I would say that despite both types of pornography being mortal sin, it is something else when talking about legislating laws on both. There’s just a really significant difference in social gravity. I always face-palm whenever I hear news of this or that government threatening imprisonment to those who draw such things (some have even gone as far as to call it another form of pedophilia). Lewd as it may be, it’s still a drawing. The only one being harmed is yourself and that harm is spiritual (which is waaaay outside legal jurisdiction because if the state was in charge of the ‘safety and salvation of souls’, other religions would be illegalized). Yes it’s wrong. Yes it will send you to hell. But to send me to prison? I’m already in danger of hellfire and degrading myself as a human being. That should be punishment enough.
Not to mention, in the in-world context of a heated anime battle, even I would have a hard time enjoying any form of fan service when I’m barely dodging punches and kicks that could blow up my skull.
IMO, the chief problem with porn is its debasement of sexual relations, which God has given us for a very specific purpose and context (procreation; within marriage). This debasement manifests itself in different ways. In porn involving real people, it is first of all through the fact that these people are engaging in sexual acts (or other acts, for that matter–porn isn’t just sex) for the wrong reasons; secondly, it is the fact that it is being filmed, further debasing it by removing privacy & intimacy; third, it is the affect of these videos are intended to bring about in those watching it. In porn involving animated characters, non-photographic art, or computer generated images, it is through the author’s willingness to embrace these sinful thoughts and the creation of the images with the hopes of arousing a “certain” response from those viewing the images. The latter might not directly involve real people, but its debasement of sex and embracing of lust makes it a serious sin (I’m not a Catholic, and I don’t embrace the mortal/venial difference–but I certainly agree with you in general).
When nudity is not intended to be sexual or exploitative/debasing in nature, it can get a pass (after all, the Vatican has numerous pieces of art involving nudity alone, never mind the presence of natural nudity in so many of other works). I will also add that there are several examples of sexual art from antiquity (like in Pompeiian brothels/baths and in ancient India & Japan), but these seem to fall under a different category from today’s pornos. The specific depictions in that “How to Draw Manga” book seem to fit within the acceptable nudity area, given its intent.
Finally, a quick note about temptation, since it has been mentioned here: we all have had, at some point in our lives, sinful thoughts of one sort or another pop into our heads for an instant. It can be the temptation to lust, steal, gorge oneself on food, buy something you don’t need & can’t afford, etc. These happen to even the most saintlike among us and will dog us as long as we live in this world (as it is popular to point out, even Christ was tempted). In those living in monasteries or complete seclusion suffer from these things. Even in going about our daily routine, there are ways we will be tempted. It’s whether we embrace and continue to entertain & add to these thoughts that makes these things a problem. We can say “yes” or “no” to these temptations, and like Christ, we should say “no”. It’s also whether we do something with the intent of exposing ourselves to temptation that makes another difference (for example, I don’t go to class or work–which is for my uni–with the intent of being tempted to sin in some way, but I can say with certainty that a temptation of some sort will enter my head for an instant or two between now and when I graduate with my Master’s next spring. For my part, I will do my best, with God’s help, not to embrace these temptations). There’s a difference between knowing you will be tempted and wanting it to happen.
Anyways, all of this is a big digression from this thread’s purpose, but those are thoughts I have been kicking about for a while in my head on these issues.
So, has anyone seen the latest Nisemonogatari. Love the Tsukihi OP, but the episode was weird. Also, I’m pondering getting back into Gintama. Was watching the new series for a while, but fell away after a while.
Also, I just got Yui Horie’s new album
Himitsu in the mail Monday. One of my favorite seiyuu, both in her acting and singing. Anime News Network
says it debuted at #3 on the Oricon charts. Good for her! Also, the album art is very cute.
I’m seriously wondering if I ought to pursue the Inu x Boku SS OP CD as well. It’s an awesome song.
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