Query "Why Do Topics Of Sexual Nature Pervade This Forum"?

[centurionguard]

Please don’t think me as insensitive, prude or negative but I must ask why this Moral Theology Forum plays host to numerous topics of sexual discussion which I believe should belong in a separate Forum of itself. Am I bothered by this? Yes.

Some of the material topics in question should be censored or restricted to younger members here who have access to Catholic Answers Forum.

I just find some of the sexual topics in question disgusting in nature.

I realize that our devoted moderators here have busy job censoring material. I just think a little prudence as to the type of subject matter at hand doesn’t need to be published in this forum. Given some of the topic titles in question which are in plain sight doesn’t even have to clicked on without having a fairly good idea what is going to be discussed.

 

[The_Otaku]

Please don’t think me as insensitive, prude or negative but I must ask why this Moral Theology Forum plays host to numerous topics of sexual discussion which I believe should belong in a separate Forum of itself. Am I bothered by this? Yes.

Some of the material topics in question should be censored or restricted to younger members here who have access to Catholic Answers Forum.

I just find some of the sexual topics in question disgusting in nature.

I realize that our devoted moderators here have busy job censoring material. I just think a little prudence as to the type of subject matter at hand doesn’t need to be published in this forum. Given some of the topic titles in question which are in plain sight doesn’t even have to clicked on without having a fairly good idea what is going to be discussed.

I think the reason the issue is as you present it is because we all, as Catholics, are in a unique position of opportunity to cry out for help in a way we may not be able to in any other way or facet with other people. Also, the power of being anonymous is not to be underestimated. I’ll wager most people only have the nerve and guts to say what they do and admit the filthiness of their sins and give personal details BECAUSE we don’t know them. Remember, this is the internet, and this forum has given itself over to scenarios in which people can vent their problems.

Indeed, proper prudence should be taken, and people should think before they post if it’s really necessary. People often act on impulse though, either because they’re desperate or have some other need or problem that cannot be readily addressed elsewhere or in a more appropriate location, for whatever circumstance. Just as we need to be more prudent and put ourselves to task, we need to remember that we’re all sinners here and that part of having a Catholic website for Catholics primarily is going to allow everyone here to see what a Catholic is- a person with troubles just like everyone else who is not Catholic. The fact this site lends itself to the help of others and makes a forum for that purpose supposes that your issues of the people that come here are welcome to be addressed. It’s just that, again, people can’t help themselves sometimes, and before we tell them to shape up or ship out, we need to consider their situation with compassion and empathy. They may be unknown strangers, but it could be us, and often times it is.

Lets face it, this forum (name removed by moderator)articular (moral theology) shows the dark sides and sins of our catholic brothers and sisters. What makes it astonishing, is that if you met these people in real life, you’d never of guessed they had these problems. Trying to lead a holy, Christian lifestyle is hard, so it’s no surprise we see the dirty laundry that we do here.

 

[centurionguard]

I think the reason the issue is as you present it is because we all, as Catholics, are in a unique position of opportunity to cry out for help in a way we may not be able to in any other way or facet with other people. Also, the power of being anonymous is not to be underestimated. I’ll wager most people only have the nerve and guts to say what they do and admit the filthiness of their sins and give personal details BECAUSE we don’t know them. Remember, this is the internet, and this forum has given itself over to scenarios in which people can vent their problems.

Indeed, proper prudence should be taken, and people should think before they post if it’s really necessary. People often act on impulse though, either because they’re desperate or have some other need or problem that cannot be readily addressed elsewhere or in a more appropriate location, for whatever circumstance. Just as we need to be more prudent and put ourselves to task, we need to remember that we’re all sinners here and that part of having a Catholic website for Catholics primarily is going to allow everyone here to see what a Catholic is- a person with troubles just like everyone else who is not Catholic. The fact this site lends itself to the help of others and makes a forum for that purpose supposes that your issues of the people that come here are welcome to be addressed. It’s just that, again, people can’t help themselves sometimes, and before we tell them to shape up or ship out, we need to consider their situation with compassion and empathy. They may be unknown strangers, but it could be us, and often times it is.

Lets face it, this forum in particular (moral theology) shows the dark sides and sins of our catholic brothers and sisters. What makes it astonishing, is that if you met these people in real life, you’d never of guessed they had these problems. Trying to lead a holy, Christian lifestyle is hard, so it’s no surprise we see the dirty laundry that we do here.

You bring up some excellent points here. But I wonder how many parents catechize their children today about sexual morality and behavior as the Catholic Church teaches.

Sadly; I have read that it would be astonishing if factual statistics were formulated as to just how few Catholics are catechized. It really is sad.

It’s sometimes difficult to believe just how many Catholics don’t realize that many of their sexual behaviors fall into the category of grievous sin.

 

[The_Otaku]

You bring up some excellent points here. But I wonder how many parents catechize their children today about sexual morality and behavior as the Catholic Church teaches.

Sadly; I have read that it would be astonishing if factual statistics were formulated as to just how few Catholics are catechized. It really is sad.

Indeed. Poor education in one’s faith breeds a Catholic population that is unprepared and unequipped to deal with the problems of our times, especially in areas of personal sin. The fact we have to come here and ask fellow laypeople if this is a sin or that is a sin, is outrageous, but it’s a sad fact, and I will not be a hypocrite because I’ve fallen into this too, although for me, more out of convenience to be heard and helped in a pinch rather than a lack to proper resources (namely priests, the sacraments, adoration, etc.) For me I like to double-check if something is a sin, and for most of my questions or threads, I’ve already got an idea of whether or not it is, but I ask anyway to reaffirm it in good conscience, because I believe I am right to presume that this being a Catholic website is equipped with the necessary components, be they resources or people, to help me out.

But, be that as it may, you are right. A proper catechism would solve alot of these issues and less people would have to come here. But, then I consider the good that posting these threads causes- it might uplift someone or multiple people reading the threads and help them out and inspire them by the examples being given and the trust in Christ being assured by their peers. I think that this is the silver lining in an otherwise less than desirable byproduct- that Jesus can work through these threads in mysterious ways. I know he’s helped answer my questions when I’ve posted them here. Even if they would have been better asked somewhere else, they were answered nonetheless. So I cannot short change the good that goes on here.

But other than that, you’re right.

 

[EmeraldWings]

i was wondering the same thing today as i noticed some topics i didn’t even want to open, it’s hard when you are trying to keep a pure mind in such a deeply impure society,
but these people who post such explicitly impure topics are doing it for help, i’m sure they’re only trying to be as clear as possible so we know exactly what they want to know, and if we can help them, we can also inform them of the danger of using such explicit descriptions of things regarding sexual nature,

so, even though now it’s a problem here, at least there are people like you here who know it’s wrong and can help people who don’t know better, and then it can stop here to.
which by that i mean, someone may come on here(unknowingly) using impure language, but they may very well leave never using that kind of language again.
not just for the sake of the young viewers, but also of those who are trying to keep pure minds.

i read once in a catholic news article, that our Blessed Mother wanted us to all pray for purity in our youth, ever since i read that, every morning and night i pray for that intention,
and i’ve seen improvement(although very small gradual), and i think if we just pray on it, we’ll see alot of improvement even on this forum, maybe God will send us a great theologian in moral theology, who knows :]
we just have to pray…there are so many problems, and not enough prayers.

 

[OraLabora]

i was wondering the same thing today as i noticed some topics i didn’t even want to open, it’s hard when you are trying to keep a pure mind in such a deeply impure society,
but these people who post such explicitly impure topics are doing it for help, i’m sure they’re only trying to be as clear as possible so we know exactly what they want to know, and if we can help them, we can also inform them of the danger of using such explicit descriptions of things regarding sexual nature,

What puzzles me is why they don’t simply seek out confession and spiritual direction in their parishes.

It’s really the most appropriate place to discuss very personal and graphic details.

 

[SophiaLector]

I was wondering the same thing, actually. The same topics keep coming up over and over. I almost want to yell at people to use the search function before they ask – or at least go directly to the “Ask An Apologist” forum instead of airing their dirty laundry.

And you all are much nicer than I am regarding people’s motivation in asking some (not all) of the disgusting and way-too-personal questions: I honestly think there are “ringers” on the site who ask sexual questions just for the shock value of it. They get a charge out of upsetting people and seeming deviant or cool.

I except teenagers because, honestly, they don’t know anything about these things and are usually just genuinely curious and/or confused.

But really – I would love it if people would just go to confession and ask their Priest. It would save a lot of ickiness.

 

[chessmane4e5]

I was wondering the same thing, actually. The same topics keep coming up over and over. I almost want to yell at people to use the search function before they ask – or at least go directly to the “Ask An Apologist” forum instead of airing their dirty laundry.

And you all are much nicer than I am regarding people’s motivation in asking some (not all) of the disgusting and way-too-personal questions: I honestly think there are “ringers” on the site who ask sexual questions just for the shock value of it. They get a charge out of upsetting people and seeming deviant or cool.

I except teenagers because, honestly, they don’t know anything about these things and are usually just genuinely curious and/or confused.

But really – I would love it if people would just go to confession and ask their Priest. It would save a lot of ickiness.

I am going to have my daughters read the book “Good News About Sex & Marriage” by Christopher West and discuss it with my wife and I. Not sure when we will start this, the oldest is only 6

 

[EmeraldWings]

What puzzles me is why they don’t simply seek out confession and spiritual direction in their parishes.

It’s really the most appropriate place to discuss very personal and graphic details.

sometimes the same question pops into my mind, but then i just think, you know, they just don’t have anyone to tell them, there are so many people who don’t know even the basics of their religion, and also so many who don’t even know about Jesus at all…

i know alot of people simply want to hear that they aren’t doing anything wrong so their conscience will stop bothering them, and that is also one big reason people may come here and not to a priest or confession,
it’s also a much more anonymous way to find out if what you’re doing is a sin, even though they would have to confess anyways if it was, but i guess it’s just more comfortable for them this way, or atleast less awkward…so i do understand why in that way, but what i find disturbing about it is the incredible lack of trust for priests nowadays…i don’t blame people for it, i understand the troubles people go through, it’s just the way things are right now…but it will get better, i already see how things are improving, it’s just a matter of time, and in the mean time, we just have to keep on moving forward, that’s all.

 

[flyingfish]

Isn’t there an age requirement to join the forums?

 

[GodLovesTheSpek]

Not only topics but usually a rewording of the same topics over and over. Life can be tough and discussing it can help. Anonymity can help especially if there are self-esteem issues.

We definitely want to help as best we can and as our brother’s keeper we must, keeping in mind:

What the Catholic Church teaches.
That the person may need professional help.
(Based on experience) The person’s concern may not be as crisis-laden as it appears.

Given the frequency of the posts I hope the situation isn’t any of these:

Someone looking for an (incorrect) answer that fits what they are already thinking by confirming it in the forum by a Catholic.

Purposely filling the forum with a barrage of “personal experiences” to make it unsuitable for minors/young adults, giving the impression that the Catholic Church is full of “unusual people”.

Purposely filling the forum with a barrage of “personal experiences” to negatively influence minors/young adults.

I sincerely hope that none of these are the case. Sometimes a look at the first page subject matters in ‘Social Theology’ is very difficult.

Still we are called to see Jesus in everyone and we have to approach everyone that way.

 

[baltobetsy]

I agree that the right place to get most of these answers is the confessional. However, among “regular” Catholics (as differentiated from Catholics like us whose hobby is apologetics or hanging out on a Catholic forum), it never occurs to them that one could ask such a thing in confession. They only go once or twice a year to those big services in Advent or Lent and have no idea that one could develop a relationship with a confessor and get this kind of question answered. Sad but true.

Betsy

 

[PAboy57]

I have wondered many of the things you all have just said. Our society can be a nasty place at times.

I’ll settle for the philosophy that if a few folks can be helped by getting answers here, then it is well worth the effort. I know some of the questions are out there but the good folks on here always come up with good, thoughtful answers for them.

Some of these folks asking the questions really don’t have anyone to turn to and are probably afraid to ask a priest, especially in a confessional where somebody can usually hear what is being said if they try really hard.

 

[John21652]

Please don’t think me as insensitive, prude or negative but I must ask why this Moral Theology Forum plays host to numerous topics of sexual discussion which I believe should belong in a separate Forum of itself. Am I bothered by this? Yes.
I just find some of the sexual topics in question disgusting in nature.

Well, it is about moral and it is about theology a lot of the time, so I guess this is as good a place as any.

I also think the word “pervades” is a little strong.

As for being disgusted, well, don’t look. The question being begged is, of course, why are so many people confused by the role of sex in their lives and what the Church teaches on the subject.
Instead of being “disgusted” why not wade in with your moral and theological wisdom and set people straight on the things that cause them confusion?

 

[thistle]

Please don’t think me as insensitive, prude or negative but I must ask why this Moral Theology Forum plays host to numerous topics of sexual discussion which I believe should belong in a separate Forum of itself. Am I bothered by this? Yes.

Some of the material topics in question should be censored or restricted to younger members here who have access to Catholic Answers Forum.

I just find some of the sexual topics in question disgusting in nature.

I realize that our devoted moderators here have busy job censoring material. I just think a little prudence as to the type of subject matter at hand doesn’t need to be published in this forum. Given some of the topic titles in question which are in plain sight doesn’t even have to clicked on without having a fairly good idea what is going to be discussed.

It is not mandatory for you to read any threads about sexual topics.
The thread titles normally give you a clue what the content will be about so you have the chance to steer clear of those threads.

 

[centurionguard]

It is not mandatory for you to read any threads about sexual topics.
The thread titles normally give you a clue what the content will be about so you have the chance to steer clear of those threads.

**It is not mandatory for you to read any threads about sexual topics. **

No disrespect but your assertion seems to go at the far end of the spectrum implying in some way that I should have not even made this post.

There are far more areas of interests concerning Moral Theology in the strictest sense than plagiarizing ideas concerning very graphic topics surrounding immoral sexual activity. It’s difficult to believe that some people can really be completely naive in a moral sense and propose graphic topics of sexual interests that one would find in a secular sexual help manual that caters to the glorification and exploitation of sexual expression. I don’t think it’s necessary for me to quote the title of these posts that highlight themselves in this form every week.

You are correct in stating that it’s not mandatory for me to read these sexual topics that I have no interests in from the very beginning.

I realize that Sexual Ethics plays a role in Moral Theology. However; Moral Theology is not defined solely by sexual ethics even though sexuality in all it’s grandeur preoccupies the minds of most people in this world. Personally I see the expression of human sexuality Satan’s greatest play field to bring souls to hell. Even the Blessed Virgin Mary herself said at Fatima that more souls of men and women fall into the eternal fiery pit of hell because of sins surround sexual gratification than any other sin.

Many Catholic moralists since Vatican II have endeavored to demonstrate the universality and non-distinctiveness of Christian moral principles in a pluralistic and secular world. At the same time, in our highly individualistic age, the average person continues to see the Church’s moral teaching as an imposition upon person freedom. Furthermore, ignorance and misperceptions abound about why the Church teaches what it does. Few Catholics see the intimate connection between morality and their spiritual quest for self-fulfillment and happiness. In addition, the confusion spawned by a number of Catholic moral theologians, who have espoused consequentialism and proportionalism in their answers to contemporary moral questions, which has caused many priests to be extremely shy of broaching these same issues from the pulpit. Is it really that surprising in today’s age that many priests themselves lack a coherent vision of Catholic moral tradition?
The regrettable unfortunate fact remains that many Catholics today really don’t know what it means to lead lives of genuine Christian virtue. To readily they separate their belief in Jesus Christ from their everyday behavior.

 

[teachccd]

**It is not mandatory for you to read any threads about sexual topics. **

No disrespect but your assertion seems to go at the far end of the spectrum implying in some way that I should have not even made this post.

There are far more areas of interests concerning Moral Theology in the strictest sense than plagiarizing ideas concerning very graphic topics surrounding immoral sexual activity. It’s difficult to believe that some people can really be completely naive in a moral sense and propose graphic topics of sexual interests that one would find in a secular sexual help manual that caters to the glorification and exploitation of sexual expression. I don’t think it’s necessary for me to quote the title of these posts that highlight themselves in this form every week.

You are correct in stating that it’s not mandatory for me to read these sexual topics that I have no interests in from the very beginning.

I realize that Sexual Ethics plays a role in Moral Theology. However; Moral Theology is not defined solely by sexual ethics even though sexuality in all it’s grandeur preoccupies the minds of most people in this world. Personally I see the expression of human sexuality Satan’s greatest play field to bring souls to hell. Even the Blessed Virgin Mary herself said at Fatima that more souls of men and women fall into the eternal fiery pit of hell because of sins surround sexual gratification than any other sin.

Many Catholic moralists since Vatican II have endeavored to demonstrate the universality and non-distinctiveness of Christian moral principles in a pluralistic and secular world. At the same time, in our highly individualistic age, the average person continues to see the Church’s moral teaching as an imposition upon person freedom. Furthermore, ignorance and misperceptions abound about why the Church teaches what it does. Few Catholics see the intimate connection between morality and their spiritual quest for self-fulfillment and happiness. In addition, the confusion spawned by a number of Catholic moral theologians, who have espoused consequentialism and proportionalism in their answers to contemporary moral questions, which has caused many priests to be extremely shy of broaching these same issues from the pulpit. Is it really that surprising in today’s age that many priests themselves lack a coherent vision of Catholic moral tradition?
The regrettable unfortunate fact remains that many Catholics today really don’t know what it means to lead lives of genuine Christian virtue. To readily they separate their belief in Jesus Christ from their everyday behavior.

I do believe that you just answered your own question… teachccd

 

[Lauds]

**It is not mandatory for you to read any threads about sexual topics. **

No disrespect but your assertion seems to go at the far end of the spectrum implying in some way that I should have not even made this post.

There are far more areas of interests concerning Moral Theology in the strictest sense than plagiarizing ideas concerning very graphic topics surrounding immoral sexual activity. It’s difficult to believe that some people can really be completely naive in a moral sense and propose graphic topics of sexual interests that one would find in a secular sexual help manual that caters to the glorification and exploitation of sexual expression. I don’t think it’s necessary for me to quote the title of these posts that highlight themselves in this form every week.

You are correct in stating that it’s not mandatory for me to read these sexual topics that I have no interests in from the very beginning.

I realize that Sexual Ethics plays a role in Moral Theology. However; Moral Theology is not defined solely by sexual ethics even though sexuality in all it’s grandeur preoccupies the minds of most people in this world. Personally I see the expression of human sexuality Satan’s greatest play field to bring souls to hell. Even the Blessed Virgin Mary herself said at Fatima that more souls of men and women fall into the eternal fiery pit of hell because of sins surround sexual gratification than any other sin.

Many Catholic moralists since Vatican II have endeavored to demonstrate the universality and non-distinctiveness of Christian moral principles in a pluralistic and secular world. At the same time, in our highly individualistic age, the average person continues to see the Church’s moral teaching as an imposition upon person freedom. Furthermore, ignorance and misperceptions abound about why the Church teaches what it does. Few Catholics see the intimate connection between morality and their spiritual quest for self-fulfillment and happiness. In addition, the confusion spawned by a number of Catholic moral theologians, who have espoused consequentialism and proportionalism in their answers to contemporary moral questions, which has caused many priests to be extremely shy of broaching these same issues from the pulpit. Is it really that surprising in today’s age that many priests themselves lack a coherent vision of Catholic moral tradition?
The regrettable unfortunate fact remains that many Catholics today really don’t know what it means to lead lives of genuine Christian virtue. To readily they separate their belief in Jesus Christ from their everyday behavior.

Full of truth & very well written:thumbsup:

 

[edwest2]

No one is required to read such posts but they are pervasive. Masturbation being a good example. It is not surprising that in a current media environment that encourages people, especially women, to have no shame, no modesty and no self-restraint, that some people, young and old, would believe that such a lack of virtue was somehow normal.

Too often, people who are religious fall back on imitating their peers instead of imitating Christ or the Blessed Virgin. The media has greatly devalued religion in the West. The ACLU has made it a point to remove religious monuments from public places, saying they violate something. These religious monuments were put there with the full knowledge of the people.

It should also be realized that the internet is the perfect environment for small groups of radicals to create confusion and doubt among Catholics. “Avoid truth decay, read your Bible.” A sign I saw on a Church. And read your Catechism.

Yes, it’s harder to live like a Christian when most people around you are unaware, indifferent or even hostile to religious views.

A common tactic is to use the word reason to create doubt. Your God is not reasonable. Your Church is not reasonable. Your beliefs are not reasonable.

The other reason posts about sexual topics are so pervasive is because people who engage in non-marital sexual situations want someone to tell them it’s OK. They’re hoping for some loophole that will justify their behavior.

Yes, there are a few that want to know why Catholics believe certain things, like celibacy, because they just can’t understand. Sex is not the answer. God has given us His plan for a normal, healthy and moral sexuality. As we are told in the Bible, some people will reject that.

Peace,
Ed

 

[centurionguard]

No one is required to read such posts but they are pervasive. Masturbation being a good example. It is not surprising that in a current media environment that encourages people, especially women, to have no shame, no modesty and no self-restraint, that some people, young and old, would believe that such a lack of virtue was somehow normal.

Too often, people who are religious fall back on imitating their peers instead of imitating Christ or the Blessed Virgin. The media has greatly devalued religion in the West. The ACLU has made it a point to remove religious monuments from public places, saying they violate something. These religious monuments were put there with the full knowledge of the people.

It should also be realized that the internet is the perfect environment for small groups of radicals to create confusion and doubt among Catholics. “Avoid truth decay, read your Bible.” A sign I saw on a Church. And read your Catechism.

Yes, it’s harder to live like a Christian when most people around you are unaware, indifferent or even hostile to religious views.

A common tactic is to use the word reason to create doubt. Your God is not reasonable. Your Church is not reasonable. Your beliefs are not reasonable.

The other reason posts about sexual topics are so pervasive is because people who engage in non-marital sexual situations want someone to tell them it’s OK. They’re hoping for some loophole that will justify their behavior.

Yes, there are a few that want to know why Catholics believe certain things, like celibacy, because they just can’t understand. Sex is not the answer. God has given us His plan for a normal, healthy and moral sexuality. As we are told in the Bible, some people will reject that.

Peace,
Ed

The other reason posts about sexual topics are so pervasive is because people who engage in non-marital sexual situations want someone to tell them it’s OK. They’re hoping for some loophole that will justify their behavior.

Thanks for making an a great post. I believe the paragraph you quoted above “is” precisely why for the most part so many here in this forum do construct explicit subjects concerning the sexual type of behavioral subjects we see in this forum.

I believe it is the responsibility of Catholics here who have proven to themselves strictly through the exclusive use of fervent prayer and grace from God that one can lead a chaste life acceptable in the eyes of God and give tactful testimony to those who lack the vision of sexual responsibility.