Is reading sexual content a sin

[Tcurry]

So I was reading stuff about of the responses of the sexual arousal and I went to read about on masturbation and I got a little carried. My original intent was for research out of curiosity but I got aroused at the sight of the some sexual images. I kinda focused on it for a few seconds before turning away. Is this a sin and if so, mortal or venial

 

[anikins]

If it’s weighing on you it doesn’t hurt to bring it up during confession. Reading to learn is different than reading with the purpose of getting turned on.

 

[Greenfields]

Dear Tcurry,fill your mind with good things .God bless.

 

[Tcurry]

And just asking a hypothetical question on your point, if the purpose is to get turned on, is it sinful

 

[Arwing]

It’s a mortal sin if you consent to the arousal, or if you deliberately seek it. If you foresee that by doing something you likely will consent to it, then doing that thing would entering into a near occasion of mortal sin so doing so would be itself a mortal sin even if you don’t end up consenting to it (if you do there would be two sins). There can be exceptions for morally necessary cases, but if you are likely to be tempted considerably, reading for research especially only out of curiosity is probably not the best idea and may be sinful.

I can’t tell you if you gave sufficient consent by “focusing on it for a few seconds”. Note that this is distinct from being tempted, or from entertaining the thought without awareness. I’d probably confess it in case but can’t say for sure. If you have scrupulous tendencies, going over it with a priest would be best.

if the purpose is to get turned on, is it sinful

Yes. It’s grave (mortal) matter to deliberately seek arousal outside its proper context in marriage.

 

[Seagull]

Proverbs 6 : 28

 

[anikins]

Yup. (16 chars)