Michael Brooks
The Catholic Church's view on human sexuality is complex. While the Church teaches that sexual love between a man and a woman is reserved for marriage, it is important to distinguish between lust and sexual arousal. Lust is considered a sin, while eroticism or sexual arousal can be ethical. Pope John Paul II explained that pure lust, devoid of ethical qualities, is specifically condemned in the Biblical Sermon on the Mount. Sexual arousal, on the other hand, can be involuntary and is not inherently sinful. However, seeking sexual pleasure outside of marriage, such as through masturbation or premarital foreplay, is considered a sin. To navigate this complex topic, it's recommended for Catholics to focus on chastity and divert their attention through prayer and other activities when experiencing sexual arousal outside of marriage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sexual arousal outside of marriage | Not a sin |
| Sexual pleasure outside of marriage | A sin |
| Lust | A sin |
| Arousal | Can be ethical |
| Masturbation | A sin |
| Pornography | A sin |
| Sexual intercourse outside of marriage | A sin |
| Sexual thoughts | Can't control them, but can control how to handle them |
| Shame towards sexuality | Should be let go of |
| Prayer | Can be used to combat temptations |
| Scripture | Can be used to combat temptations |
| Chastity | Recommended for Catholics to focus on when experiencing sexual arousal outside of marriage |
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What You'll Learn
Sexual arousal is not a sin, but acting on it outside of marriage is
The Catholic Church's view on human sexuality is complex. While the Church teaches that sexual love between a man and a woman is reserved for marriage, it is important to distinguish between lust and sexual arousal. Sexual arousal is a natural response to sexual urges and is not inherently wrong or sinful. Pope John Paul II explained that eroticism or sexual arousal can be ethical, citing Plato's definition of it as "that interior force which draws man to what is good and true and beautiful".
However, the Catholic Church emphasizes that sexual pleasure should be confined within the boundaries of marriage. According to Catholic doctrine, sexual pleasure is morally acceptable only within the confines of marriage, and any form of sexual pleasure sought outside of the marital union is considered sinful. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states that “sexual pleasure is morally disordered when sought for itself, isolated from its procreative and unitive purposes". This distinction between arousal and lust is crucial. Arousal can be a natural and healthy part of human sexuality, while lust involves a conscious decision to pursue a person solely for physical pleasure, without regard for their intrinsic worth. Lust is a disordered desire for sexual pleasure that is isolated from its procreative and unitive purposes. It is a willingness to give in to impulse without any emotional connection or respect for the dignity of the person.
When experiencing sexual arousal outside of marriage, Catholics are encouraged to focus on chastity and divert their attention through prayer and other activities. It is recommended to have a strong foundation in Scripture to help combat temptations. Additionally, it is important to let go of shame toward sexuality and understand that sexuality, when properly ordered, is not "dirty" or "bad". Shame is a common emotion among Catholics, but it is important to remember that sexuality is made by God to be beautiful and holy.
To navigate this complex topic, it is crucial for Catholics to understand the difference between sexual "repression" and sexual "redemption". While repression involves dominating unruly desires, redemption allows for the transformation of those desires through the power of the Holy Spirit. As Catholics surrender their lusts to Christ, they discover the ability to orient their sensual and emotional reactions in the realm of sexuality toward what is true, good, and beautiful. This transformation takes time and effort, but it allows Catholics to experience sexual desire as God intends—not as a force that controls them, but as a power to love in His image.
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Lust is a sin, but eroticism can be ethical
The Catholic Church's view on human sexuality is complex. While the Church teaches that sexual love between a man and a woman is reserved for marriage, it is important to distinguish between lust and sexual arousal. Lust is considered a sin, while eroticism or sexual arousal can be ethical. Pope John Paul II explained that pure lust, devoid of ethical qualities, is specifically condemned in the Biblical Sermon on the Mount. Sexual arousal, on the other hand, can be involuntary and is not inherently sinful.
The key difference between arousal and lust lies in the intention and the objectification of the other person. Arousal can be a natural and healthy part of human sexuality, while lust involves a conscious decision to pursue a person solely for physical pleasure, without regard for their intrinsic worth. Lust is a disordered desire for sexual pleasure that is isolated from its procreative and unitive purposes. It is a willingness to give in to impulse without any emotional connection or respect for the dignity of the other person.
To navigate this complex topic, it is recommended for Catholics to focus on chastity and divert their attention through prayer and other activities when experiencing sexual arousal outside of marriage. For example, reading Catholic literature, praying, and fasting can help individuals manage their sexual energy in a way that aligns with their faith. Seeking spiritual support is also encouraged by the Church when facing challenges related to sexual arousal and lust.
It is important to remember that sexuality, when properly ordered, is not "dirty" or "bad". Shame is a common emotion among Catholics toward sexuality, but it is important to recognise that sexuality is made by God to be beautiful and holy when used correctly. Through prayer, frequenting the sacraments, and daily consecration, individuals can strive to align their engagement with their sexuality with God's will.
In summary, while lust is considered a sin in the Catholic Church, eroticism or sexual arousal can be ethical. The intention behind the arousal and the respect for the other person are key factors in distinguishing between lust and ethical eroticism. By focusing on chastity, prayer, and spiritual support, Catholics can strive to navigate their sexual energy in a way that is pleasing to God.
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Shame towards sexuality should be let go of
Shame towards sexuality is a common emotion among Catholics, but it is essential to recognize that sexuality is not inherently immoral or sinful. Sexuality is a natural part of human existence, and it is crucial to approach it with a sense of positivity and respect.
Catholics may experience shame due to the church's teachings on sexual morality, which emphasize abstinence and portray sexual urges as immoral. This can lead to a fear of sex and the belief that any sexual thoughts or urges are shameful and sinful. However, it is important to remember that sexuality, when properly ordered, is not "dirty" or "bad." It is a gift from God intended to be beautiful and holy.
To let go of shame towards sexuality, Catholics can start by acknowledging that sexual urges and thoughts are normal and natural. Unlearning the stigma associated with sexuality can be a challenging process, but it is crucial to remember that sexuality is not inherently wrong. Prayer, confession, and a strong foundation in Scripture can also help individuals align their sexual thoughts and behaviors with their religious beliefs.
Additionally, it is beneficial to seek support and education. Therapy or counseling can provide a safe space to explore and unpack sexual shame. Reading Catholic books and understanding the church's teachings on sexuality can also help individuals make informed decisions and develop a healthier relationship with their sexuality.
Finally, it is important to remember that everyone experiences sexual thoughts and urges, and it is normal to struggle with managing them. Instead of ignoring or suppressing these thoughts, it is more effective to focus on how one responds to them. By letting go of shame and embracing a more positive and balanced perspective on sexuality, Catholics can develop a healthier and more fulfilling relationship with their sexual energy.
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Prayer, fasting, and reading Catholic books are ways to combat temptation
Prayer, fasting, and reading Catholic books are ways that Catholics can combat temptation.
Prayer
Catholics can pray to God for help in avoiding temptation and growing in virtue. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one; on the contrary, he wants to set us free from evil". In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells his apostles, "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak". Following this instruction from Jesus, Catholics can turn to prayer as a way to resist temptation. A prayer written by St. Alphonsus Liguori includes the following:
> Behold me, O my God, at Thy feet! I do not deserve mercy, but O my Redeemer, the blood which Thou hast shed for me encourages me and obliges me to hope for it.
Fasting
Fasting is another spiritual weapon that Catholics can use to combat temptation. It is described as a safeguard for the soul and a way to repel temptations. By fasting, Catholics can strengthen themselves and train for spiritual warfare, just as athletes use fasting as a "gymnasium" to prepare for physical competition. However, it is important to remember that fasting is not an end in itself, but rather a tool to help one grow in love of God and neighbour.
Reading Catholic Books
There are numerous Catholic books that offer guidance on how to fight temptation. These books provide practical advice and spiritual counsel to help readers live a life of unity with God and overcome sin. For example, "Sin Revisited" by Solange Hertz delves into the intellectual approaches of the Desert Fathers and St. John of the Cross, offering a unique perspective on sin. "Called Out of Darkness" by Father Robert Spitzer draws on the wisdom of Catholic spiritual masters and modern scientific research to provide a roadmap for a deeper relationship with God. "Manual for Men" by Bishop Thomas Olmsted is a book specifically for Catholic men, encouraging them to step up in service to God, their families, and their communities.
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Seek spiritual support and guidance from the Church
The Catholic Church provides guidance on chaste behaviour and encourages individuals to seek spiritual support and guidance from the Church when facing challenges related to sexual arousal and lust.
The Church's teachings on human sexuality are complex. While it teaches that sexual love between a man and a woman is reserved for marriage, it is important to distinguish between lust and sexual arousal. Lust is considered a sin, while eroticism or sexual arousal can be ethical. Pope John Paul II explained that pure lust, devoid of ethical qualities, is specifically condemned in the Biblical Sermon on the Mount. Sexual arousal, on the other hand, can be involuntary and is not inherently sinful. However, seeking sexual pleasure outside of marriage, such as through masturbation or premarital foreplay, is considered a sin.
The key difference between arousal and lust lies in the intention and the objectification of the other person. Arousal can be a natural and healthy part of human sexuality, while lust involves a conscious decision to pursue a person solely for physical pleasure, without regard for their intrinsic worth. Lust is a disordered desire for sexual pleasure that is isolated from its procreative and unitive purposes. It is a willingness to give in to impulse without any emotional connection or respect for the dignity of the other person.
To navigate this complex topic, it is recommended for Catholics to focus on chastity and divert their attention through prayer and other activities when experiencing sexual arousal outside of marriage. They can also seek guidance from the Church, which offers support and resources to help individuals understand and manage their sexual desires in a healthy and holy manner.
The Church encourages individuals to remember that sexuality, when properly ordered, is not "dirty" or "bad". Shame is a common emotion that many Catholics hold toward sex, but it is important to unlearn this shame and view sexuality as the beautiful and holy gift from God that it is. Through prayer, frequenting the sacraments, and daily consecration to God, Catholics can seek to please God with their sexuality. When they fall short, they can get back up, reconcile with God, and take steps to amend their lives.
In addition to prayer, the Church may recommend other practices to help individuals manage their sexual desires. This may include fasting, reading Catholic literature, and avoiding pornographic or explicit content. It is also important to remember that we are not alone in our battles against temptation and that we can always seek support and guidance from the Church and its teachings.
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Frequently asked questions
No, according to Pope John Paul II, sexual arousal or eroticism is not inherently sinful. It can be a natural and healthy part of human sexuality. However, the Catholic Church teaches that sexual intercourse outside of marriage is a sin.
Arousal can be involuntary and ethical, whereas lust is considered a sin in the Catholic Church. Lust involves a conscious decision to pursue a person solely for physical pleasure, without regard for their intrinsic worth.
Catholics can deal with sexual arousal by focusing on chastity and diverting their attention through prayer and other activities. They can also seek spiritual support and guidance from the Church. Additionally, they can try to avoid activities that induce sexual arousal, such as watching pornography or consuming media with excessive nudity or sexual content.
