Lust a Sin?

[Illuminaughty]

Lust is a sin! I've seen this theory pop up in many discussions. So what is "lust"? I look up the definition in my handy dandy dictionary and it says "strong sexual attraction." What makes strong sexual attraction a sin and shouldn't we instead by glad that such an attraction exists? It seems to have been a key ingredient in the survival and reproduction of our species. Why would an effective evolutionary adaptation be a sin?

 

[Wiccan_Child]

Lust is a sin! I've seen this theory pop up in many discussions. So what is "lust"? I look up the definition in my handy dandy dictionary and it says "strong sexual attraction." What makes strong sexual attraction a sin and shouldn't we instead by glad that such an attraction exists? It seems to have been a key ingredient in the survival and reproduction of our species. Why would an effective evolutionary adaptation be a sin?

Because it's a way for the priesthood to control the populace.

 

[Paradoxum]

I guess one answer is that it might treat someone as an object, or because it is unwise to have ones actions and thoughts controlled by desire.

 

[TLK Valentine]

Be fruitful and multiply -- just don't enjoy it.

 

[citizenthom]

"Lust" is our shorthand for "coveting your neighbor's wife," or, in other words, anyone who is not your spouse. It is not strong sexual desire that is sinful, but directing that desire (in thought or in deed) toward someone inappropriate. Strong sexual desire toward one's spouse is in fact encouraged in the Bible.

 

[Wiccan_Child]

"Lust" is our shorthand for "coveting your neighbor's wife," or, in other words, anyone who is not your spouse. It is not strong sexual desire that is sinful, but directing that desire (in thought or in deed) toward someone inappropriate. Strong sexual desire toward one's spouse is in fact encouraged in the Bible.

Since sexual desire is largely uncontrollable, how can it be a sin? If I see someone attractive, that's an instant, autonomous judgement, it's not something I consciously decide. It's the same kind of argument that says homosexuality is a choice - it's... not. It's just not. There's no switch I can flip and alternate between homosexuality and heterosexuality. Likewise, I can't flip a switch from lusting to not lusting - it's innate and automatic, like seeing patterns in clouds.

So why would God give us this reflex, something outside our control, and condemn us to Hell for it?

 

[citizenthom]

Since sexual desire is largely uncontrollable

False. While we can't eliminate our hormones, acting on our impulses or dwelling on/developing sexual fantasy is a choice.

 

[Wiccan_Child]

False. While we can't eliminate our hormones, acting on our impulses or dwelling on/developing sexual fantasy is a choice.

Ah, acting on impulses isn't having impulses - lust is an impulse, not an action. Dwelling on or deliberately fantasising about someone is an action, as is deliberately engaging in situations that will engender lust (e.g., visiting a strip club), but fantasies can also be spontaneous, as is desire, sexual attraction, etc.

Lust is a strong feeling of sexual desire - looking at someone and feeling lust for them is not, in my experience, something that can be controlled or anticipated.

If I walk down the street and subjectively judge someone as sexually attractive - a reflex that my brain does as unconsciously as sneezing - why is that a sin?

 

[citizenthom]

Ah, acting on impulses isn't having impulses - lust is an impulse

Not as the Bible describes it. "Coveting" is not passive or instinctual.

 

[Wiccan_Child]

Not as the Bible describes it. "Coveting" is not passive or instinctual.

So simply looking at someone with lust in your heart, is not condemned?

 

[citizenthom]

So simply looking at someone with lust in your heart, is not condemned?

Define "with lust in your heart."

 

[Wiccan_Child]

Define "with lust in your heart."

"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" - Matthew 5:28

That way.

 

[Lion Hearted Man]

Not as the Bible describes it. "Coveting" is not passive or instinctual.

Sexual attraction is a reflex that occurs in parts of the brain far below conscious control. While conscious thought can suppress them, the brainstem still sends them north, irrespective of the virtues the cerebral cortex chooses to believe in.

 

[Theofane]

Lust is a sin! I've seen this theory pop up in many discussions. So what is "lust"? I look up the definition in my handy dandy dictionary and it says "strong sexual attraction." What makes strong sexual attraction a sin and shouldn't we instead by glad that such an attraction exists? It seems to have been a key ingredient in the survival and reproduction of our species. Why would an effective evolutionary adaptation be a sin?

It has nothing to do with evolution. Or science, for that matter. Science is something people hide behind when they don't want to face spiritual and moral issues.

 

[Illuminaughty]

It has nothing to do with evolution. Or science, for that matter. Science is something people hide behind when they don't want to face spiritual and moral issues.

Can you elaborate on that? Why would you disconnect sexual attraction from biology and evolution? Don't people generally have natural instincts to reproduce and pass on their genes? Would the human race have surivived without such instincts and desires?

 

[Illuminaughty]

In labeling strong sexual attraction a sin one is basically calling our very existence a sin because the continued existence of our species is for the most part predicated on it.

 

[Theofane]

Can you elaborate on that? Why would you disconnect sexual attraction from biology and evolution? Don't people generally have natural instincts to reproduce and pass on their genes? Would the human race have surivived without such instincts and desires?

Rationalizing ...


I am disconecting sin from biology and evolution. It's a spiritual concept, not a scientific concept.

 

[Danyc]

Rationalizing ...


I am disconecting sin from biology and evolution. It's a spiritual concept, not a scientific concept.

Then you bring yourself back to the original question once more.

 

[Theofane]

C.S. Lewis said, "Chastity is the least popular of the Christian virtues."

 

[ebia]

C.S. Lewis said, "Chastity is the least popular of the Christian virtues."

I dunno about that one. Humility and temperance aren't exactly top of the list either.