Interesting method of combating lust and associated sins

[Genesis315]

I was reading a book by St. Peter Damian and in it he describes a method for resisting the sin of lust and other such sins that sprout from it. He said to imagine dead bodies, rotting corpses, burials and similar images. There are a coule reasons for this:

First, when we lust, we are desiring the body of a person only. When we truly love someone, we also desire the best for their soul as well. By imagining the above, we see how truly unattractive a body detached from its soul is.

Second, we see the transitory nature of the flesh. We more easily realize how unreasonable it is to give pleasure to something so temporary at the expense of the everlasting soul.

 

[maria_rose]

I was reading a book by St. Peter Damian and in it he describes a method for resisting the sin of lust and other such sins that sprout from it. He said to imagine dead bodies, rotting corpses, burials and similar images. There are a coule reasons for this:

First, when we lust, we are desiring the body of a person only. When we truly love someone, we also desire the best for their soul as well. By imagining the above, we see how truly unattractive a body detached from its soul is.

Second, we see the transitory nature of the flesh. We more easily realize how unreasonable it is to give pleasure to something so temporary at the expense of the everlasting soul.

Very interesting! What is the name of the book?

 

[Genesis315]

“Book of Gomorrah.” There was a lot of sexual sin in St. Peter Damian’s time especially among clergy, and this book was part of his efforts at reform.

 

[teachccd]

A little grisly, but none the less thought provoking …God Bless

 

[thechrismyster]

interesting, except if you’re a necrophiliac. then it’s bad advice.

 

[chevalier]

Thought-provoking and probably successful, but I’m sort of wondering what about the conditioning thus effected. One could start associating sex with rotting… For a monk, who cares, surely not he. Even better for him. But for a married person or going to be married, that could be a problem, no?

I generally try to realise sexual drive as a biological function of the body. That works for me. Okay, she’s attractive. Perhaps one could even say, “she has a great body.” But what about the personality, the soul? Does she have a husband or boyfriend? Do I want to investigate the possibility of a relationship with her? I don’t? So well, no need to dwell on it.

 

[Genesis315]

Thought-provoking and probably successful, but I’m sort of wondering what about the conditioning thus effected. One could start associating sex with rotting… For a monk, who cares, surely not he. Even better for him. But for a married person or going to be married, that could be a problem, no?

I generally try to realise sexual drive as a biological function of the body. That works for me. Okay, she’s attractive. Perhaps one could even say, “she has a great body.” But what about the personality, the soul? Does she have a husband or boyfriend? Do I want to investigate the possibility of a relationship with her? I don’t? So well, no need to dwell on it.

Good point :tiphat: