Is Looking at Pornography Cheating?

[Rinoa]

Quote by: Chris the Chees Oh and I don't want to stop masturbating, why should I? Your idea that lust is wrong is ludicrous, its a perfectly natural and impossible to escape part of life for the majority of people.

It's not necessarily ludicrous, just based in a belief system you don't adhere to.

Madeleine, do you believe that punishment will be equal for those who do not know that they are committing a sin?

[Chris the Chees]

It's not necessarily ludicrous, just based in a belief system you don't adhere to.

Why don't you try not going to the toilet or not blinking - then tell me that attempting to defy built in human functions isn't ludicrous. Everyone with any kind of sexual attraction lusts, whether they are honest enough to admit it or not - that after all is what sexual attraction is; lust.

[Madeline]

Quote by: Chris the Chees Then surely sex with any partner creates 'lustful' thoughts, be you married or not. Oh and I don't want to stop masturbating, why should I? Your idea that lust is wrong is ludicrous, its a perfectly natural and impossible to escape part of life for the majority of people. Trying not to 'lust' is like trying to block a hole in a dam with sand.

You read all that in the link in less than 5 minutes???

Quote by: Rinoa It's not necessarily ludicrous, just based in a belief system you don't adhere to. Madeleine, do you believe that punishment will be equal for those who do not know that they are committing a sin?

I would have to resort to the bible to answer your question. If you aren't interested in listening to the words of the bible then just let me know. I don't want to force my beliefs on you, and I apologize if it seems this way.

Romans 2:11-16 "For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles (THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW THEIR COMMITTING SIN), which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

Hope this helps!

Love,
Madeline

[Mia]

Madeline, the bible talks about love and desire - it does not state that sex is for procreation only.

[Derach]

Cheating is about breaking a bond of faith with your partner. If you have promised not to watch porn, and do ... you're cheating. If you've promised not to eat twinkies, and you do ... it's cheating .... There is no universal answer to this question.

(Come on, we have a presidential candidate who doesn't consider oral sex cheating ... how can viewing porn be cheating!)

[fushigi]

Quote by: Madeline Btw, Jesus did not EVER masturbate!!! Masturbation is a sin according to Christianity. Jesus was sinless so He couldn't have masturbated. Please don't say such insulting remarks.

Actually the idea that masturbation is a sin comes from the story of Onan, whose brother died and therefore (according to OT law) married his brother's widow. Also according to OT law, he was supposed to give her a child. However, he "spilled his seed on the ground" (withdrew).

This was not a sin because he masturbated--it was a sin because he didn't do his husbandly duty to his dead brother's widow.

fushigi

[Chris the Chees]

You read all that in the link in less than 5 minutes??

Nope, I got as far, "Lust is harmful to the body, mind and spirit," and came to the conclusion that it was garbage. Now, after further reading I am convinced I was right first time.

Just how is sexual attraction, described here as 'lust' bad for your body and mind, and how does it affect a mythical human attribute dubbed 'spirit'?

[Rinoa]

Quote by: Madeline I would have to resort to the bible to answer your question. If you aren't interested in listening to the words of the bible then just let me know. I don't want to force my beliefs on you, and I apologize if it seems this way.

lol, Not at all, my question was indeed a biblical question. How can I ask you what you believe your god will do and then scold you for using the documents your god gave you to answer those sorts of questions?

Romans 2:11-16 "For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles (THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW THEIR COMMITTING SIN), which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."

So, basically, as long as you haven't been taught(or don't believe) but still follow the moral laws of your upbringing has given you then you are to be judged by the moral laws of your upbringing. Correct?

Doesn't this also imply that if, let's say Baptists are the ones who have the 'correct' church, Mother Teresa(a devout Catholic) will still not be judged by their standards, but by the standards of the catholic church?

[Madeline]

Quote by: Rinoa lol, Not at all, my question was indeed a biblical question. How can I ask you what you believe your god will do and then scold you for using the documents your god gave you to answer those sorts of questions? So, basically, as long as you haven't been taught(or don't believe) but still follow the moral laws of your upbringing has given you then you are to be judged by the moral laws of your upbringing. Correct? Doesn't this also imply that if, let's say Baptists are the ones who have the 'correct' church, Mother Teresa(a devout Catholic) will still not be judged by their standards, but by the standards of the catholic church?

It's not that Baptists, Catholic, Protestant, etc being the "correct" church, but rather the church is all believers who hold to the truth regardless of denomination -- it is the universal church. Mother Teresa will not be judged by Baptists, but by Gods moral laws -- not the Baptists standards if the baptists have it correct. God is the author and originator of the moral law, so Mother Teresa will be judged by God according to the Gospel.

Love,
Madeline

[Madeline]

Quote by: fushigi Actually the idea that masturbation is a sin comes from the story of Onan, whose brother died and therefore (according to OT law) married his brother's widow. Also according to OT law, he was supposed to give her a child. However, he "spilled his seed on the ground" (withdrew). This was not a sin because he masturbated--it was a sin because he didn't do his husbandly duty to his dead brother's widow. fushigi

I understand that, however we must understand that lust is a sin (but not all lust is sin) -- unless we desire to possess what isn't ours. When we lust after a pornographic image of a sexy man whilst masturbating, we are desiring to have sex with him...which according to the bible is a form of coveting; and coveting is a sin. Make sense? I just woke up

Love,
Madeline

[Arawn-ap-Hywel]

Quote by: Rinoa Arawn: I didn't realise you meant that ejaculation should be held off during sex with the female...Making sure she has an orgasm beforehand (or at the very least taking care of her another way afterwards) is one thing, but to completely deny him the pleasure of orgasm when sharing with one another? That, imo, could be considered sexual abuse if it goes on for a long period of time. I don't see how it would encourage the health of the relationship...But to each his own I guess...

I am not female roflmao

I do consider if male was forced to act this way it would be abuse
Yes each to their partners delight :)

[Hmm]

Quote by: Madeline I understand that, however we must understand that lust is a sin (but not all lust is sin) -- unless we desire to possess what isn't ours. When we lust after a pornographic image of a sexy man whilst masturbating, we are desiring to have sex with him...which according to the bible is a form of coveting; and coveting is a sin. Make sense? I just woke up Love, Madeline

But using the bible to attempt to posit that a completely natural thing, masturbation, is immoral isn't at all convincing.

It's like listening to the bible on what to do if your friends believe in a different god than you. The bible's answer: Stone them to death.

[Rinoa]

Quote by: Madeline It's not that Baptists, Catholic, Protestant, etc being the "correct" church, but rather the church is all believers who hold to the truth regardless of denomination -- it is the universal church. Mother Teresa will not be judged by Baptists, but by Gods moral laws -- not the Baptists standards if the baptists have it correct. God is the author and originator of the moral law, so Mother Teresa will be judged by God according to the Gospel. Love, Madeline

I understand that god will judge based upon his own laws, by that passage seems to imply that knowledge of gods law will be taken into account when considering punishment. In other words to me it seemed to say that if we do not believe in christ while we are here then we will be judged by the standards of our conscience. (ie, if we didn't know contraception was a sin we won't be punished for using it)

Also, there are some major theological differences between the churches...for instance Catholics can't use birth control, protestants think they can. My question also pondered what will be done with the differing judgements between faiths.

Quote by: Arawn-ap-Hywel I am not female roflmao

Lol, I know you're male, that was written from a neutral perspective.

I do consider if male was forced to act this way it would be abuse Yes each to their partners delight :)

I guess if he chooses it it wouldn't be bad. Eh, I've never had a lover who knew tantric so I wouldn't really understand.

[Madeline]

Quote by: Rinoa I understand that god will judge based upon his own laws, by that passage seems to imply that knowledge of gods law will be taken into account when considering punishment. In other words to me it seemed to say that if we do not believe in christ while we are here then we will be judged by the standards of our conscience. (ie, if we didn't know contraception was a sin we won't be punished for using it) Also, there are some major theological differences between the churches...for instance Catholics can't use birth control, protestants think they can. My question also pondered what will be done with the differing judgements between faiths. Lol, I know you're male, that was written from a neutral perspective. I guess if he chooses it it wouldn't be bad. Eh, I've never had a lover who knew tantric so I wouldn't really understand.

That passage is referring mainly to the Moral laws handed down by God. Everyone knows that "murder" is immoral because their conscience testifies to it...God has placed this in the heart of man -- unless their conscience are seared as the scriptures state. The reason behind so many denominations and theoligcal differences is because of ignorance. Every Christian denomination pretty much believes that Jesus died for the sins of the world, that is the Gospels central message. Doctrines vary within denominations because of personal interpretations. For instance, some Christians believe that being gay is ok and the bible approves of this -- not so! The scriptures clearly teach us that homosexuality is a SIN! Bottom line is that God knows the absolute truth of the scripture because He wrote it, and as for those with different beliefs within Christian denominations -- they will receive harsher criticism from God on the day of judgment. Hope that helped!

Love,
Madeline

[Rinoa]

Quote by: Madeline That passage is referring mainly to the Moral laws handed down by God. Everyone knows that "murder" is immoral because their conscience testifies to it...God has placed this in the heart of man -- unless their conscience are seared as the scriptures state. The reason behind so many denominations and theoligcal differences is because of ignorance. Every Christian denomination pretty much believes that Jesus died for the sins of the world, that is the Gospels central message. Doctrines vary within denominations because of personal interpretations. For instance, some Christians believe that being gay is ok and the bible approves of this -- not so! The scriptures clearly teach us that homosexuality is a SIN! Bottom line is that God knows the absolute truth of the scripture because He wrote it, and as for those with different beliefs within Christian denominations -- they will receive harsher criticism from God on the day of judgment. Hope that helped! Love, Madeline

Now, I'm actually mormon. We have three levels of 'heaven' and one hell. We call the hell outer darkness and the only way to be sentenced to outer darkness is to go against scripture while having a 'perfect knowledge of the gospel'. To me this says that our religion bases much of the judgement on knowledge of the sin, meaning that god would not be so cruel as to punish us for lack of knowledge that is not directly our fault. I was kinda curious how other christians interpret their scripture on gods judgement.

(Come on, we have a presidential candidate who doesn't consider oral sex cheating ... how can viewing porn be cheating!)

Which candidate is that? Also, just because someone in a position of power finds something to be acceptable doesn't mean that it is. Think critically and for yourself.

[Madeline]

Hi again!

Quote by: Rinoa Now, I'm actually mormon. We have three levels of 'heaven' and one hell. We call the hell outer darkness and the only way to be sentenced to outer darkness is to go against scripture while having a 'perfect knowledge of the gospel'. To me this says that our religion bases much of the judgement on knowledge of the sin, meaning that god would not be so cruel as to punish us for lack of knowledge that is not directly our fault. I was kinda curious how other christians interpret their scripture on gods judgement. Which candidate is that? Also, just because someone in a position of power finds something to be acceptable doesn't mean that it is. Think critically and for yourself.

I've actually read the bible almost 7 times from front to back and I don't recall any passage that explicitly says that there are 3 levels of heaven and 1 hell. Nor do I have a "perfect" knowledge of the scriptures. However there are fundamental beliefs in Christianity (Deity of Christ, Salvation by Grace though faith, etc...). I think every denomination should adhere to these fundamental Christian beliefs; stepping outside of these beliefs is heresy. But I don't believe that if someone teaches that masturbating isn't a sin (I believe it IS) is a heretic. And regarding the knowledge of sin...

Romans 3:20 - Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

The purpose of the law was to bring conviction and prove guilt, not to justify people. The law never justified anyone; it's purpose is to "reveal" sin. But whether or not they were oblivious to sin doesn't excuse them on the day of judgment. Those because of their lack of knowledge will not be judged on the basis of the law, however a persons deeds or actions demonstrate the condition of the heart. So a persons conscience is sufficient grounds for punishment because it establishes a framework of right and wrong and "reflects" the law written in their hearts. Hope this helps!

Love,
Madeline

[Rinoa]

Quote by: Madeline I've actually read the bible almost 7 times from front to back and I don't recall any passage that explicitly says that there are 3 levels of heaven and 1 hell.

You're right it's not in the bible. It's strictly Mormon scripture(Also called the Book of Mormon) Its basically the story of the americas at the same time as the Bible. Which, imo makes sense. Can you honestly believe that god would influence one continent and leave the other to damnation? However, even if you don't choose to believe it you might find it to be an...interesting...read.

Nor do I have a "perfect" knowledge of the scriptures.

Perfect knowledge(perfect faith) is believed to be had by very few...We actually question if even Judas had the amount of knowledge required to be sent to outer darkness.(hell)

However there are fundamental beliefs in Christianity (Deity of Christ, Salvation by Grace though faith, etc...). I think every denomination should adhere to these fundamental Christian beliefs; stepping outside of these beliefs is heresy.

Which, for the most part we do. However, we also hold the belief that we are all gods children, which, if I'm not mistaken, alters the perception of divinity slightly.

Romans 3:20 - Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

The purpose of the law was to bring conviction and prove guilt, not to justify people. The law never justified anyone; it's purpose is to "reveal" sin. But whether or not they were oblivious to sin doesn't excuse them on the day of judgment. Those because of their lack of knowledge will not be judged on the basis of the law, however a persons deeds or actions demonstrate the condition of the heart. So a persons conscience is sufficient grounds for punishment because it establishes a framework of right and wrong and "reflects" the law written in their hearts. Hope this helps! Love, Madeline

Pretty much the way I was looking at it. Thanks!

[Mr.Vicchio]

It's only cheating if you try to contact/meet the stars for a more up close affair.

It's really not much different then a housewife reading a "steamy romance" novel.

Those can be awful pornographic too.

[fushigi]

Quote by: Madeline I understand that, however we must understand that lust is a sin (but not all lust is sin) -- unless we desire to possess what isn't ours. When we lust after a pornographic image of a sexy man whilst masturbating, we are desiring to have sex with him...which according to the bible is a form of coveting; and coveting is a sin. Make sense? I just woke up Love, Madeline

But what about people who masturbate to excise the covetousness from their system--you know, like sin catharsis? Remember Something About Mary? Very true. Guys must release that sexual tension to become a normal human being.

I mean, look at the issue with all those Catholic priests molesting boys. What if the Catholic order had instituted a different kind of "flogging" into their requirements for piousness, requiring that their fathers punch the clown at least three times a day? Priests would be so mellow then. No sex abuse scandals. No worries.

And think of what it could have done for the lotion industry. I mean, those monks make dang good wine. Just imagine the quality skin creams they could've developed--way back in the dark ages.

fushigi

[Praxius]

I'd be a little worried about what's in the skin lotion.

But I agree.... sex to men is viewed a tad differently due to testosterone and everything that comes with it compared to women. Women think we are just making excuses to have sex, but even if that was the case, why else would we try to make excuses to have sex as much as we want? Probably due to the truth to our "Excuses"

I have on a few times in my life, related sex to a natural addiction..... I'd go for a while without sex, and I wouldn't care.... then after a while, even though I'm not really trying to think about it, it just comes back into play in the head and then you want sex again.

Some females may have noticed this in the past and many men maybe able to confirm this, but have you ever noticed that as soon as a male has their orgasm, they tend to loose a lot of interest in sex, and/or get really tired/fall asleep? Once we get that orgasm, all that want for sex just drops and for me, I usually am fine for a while afterwards, and not wanting sex.... until the addiction feeling comes back.....