When does it become wrong?

[fireproofpoodle]

I know and agree that pornography is vile and to watch it is a sin in itself, aside from what we may think or do while we watch.

My question is, assuming we can control what we think when we look, how revealing do pictures / videos have to be before looking at them becomes a sin in itself?

God bless.

 

[beckycmarie]

This is like asking, “I don’t want to go over a cliff, but how close can I pull up my car to the edge and rev the engine without going over?”

 

[Lee_M]

I know and agree that pornography is vile and to watch it is a sin in itself, aside from what we may think or do while we watch.

My question is, assuming we can control what we think when we look, how revealing do pictures / videos have to be before looking at them becomes a sin in itself?

God bless.

When your thoughts become lustful, you have gone too far. It’s best to avoid the near occassion of sin.

 

[Watchman]

For me, I recognize the line only after I cross it. Better to avoid it altogether.

 

[JRKH]

I know and agree that pornography is vile and to watch it is a sin in itself, aside from what we may think or do while we watch.

My question is, assuming we can control what we think when we look, how revealing do pictures / videos have to be before looking at them becomes a sin in itself?

God bless.

I’m a bit confused here.
You said = “Assuming we can control what we think when we look…”
Why do you WANT to look.

OK -
Things become sinful when they engender thoughts, feelings, emotions, actions that are contrary to the Glorification of God.

Furthermore, to encourage such things, such as by watching MTV (you up their market share) or buying a “Girlie Mag’s”, that promote such sin (even if you can control it) is also contrary to the Glory of God.

These things are not about “The rules” and splitting hairs about what consitutes a violation of said rules, but rather about a focus. Focus upon God, who is pure Love. Meditate on the Great commandments of Love and then ask if this or that “thing” promote God’s Love or not.

Pray this way - Often
Oh My God, I will continue
To perform all my Actions
For the Love of Thee
Amen.

Say this prayer, and then ask yourself the question of this ro that being a “sin”.

Peace
James

 

[fireproofpoodle]

I’m a bit confused here.
You said = “Assuming we can control what we think when we look…”
Why do you WANT to look.

OK -
Things become sinful when they engender thoughts, feelings, emotions, actions that are contrary to the Glorification of God.

Furthermore, to encourage such things, such as by watching MTV (you up their market share) or buying a “Girlie Mag’s”, that promote such sin (even if you can control it) is also contrary to the Glory of God.

These things are not about “The rules” and splitting hairs about what consitutes a violation of said rules, but rather about a focus. Focus upon God, who is pure Love. Meditate on the Great commandments of Love and then ask if this or that “thing” promote God’s Love or not.

Pray this way - Often
Oh My God, I will continue
To perform all my Actions
For the Love of Thee
Amen.

Say this prayer, and then ask yourself the question of this ro that being a “sin”.

Peace
James

I’m not saying I want to look or have any intention of doing so - merely asking a theoretical question about when something becomes inherently sinful. But good advice.

 

[JRKH]

I’m not saying I want to look or have any intention of doing so - merely asking a theoretical question about when something becomes inherently sinful. But good advice.

Thanks.
Glad I could be of help.
Sometimes the best advise comes from a “recovering sinner”.

Peace
James

 

[jmcrae]

I know and agree that pornography is vile and to watch it is a sin in itself, aside from what we may think or do while we watch.

My question is, assuming we can control what we think when we look, how revealing do pictures / videos have to be before looking at them becomes a sin in itself?

God bless.

It’s not what you are looking at (other than actual pornography, of course, which you should never look at, under any circumstances, for reasons of justice), but why you are looking. Doctors look at the naked human form, for reasons of making sick people healthy. A husband and wife look at each other out of love and for the unity of the family. An artist learning about the human form isn’t thinking about lust, typically, unless he is extremely immature. There are reasons why one might look at the human form that are perfectly just.

But when you’re starting to ask “where’s the line,” then you are probably standing on it …

 

[John_Russell_Jr]

My dear friend

I think you know what a sin is and your just asking at what point is there sins of impurity. The answer lies in did you expose yourself to an occasion of sin. Was there something immodest or impure by normal standards that you exposed yourself to that is likely to cause temptation and sin, and did you expose yourself to it unecessarliy?
Sometimes we can have a very serious reason such as being a censor, doctor etc. But normally we must flee occasions of sin like the wind. It does not take much to get stung wth impurity much better to fly like the wind wen we sense it. There is normal attraction to the opposite sex and curiosity when looking at them that is not sinful too. We sin when we lust after them. If we have a medical condition that causes us to sin abnormally and in normal circumstances we are likely not guilty but need to take the advice of our confessor. Thats how I see it. Hope it helps.

God bless you:thumbsup:

John

 

[garysibio]

I know and agree that pornography is vile and to watch it is a sin in itself, aside from what we may think or do while we watch.

My question is, assuming we can control what we think when we look, how revealing do pictures / videos have to be before looking at them becomes a sin in itself?

God bless.

You can’t control sin; you can only avoid it or commit it.

 

[elreding]

First of all, I know exactly what you mean.
It is natual to be curious about girls and be attracted to them, that is part of God’s gift of sexuality. However, when you start thinking she is “sexy” instead of cute, or have bad fantasy ideas creep into your head instead of dating daydreaming of something like a kiss, the lust is coming
I do believe you can tell when you’re about to cross the line, but many times you can cross it before you snap out of it.
MY ADVICE: always pray about maturity and purity, and control curiousity at a non-sinful level.

 

[spirit4life]

When you take your eyes off God to look at it, THEN you are sining!

 

[puzzleannie]

I know and agree that pornography is vile and to watch it is a sin in itself, aside from what we may think or do while we watch.

My question is, assuming we can control what we think when we look, how revealing do pictures / videos have to be before looking at them becomes a sin in itself?

God bless.

if you have to ask you are probably already over the line. don’t forget the 9th commandment about coveting, that is, the thought is father to the act

 

[Jacob21]

It’s best to avoid the near occassion of sin.

 

[Sirach_43]

An easy rule of thumb is it crosses the line if you would freak out if your wife, daughter, mother, or sister would be shown like that.

 

[nuntym]

My question is, assuming we can control what we think when we look, how revealing do pictures / videos have to be before looking at them becomes a sin in itself?

God bless.

My own rule of thumb is* if you have started to think like that, no matter how “innocent” it may be to others, then you must *flee.

Follow this advice:

Before the time of temptation we must avoid all persons and occasions that would expose us to sin. If it is necessary that we speak to such people, do it as speedily as possible; speak only on serious subjects with corresponding modesty and gravity. We must not permit the conversation to become familiar or frivolous.

Do not presume on your own strength despite the fact that after many years spent in the world you have remained firm against the force of concupiscence. For lust often achieves in one instant what whole years could not effect. Sometimes it will make long preparations for the assault. Then the wound is more dangerous when it comes least expected and under a disguise.

It must likewise be noted, and every day experience proves this, that** the danger is always greatest on those occasion where there is the least appearance of evil**. Here it is founded on the plausible pretenses of friendship, gratitude, obligation, or on the merit and virtue of the persons involved. Impure inclinations imperceptibly insinuate themselves into such friendships through frequent visits, prolonged conversations, and indiscreet familiarities until the poison reaches the heart. The reason, then, is so blinded that it even connives at amorous glances, tender expressions, and facetious liberties in conversation which bring violent and almost irresistible temptations.

a. Be cautious------run away------you are more susceptible to occasions of this sin than straw is to fire. Do not rely on your own strength or on some resolution you have taken to die rather than offend God. Despite your good intentions, frequent exciting conversations will enkindle a flame that cannot be extinguished. The impetuous desire of satisfying your passions will make you deaf to the warning of your friends. You will lose the fear of God, your reputation and even your life will be disregarded. Not even the fear of the flames of Hell will be able to master the fury of the sensual fires enkindled in your heart. Look for safety, then, in flight. There is no other way to escape. Too much confidence will end in eternal destruction.

catholictradition.org/Classics/combat19.htm