porn

[billcu1]

I’m sure this question has been asked many times here. But I must ask is having a look at softcore porn a mortal sin. I would guess yes. I was doing really good and not being tempted and losing desire for masterbation which was only done to stop wet dreams. I’ve fell flat on my face now and don’t even feel like going to Mass. Could this be a test or what’s called the “dark night”?

B

 

[1ke]

Yes porn is grave matter.

Go to Mass. Go to confession as soon as you are able.

 

[datritle]

in my opinion, i love wet dreams! i stopped masturbating, and i still get gratification! this sounds crass…i know…sorry, but what you do in your dreams is not on you…i don’t wish for them…but i am certainly not unhappy when they happen. keep strong, and pray when you are tempted.

 

[winafred]

I dont believe it is a test and is definitely not the dark night. We all struggle with 1 or 2 main sins of the 7 cardinal sins. Yours happens to be around the passions. This will be a struggle for life, Padre Pio even said until you die you do not stop struggling against your main areas of sin. Yes you can still be purified and walk daily without sinning, but most likely it will always be a struggle. You must fight and ask Jesus to be your leader in the fight against this tempation. Continue to go to confession and beg Jesus to be your protector. Do a novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and make sacrifices during these days. Fall on your knees before the Great King in the silence of your home, begging for mercy and receiving His great love in forgiveness. Ask Him that you may feel only a love and passion for His Heart and eternal things. Know He loves you! You are not beyond His ability to pour the graces needed to conquer this, victory is always in Christ. He loves you so much , never stop returning to Eternal Love!!! May God turn this weakness of yours into a blessing as in our weakness we are made strong, turning to Him for all our battles. My heart and prayers are before the Lord inteceding for you, never give up, how beautiful is the one who struggles against great temptations,He knows your efforts!

 

[datritle]

the above post was like a snickers bar…i am satisfied! great response!

 

[iloveangels]

I’m sure this question has been asked many times here. But I must ask is having a look at softcore porn a mortal sin. I would guess yes.

Correct. Porn is a mortal sin.

I was doing really good and not being tempted and losing desire for masterbation which was only done to stop wet dreams. I’ve fell flat on my face now and don’t even feel like going to Mass.

Get yourself to confession ASAP.

Could this be a test or what’s called the “dark night”?

It’s probably not all that fancy a thing. It’s something that needs to be solved with confession and prayer.

 

[thistle]

I’m sure this question has been asked many times here. But I must ask is having a look at softcore porn a mortal sin. I would guess yes. I was doing really good and not being tempted and losing desire for masterbation which was only done to stop wet dreams. I’ve fell flat on my face now and don’t even feel like going to Mass. Could this be a test or what’s called the “dark night”?

B

CCC 2354 Pornography consists in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties. It offends against chastity because it perverts the conjugal act, the intimate giving of spouses to each other. It does grave injury to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the public), since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world. It is a grave offense. Civil authorities should prevent the production and distribution of pornographic materials.

CCC 2396 Among the sins gravely contrary to chastity are masturbation, fornication, pornography, and homosexual practices.

 

[Trunicate09]

I was raised Catholic so the answer from the perspective of the Catholic Church is that it would be considered a sin. But in my own personal view it is not a sin at all, but can only be bad or harmful if taken into excess (like pretty much anything). Just my view on it

 

[Ronin1021]

This is my first post and I must say I find myself here because I understand the poison that Pornography is and what it does to your soul. First off you must realize that two or more human beings are used in said Porn to entice and enrapture the passions and lusts. Your body is the house of your soul therefore precious in the eyes of God. And we have debased that gift of life our temple if you will by joining them. While writing this i feel ashamed and realize that it destroyed my life once and I feel like a hypocrite for all the wrongs I committed in some ways resulted from looking and letting my passions be controlled. I struggle with lust every day and its hard not to be tempted by this but when your realize that that girl your looking at is someones daughter mother sister, and she deserves better and you deserve better than to ogle her for gratification that lasts for a moment. That moment like a heroin hit consumes too many people and leads them down a downward spiral of empty roads. I been there done that. So is it sinful…? Ultimately God will decide that, but you know better than to ask the question you already know the answer to. No amount of moral relativism will lead you away from the central fact that the reason its so tempting is because it is wrong and sinful.

 

[thistle]

I was raised Catholic so the answer from the perspective of the Catholic Church is that it would be considered a sin. But in my own personal view it is not a sin at all, but can only be bad or harmful if taken into excess (like pretty much anything). Just my view on it

Your opinion contradicts Church teaching on this.
Porn is ALWAYS harmful, even in small doses!

 

[Tyrion]

CCC 2354 Pornography consists in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties. It offends against chastity because it perverts the conjugal act, the intimate giving of spouses to each other. It does grave injury to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the public), since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world. It is a grave offense. Civil authorities should prevent the production and distribution of pornographic materials.

It is great that you chose a verbatim quote, so we can hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. But is raises a few questions.

Many pieces are performing arts fall into the category the catechism mentions. For example: “Romeo and Juliet”, which incorporates teenage sex, murder, suicide, and so on. Is it “pornography”? If not, then why not? Besides, what “titillates” is highly subjective. One person’s absolutely disgusting “porn” is someone else yawn, wo cares type of a boring story. Who can decide what is “porn” and what is not? According to the law, if it has no “redeeming social value”, it is porn. But that is also vague, subjective and is based upon the society (as such it is very relative). Besides the catechism does not mention it, or anything along those lines.

And not just the performing arts are “guilty”. If you go to see the wonderful collection of the art pieces in the Vatican (I did, and it was spectacular), you will see that many of beautiful Greek sculptures are NOT anatomically correct any more. They were “castrated”, presumably because they were considered “pornographic”. So, with all due respect, I don’t think that the church and the catechism are “authorities” on the subject of “porn”.

 

[CopticChristian]

I’m sure this question has been asked many times here. But I must ask is having a look at softcore porn a mortal sin. I would guess yes. I was doing really good and not being tempted and losing desire for masterbation which was only done to stop wet dreams. I’ve fell flat on my face now and don’t even feel like going to Mass. Could this be a test or what’s called the “dark night”?

B

Bill,

We are called to constantly form our conscience. You appear to be doing that. What you ask is tantamount to an obese person asking if it is Ok to eat a little candy now and again. What is it you are really saying here…if you have not read the Catechism, I suggest you do. I would suggest the Adult Catechism of the USA, preferably the Audio…it is outlined as follows…

Profession of Faith
Sacramental Life
Life in Christ/modeling Christ and striving to be Holy
Prayer/grace…ask for help

So, if you find yourself in the situation you are in asking for help, then you recognize a problem and appear to be forming your conscience. If you look at the 4 points and ask yourself where you are succeeding and where you are failing then I am sure you would agree that what you suggest fails in Life in Christ.

I suggest you spend some time with understanding the beginning section of Life in Christ in the Catechism, there you will find a discussion of the Human Virtues and Theologic Virtues. You have all the necessary tools God gave you to aid your battle. You need only take advantage of using the weapons you have to fight temptation you point out.

You may want to look at the word Habit. Virtues are good habits that are perfected through practice and are animated by grace and supported by the Theologic virtues. If you understand that then you will understand that what you are saying is that what you are doing is other than perfecting virtue or good habit. I believe you understand that you know the answer to this question based on what I say.

God loves you like you are the only person on this earth…act as if you appreciate that…

 

[clem456]

I’m sure this question has been asked many times here. But I must ask is having a look at softcore porn a mortal sin. I would guess yes. I was doing really good and not being tempted and losing desire for masterbation which was only done to stop wet dreams. I’ve fell flat on my face now and don’t even feel like going to Mass. Could this be a test or what’s called the “dark night”?
B

No, this is not the “dark night”. The dark night is part of the positivie spiritual journey.
Is it a test? You tell us. Is it difficult to stop lusting?
You say your lust is taking the joy from going to Mass. You are defining mortal sin right there…separation from the life of God.

Masturbation is not a cure for wet dreams, it is a choice to act out your lust.

Given enough chance, lust will suck the joy right out of your life.

 

[clem456]

I was raised Catholic so the answer from the perspective of the Catholic Church is that it would be considered a sin. But in my own personal view it is not a sin at all, but can only be bad or harmful if taken into excess (like pretty much anything). Just my view on it

Pornography is always objectively evil and immoral. Doesn’t matter the dose.

 

[clem456]

So, with all due respect, I don’t think that the church and the catechism are “authorities” on the subject of “porn”.

With all due respect, the Catholic Church, as revealed through Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium, authoritatively defines morality for us.

That doesn’t mean that the Church can read minds and hearts. Only you know if a nude statue is an occasion of lust for you. Might not be for everybody.

 

[CopticChristian]

It is great that you chose a verbatim quote, so we can hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. But is raises a few questions.

Many pieces are performing arts fall into the category the catechism mentions. For example: “Romeo and Juliet”, which incorporates teenage sex, murder, suicide, and so on. Is it “pornography”? If not, then why not? Besides, what “titillates” is highly subjective. One person’s absolutely disgusting “porn” is someone else yawn, wo cares type of a boring story. Who can decide what is “porn” and what is not? According to the law, if it has no “redeeming social value”, it is porn. But that is also vague, subjective and is based upon the society (as such it is very relative). Besides the catechism does not mention it, or anything along those lines.

And not just the performing arts are “guilty”. If you go to see the wonderful collection of the art pieces in the Vatican (I did, and it was spectacular), you will see that many of beautiful Greek sculptures are NOT anatomically correct any more. They were “castrated”, presumably because they were considered “pornographic”. So, with all due respect, I don’t think that the church and the catechism are “authorities” on the subject of “porn”.

Tyrion,

I am so grateful that you are here. You are correct. The church and catechism are not authorities on the subject of porn. You are a genius.

The Catechism is divided into 4 parts…

Profession of Faith
Sacramental Life
Life in Christ
Prayer…

Now considering pornography the Church has a brief description and I suppose you can say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. On the other hand as Catholics we are constantly forming our conscience, changing our minds. Can you believe this? We constantly change our minds. Can you believe that we actually believe that we anticipate that we are going to be changed by doing that was well, we believe that we will be transformed by the renewal of our minds…go figure…

Anyway, I see you are interested in how people think. We have much in common. So am I. Let me leave you with a few thoughts.

The Catholic Church and Catechism are not authorities on Pornography, however when you find this discussed you will find it in life in Christ. We actually believe in a Holy God and that we were created by that God that wants us to strive, with help of course, to be Holy…so the Church teaching, we actually believe that this is an admonition from God, is to lean away from unholy things as we form our conscious understanding. So the OHCAC and Catechism are not authorities…for you…they are for me and other Catholics.

Next understand that as you came to this forum you have done nothing but argue and denigrate Catholic beliefs. With that in mind, noting that you are keen on intent and actions, I ask you, what is your intent in coming to this forum?

Lastly, as you contemplate this…prepare to understand…

As we think and believe so we act…I too am interested in how people think and understanding how they think allows the determination of how they act…

I am sure that our dialogue will be fruitful…be patient and understanding with me, Ok…

 

[Tyrion]

With all due respect, the Catholic Church, as revealed through Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium, authoritatively defines morality for us.

For catholics, it might, though I have seen many threads about to so-called cafeteria catholics who do not follow all the teachings. However for the rest of us, this “authority” does not apply.

That doesn’t mean that the Church can read minds and hearts. Only you know if a nude statue is an occasion of lust for you. Might not be for everybody.

They do not influence me at all as “erotic” objects. But those who ordered the mutilation of those statues must have felt differently.

 

[CopticChristian]

For catholics, it might, though I have seen many threads about to so-called cafeteria catholics who do not follow all the teachings. However for the rest of us, this “authority” does not apply.

They do not influence me at all as “erotic” objects. But those who ordered the mutilation of those statues must have felt differently.

Tyrion,

You are making progress. You believe and see the Church as having no influence on your thinking. You also note that those that do not adhere to the teachings cause scandal and are an issue for those that look at what the Church teaches. This is so.

Your perception of erotic is known only to you just as your lack of knowledge and insight as to the motives of those that you state mutitlated statues is known only to them, unless you are able to read minds, and I doubt you do.

 

[billcu1]

Bill,

We are called to constantly form our conscience. You appear to be doing that. What you ask is tantamount to an obese person asking if it is Ok to eat a little candy now and again. What is it you are really saying here…if you have not read the Catechism, I suggest you do. I would suggest the Adult Catechism of the USA, preferably the Audio…it is outlined as follows…

Profession of Faith
Sacramental Life
Life in Christ/modeling Christ and striving to be Holy
Prayer/grace…ask for help

So, if you find yourself in the situation you are in asking for help, then you recognize a problem and appear to be forming your conscience. If you look at the 4 points and ask yourself where you are succeeding and where you are failing then I am sure you would agree that what you suggest fails in Life in Christ.

I suggest you spend some time with understanding the beginning section of Life in Christ in the Catechism, there you will find a discussion of the Human Virtues and Theologic Virtues. You have all the necessary tools God gave you to aid your battle. You need only take advantage of using the weapons you have to fight temptation you point out.

You may want to look at the word Habit. Virtues are good habits that are perfected through practice and are animated by grace and supported by the Theologic virtues. If you understand that then you will understand that what you are saying is that what you are doing is other than perfecting virtue or good habit. I believe you understand that you know the answer to this question based on what I say.

God loves you like you are the only person on this earth…act as if you appreciate that…

My understanding is that things like porn and masterbation are sexual addictions. Not a normal act like most people think it would be. We really shouldn’t be tempted by these things if we were normal but we aren’t. When I look at a woman I see a person. I usually look right though the looks. That doesn’t mean I can’t see but I consider such things as illusion or a concoction of one’s own mind.

 

[NeedImprovement]

. . . So, with all due respect, I don’t think that the church and the catechism are “authorities” on the subject of “porn”.

. . . Sorry if I appear a little a little cynical D) , but the above seems more intoned as with undue disrespect , since it really does beg the question :

If the Catholic Church is not an authority on pornography , then who is the authority on pornography ? To date, the poster quoted above would have us believe that he/she is that authority . . . :dts:

PORNOGRAPHY.

A description or portrayal of any person or activity that is consciously intended to stimulate immoral sexual feelings. (Etym. Greek porne, prostitute + graphe, writing.)

MODERN CATHOLIC DICTIONARY, Fr. John Hardon, S.J.