PORNOGRAPHY IS LASCIVIOUSNESS
Introduction:
1. In previous lessons, it has been noted that Lasciviousness is
Sin. But, in order to keep oneself free from the sin of
lasciviousness, it must be determined what is involved in
lasciviousness.
2. Another in the list of specific sins that must be classed as
Lasciviousness is PORNOGRAPHY.
I. DEFINING THE WORD:
1. In the Greek language the word "PORNEIA" (from which the word
porno is taken) is translated: "fornication, harlot,
whoremonger." In the Greek language the word "GRAPHE" (from
which the word graphy is taken) is translated: "to write, or
written." Thus, pornography involves the writing or painting
about or illustrating that which is immoral, lewd, sensual,
lustful.
2. Obscenity, defilement, filthiness is associated with
pornography.
3. Defining Lasciviousness:
(1) Thayer: "Unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness,
lasciviousness, wantonness, shamelessness, insolence....
of carnality....as filthy words, indecent bodily
movements, unchaste handling of males and females...."
(2) ISBE: "Licentiousness, wantonness, unbridled lust,
shamelessness, outrageousness....."
(3) Hastings, Dictionary: "...flagrant, shameless,
sensuality....the practice of lust."
(4) Mark 7:21-23 -- Lasciviousness begins in the heart;
Pornography influences the heart (the mind).
(5) 1 Peter 4:3; Ephesians 4:19; 2 Peter 2:18, etc.
II. PORNOGRAPHY IS SEEN ALL AROUND US:
1. Pornography fittingly describes the filthy "X," "R," "PG,"
"PG-13," movies that are offered for our societies' viewing.
Much of that seen on television today falls under the
classification of being pornography. If the advertisements
are indications of what is seen on the programs themselves,
they must be extremely questionable.
2. Often the statement is made, "Parental discretion is
advised." Rest assured, that is a red flag telling you the
following will include immoral, lewd, violent, etc., pictures
and language.
3. Many magazines and books today are written to induce
"unbridled lust" and passions. The shelves in grocery stores
and places of businesses are running over with material
produced to lend itself toward defilement, obscenity, that
which produces lewdness and lustfulness.
4. The issue is not just a few "dirty words" in some bland novel
(such as Clark Gable's line in "Gone with the Wind"), but
rather a diseased education system spewing out lies about
life, sex, decency and civilization itself from almost every
magazine stand and movie house in the country.
5. "There is big money in this sex-ploitation racket. Look at
some of the statistics of Charles H. Keating, Jr., LLD, a
member of the Presidential Commission on Obscenity and
Pornography in 1970:
"The pornographers in our country do a $4,000,000,000
per year business, more than legitimate film and record
industry combined....The average porn magazine sells between
$6 and $10 each. Films range up to $50; the countless ones
involving children bring even more....In Los Angeles alone,
the porno business does $100,000,000 a year in gross retail
volume.....Police vice squads report that 77% of child
molesters of boys and 87% of child molesters of girls
admitted trying out, or imitating, the sexual behavior
modeled by pornography. In one group of rapist, 57%
indicated they had tried out the sexual behavior they had
seen depicted by pornography.'"
(Those Impossible Years, Bob Buchannon)
(Remember, these figures were from 1970. How much
greater would they be today. JT)
6. J. C. Drummond, in an article entitled, "Deluge of Filth,"
states: "A recent report on delinquency by a senate
subcommittee states that one out of every five American boys
between the ages of ten and seventeen has a court record.
Again and again, the investigation of juvenile robbery,
extortion, embezzlement, forgery, rape and murder reveals
that those guilty were or had been collectors of obscene
pictures and films.....A peculiar resemblance to narcotics
addiction in the exposure of juveniles to pornography. There
is the same pattern of progression! Like the dope addict, the
boy or girl who becomes addicted to pornographic filth, with
the characteristic desire for knowledge found in those
reaching maturity, searches for something which will impart a
greater thrill. The victim once 'hooked,' may turn to theft,
mugging, or worse to secure funds to support his appetite for
obscenity. Girls run away from their homes and become
entangled in prostitution."
7. Charles H. Keating, in an articles entitled, "The report That
Shocked The Nation," (in connection with a Presidential
commission to investigate the effects of pornography) stated:
"Although proving cause-and-effect relationships in
sociological matters is difficult, common sense tells us that
it is ridiculous to imply that pornography has no effect.
Since the current flood of erotica began in the early 1960's,
sex crimes have multiplied. From 1960 through 1969, reported
rapes increased 116 percent; arrest for rape went up 56.6
percent. Such statistics at least appear to reflect some
'significant' relationship between crime and pornography."
7. Perhaps the most accessible medium today to find and view
pornography is that of "Web Sites," on the modern day
computers. In the privacy of one's home filth can be brought
in with the flick of a button (or mouse). Parents need to be
extremely cautious when their children have access to the
World Wide Web.
Conclusion:
1. Parents need to guard their children against pornography!!
2. Do not be so naive as to think, "My child will not be
influenced by these things."
3. It is everywhere around us. Our society has become a slave to
pornography. It is big business. One can hardly turn on the
TV without some form of pornography. So, let us be careful.
4. Remember, Jehovah was not pleased with Adam and Eve's attempt
to clothe themselves; making clothing for them to cover their
bodies. Pornography unclothes the body.
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