Is this a sin?

[The_Angelus]

Okay… this is really embarrassing.

I’m at a field seminar sort of thing, camping with a few other people in their 20s. Everyone is single. My problem? One of the guys is really, REALLY handsome. None of the guys is exactly ugly, but this one is sort of a cut above. He’s a marathon runner, rock climber, and so on, and given the hot weather we currently have, he usually goes around shirtless (so do the rest of the guys). I usually find myself admiring his physique from behind dark sunglasses and wishing I could admire him without the sunglasses.

I don’t know if this is the sin of lust or not, but I’m hoping like crazy that there’s nothign wrong with admiring a good physique as long as you don’t start thinking about sex. Somebody help me out on this please?

 

[otm]

Admiring a good physique is not sinful. Lusting after the individual is. Much has been said on other threads concerning modesty, and I won’t rehash that here.

However, one might keep in midn that in the Vatican art collection are works by Michaelangelo, who was a fantastic sculpturer, and his works include nudes and partial nudes.

I cannot judge for a woman when one is admiring God’s handiwork, and when one is slipping into lust. If you have a serious issue with it, speak to a good confessor.

 

[JKirkLVNV]

otm:

Much has been said on other threads concerning modesty, and I won’t rehash that here.

I will, then. Men should not appear in front of women who are not their mothers, sisters, or daughters in any state of undress and vice versa. Tell all of them that they need to put on a shirt. You can even make it funny: “Guys, you are totally distracting me. I’m gonna wear out my rosary beads,” or something like that.

I doubt you’ve sinned, though. Ask Our Lord to help you keep your heart pure for Him.

 

[jegow]

The_Angelus:

I usually find myself admiring his physique from behind dark sunglasses and wishing I could admire him without the sunglasses.

I don’t know if this is the sin of lust or not, but I’m hoping like crazy that there’s nothign wrong with admiring a good physique as long as you don’t start thinking about sex. Somebody help me out on this please?

1 John 2:16 Love not the world, nor the things which are in the world. If any man love the world, the charity of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, is the concupiscence of the flesh, and the concupiscence of the eyes, and the pride of life, which is not of the Father, but is of the world.

**CCC **2522 Modesty protects the mystery of persons and their love. It encourages patience and moderation in loving relationships; it requires that the conditions for the definitive giving and commitment of man and woman to one another be fulfilled. Modesty is decency. It inspires one’s choice of clothing. It keeps silence or reserve where there is evident risk of unhealthy curiosity. It is discreet.

When you say usually this implies that it happens more than once. This man and the other men are not being modest by taking their shirts off. However, if you had a bit more respect for them you could try not being there when they do that or for crying out loud say something. Two things, you’re being sneeky about it - watching behind your sunglasses. That must be your conscience telling you something. Hmmmm? Sencond, is it not sinful for a man to check out a woman who is not dressed modestly?

About this only admiring thing. That initial attraction to look at the man comes from concupiscence. A disordered love for the flesh. That is not a sin. But by looking or admiring his physique goes a step beyond concupiscence. This looking at him for however long is sexual. Why would you do this secretly behind sunglasses if it was not? You always have an option to look the other way, obviously you have been taking the other one. The principle is the same with men. If there appears to be a lightly clad woman walking about the man has two choices: look the other way out of respect for her body or since he glanced at what she had not covered up too well he decides to look for a bit. Not out of admiration though but lust. I think the more admirable thing to do is have more respect for the guy by either telling him to keep his shirt on or at least looking the other way.

 

[jegow]

otm:

Admiring a good physique is not sinful.

However, one might keep in mind that in the Vatican art collection are works by Michaelangelo, who was a fantastic sculpturer, and his works include nudes and partial nudes.

Unfortunately the same excuse has been used as to why looking at pornographic images of women or men is acceptable. In the eyes of the Church though – it is not. There is a real distinction between these two.

Admiring the physique of a partially dressed man or woman is tons different than looking at the craftsmanshift of a painting or sculpture of the body.

 

[18guy]

Actually, as I understand it, there’s no sin in admiring a man or womans body. It becomes a sin when you lust after it.