n e w c h u r c h l i f e : j u ly / au g u s t 2 0 1 3
An obscene or idolized
picture may inspire a
physical reaction or
sensual delights, but it
cannot inspire genuine
love. Love is reciprocal.
An idol cannot
reciprocate or respond.
We also know from doctrine that
all delights from first to last are gathered
together to support conjugial love and
also the love of procreating offspring.
(See Conjugial Love 68) To seek to enjoy
those precious natural delights without
thought of a true partner is to distort and
pervert them. It reflects no responsibility
to others.
The Lord has also provided these
delights to support the love of offspring
as potential angels of heaven. Adoring
“dead” images is to turn one’s back upon
this use altogether. Denying the use
turns genuine delights into lust.
In yet another connection let us remember that all our experiences become
stamped in our memories. They are allotted a place there according to the
pleasant and delightful things that introduced them. (Arcana Coelestia 3512)
The human mind is designed to associate related experiences and thoughts
so that it can form conclusions about them. Contrasts between good and evil
thoughts can sometimes help to form valid conclusions, provided that there are
not strong lusts associated with the evil that tip the balance in its favor.
If an evil and lustful memory is associated with what should be a beautiful
experience, the juxtaposition can distort or even destroy the pleasure of that
experience. It is fairly common, perhaps all too common, to have lewd imagery
pop up, when the thought is directed to beautiful and even holy loves. The
mixture can lead to conjugial cold and even become profane. (See Conjugial
Love 256)
The more we look at pornographic images the more they become fixed
in our minds. Evil people love to use such repetition to seize greater influence
and power. As the Writings point out, “If one lives with adulterers and harlots
he soon thinks nothing of adultery.” (See True Christian Religion 120:2)
In an age where one can hardly pass a magazine rack without being
exposed to pornography, we must face up to the hellish abuse of repetition. If
you are exposed often enough to a foul smell, the time will come when you no
longer realize that it stinks. (Arcana Coelestia 814)
Obviously parents will want to teach their children about the dangers of
pornography, as well as to control their exposure to it. Care should be taken
regarding the language we use lest beautiful ideas and delights suffer injury
through inadvertently exciting filthy thoughts. (See Arcana Coelestia 5055 and
2466) At the same time that we seek to combat an evil, which unfortunately
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