Is erotica sinful?

[Godisgreat23]

The very fact that you have thought something sinful at that point you have committed sin. Its not like if you read erotica you are going to get pure thoughts right?

 

[Maxirad]

Check out Paragraph 2354 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

 

[aquohn]

Um, quick note. Due to a myriad of reasons, I have largely renounced the stands I display here. So I’ll just withdraw from this discussion now.

 

[PatriceA]

Um, quick note. Due to a myriad of reasons, I have largely renounced the stands I display here. So I’ll just withdraw from this discussion now.

Meaning? You’ve changed your mind on the subject and erotica is sinful?

 

[edwest2]

Alright, a troublesome philosophical question? Are all works involving explicit sexuality inherently sinful? I think most people would answer no. Most.

But where do we draw the line between artistic sexually explicit works (erotica) and outright pornography? I have found the following essay most helpful in my characterisation: agreeley.com/articles/eros_art.html.

Personally, as long as the sexual content is primarily for a purpose other than sexual gratification (be it plot direction, characterisation, thematic development, etc.), it is not sinful. But of course, by definition, these works should focus on the emotional aspect of the act, otherwise it treads on the territory of pornography. And with the weaker reasons (express love, characterisation) ideally, it should also portray a deed which is considered as non-sinful by the church.

What is your opinion?

Yes. Speaking as a professional editor and published author, there’s no excuse for it. None.

And that’s not an opinion. A near occasion of sin is always wrong.

Peace,
Ed