]

I’ve seen no evidence that amazon sells porn. Feel free to PM if you don’t want to post it here. It does offer a few books about prostitutes - relabeled “porn stars,” but that’s all I’m aware of.

If you have evidence then complain, politely. It is your right to complain about objectionable material. Christians do not exist in another place, we live in the community. Our voices should be heard regarding “community standards,” including the internet.

I will continue to buy from amazon but not buy anything I consider objectionable by Christian standards.

Your alternative is to avoid amazon and buy directly from the publisher, which I sometimes do.

God bless,
Ed

 

[Bookcat]

(note…please do not provide “evidence” here…such would not be appropriate…thanks)