One of the strongest defenses, perhaps the
strongest, is our own example. There is a strong
temptation to think that we adults are able to
handle these things, though of course we must
protect the children from exposure to them. . . . To
be effective parents, we have to face up to the evil
ourselves, not just to set an example – although
that is important – but rather to keep ourselves
from falling prey to it.
is all around us, we must remember that what we are trying to defend is holy
ground.
One of the strongest defenses, perhaps the strongest, is our own example.
There is a strong temptation to think that we adults are able to handle these
things, though of course we must protect the children from exposure to them.
Being adult does not automatically mean that it is OK for us to watch R-rated
movies. To be effective parents, we have to face up to the evil ourselves, not just
to set an example – although that is important – but rather to keep ourselves
from falling prey to it.
The Lord provides in the doctrine of repentance a step-by-step process
for combating evil: know evils, see them in oneself, acknowledge them,
declare oneself guilty, condemn oneself on their account, pray to the Lord for
forgiveness, desist from them, and lead a new life. (See New Jerusalem and the
Heavenly Doctrine 160-1)
Applying these steps to pornography:
We need to know that it is evil.
We need to recognize that at least some of these images are in us, stamped
upon our memories.
We need to look at them and acknowledge them for what they are and
their possible effect on us, as well as on those we love.
Then we need to take responsibility for their being there. Insofar as we
could have turned away we are guilty. At the same time we need to remember
that the hells delight in calling up past evils and making us feel there is nothing
we can do about them. (See Arcana Coelestia 741) We can do something about
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