I ran across this article by Don Charles, a writer with a number of interesting credentials. He writes about how bisexuality and homosexuality relates to Christianity, the Bible and Jesus. Whether or not you agree with his point of view in every detail, you may find his perspective refreshing and sensible. His blog address is here.
The Big Nasty . . . by Don Charles
It may surprise readers of this blog to know that I sometimes watch Gay adult films. Gasp! An avowed Christian, consuming pornography? Well, it wouldn’t be the first time, would it? I’m pretty sure Christians (as well as Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and members of other faiths) comprise a substantial portion of the adult film industry’s customer base and always have. We’re sexual beings, just like everybody else on this planet. Some of us even consider ourselves connoisseurs of erotic art. Yet, celebration of sexuality is supposed to be anathema to us. We’re reputed to exercise strict control over our carnal instincts (hypocritical televangelists notwithstanding). What’s the truth about Christianity and sex? You may well ask: Is it wrong for religious folk to watch adult films, view erotic art, or in any way affirm sexuality outside the institution of marriage?
My answer comes in the form of a quote from the Savior: There is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile . . . for it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: Fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy slander, pride (and) folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person (Mark 7:15, 16, 21-23). Whether pornographic products have a positive or negative impact depends on the person using them, and how they’re used, in my opinion. If partaking of adult entertainment leads a Christian to commit acts of sexual violence, promiscuity or adultery, the impact is clearly negative. In Mark 9: 43-48, the Savior instructed us on how to handle bad influences in our lives. He said: If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to Hell. So your behavioral response to pornographic material will determine whether it’s safe for you to consume or not.
Obviously, the amount of time spent consuming a product as intoxicating as erotica should be moderated. Those who tend to become obsessed with images of nudity and lust would do well to consider abstinence. For most Christians, I suspect watching adult films amounts to no more than a harmless, occasional pastime. However, there are certain kinds of erotic film that Christians and all principled people should abstain from watching. Films with underage performers, certainly! Films that depict adulterous relationships would fall into that category, too. Sado-masochist subject matter should be approached with caution; the more “edgy” the feature, the less likely it is to be appropriate for viewing. Often, just looking at the DVD sleeve will alert you when a particular X-rated movie goes too far. The adult entertainment industry has occasion to market some highly unsavory images, particularly where Gay sexuality is concerned. I was reminded of this just recently when I went online to buy an adult title for a friend of mine.