Four Different Ways to Fight Pornography
The War Against Pornography Part 2
Volume 2 Issue 3 January 2007
What is the great plague of the 21st century? Bird flu? Terrorism?
Global warming? No, none of these. The pandemic of our century is
pornography. This scourge was already severe in the twentieth century
with the development of color photography, moving pictures, and cable
television. But with the advent of the Internet age, pornography is
freely and effortlessly available in nearly every home.
Disapproval. Silence in the
face of pornography is deadly. It needs to be clear to children that
their parents do not approve of immodesty or impurity in any form, that
they oppose the pornographic exploitation of others, and that they are
willing to correct deficiencies in this area. These attitudes need to
be reflected in speech, dress and behavior at every level. This advice
is not limited to parents. The same applies to spouses in relationship
to each other, and for those living in community. At-risk behavior
patterns should be noticed. Appropriate corrective action must be taken.
Vision. Everyone needs to
understand why pornography is seriously wrong in the context of the
Christian vision. Each person is a unity of body and soul destined for
true human friendship and eternal life with God. We must explain
clearly how pornography divides persons against themselves, alienates
them from others, and cheapens relationships; how it substitutes
fantasy for reality and leads to physical and commercial exploitation
of others; how it destroys love and true intimacy; and how it impedes
maturity, personal integration, and spiritual development.
Formation. Children need good
practical advice on caring for their bodies, minds, souls and
friendships in a way which limits occasions for sin, encourage healthy
activities, and fosters positive relationships. Both children and
adults should stay in touch with pastors and friends (and, if
necessary, counselors and therapists) who genuinely care about their
personal development and spiritual growth. Everyone needs to work at an
ever-deepening spiritual life centered around the public worship of the
Church and the sacrament of the Eucharist. Sound spirituality includes
avoidance of despair through a profound trust in God's mercy and a
willingness to turn back to God after a fall, especially in the
sacrament of Penance.
Prayer. With the specific
reference to spiritual growth and purity of heart, parents must
pray throughout their lives for their children. Wives must pray for
their husbands just as fervently, and husbands for their wives. Friends
must also pray for each other. Moreover, lay people must pray for their
priests, who have made the sacrifice of celibacy for a life of service.
Priests must likewise pray for their brothers in sacred ministry. And
those in community life must certainly pray for the other members of
their community. In addition, we must all pray for our own purity, our
own single-hearted commitment to the will of God. These prayers must
not be merely occasional. They must be a key portion of our daily habit
of prayer.
to be continued . . .
Contact us:
Virginia: editor of The Compass - compasseditor@trailblazerswyd.org
Amy : Trailblazers Secretary-
secretary@trailblazerswyd.org
(248) 722-5808 * www.trailblazerswyd.org
Mailing Address: Trailblazers, WYD, Inc., c/o Bovitz, CPA, C.P., P.O. Box 445 , Trenton, MI 48183
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