Indian porn column inaccurate, misguided
The mixing of politics and morality is complicated. Radicals skew the issues in an attempt to serve their own agendas as well as salve personal pains.
But is that the debate really portrayed in Mr. Robertson’s column? The column seems instead to question the morality of porn use and the relevance of religious texts, favoring the former and discrediting the latter.
First, put aside religion and politics. Look at some results of porn use on individuals and relationships.
1 – It’s a cop out on a real relationship. It’s a selfish attempt to receive without investing.
2 – It undoubtedly hurts real relationships. Imagine dating a partner who loves fantasizing about sex with another. It would hurt your feelings, it would hurt mine (or I believe any other person who is honest). So of course it causes insecurities and reduces self-esteem.
3 – Every porn figure is a real person. Sure most of them “chose” to do that spread. But would anyone genuinely choose to have their most personal gifts exposed for a dollar? Or are they more likely motivated by other issues and are willing to give anything to gain in perceived value?
Regardless of religious or political affiliation, I don’t know of any value system that would defend these things.
Secondly, Robertson claims “Clearly, neither the Bible nor the Quran say a word about it.” This statement is simply not true. I am not as well versed in the Quran as in the Bible so I will defend my point using a single biblical citation:
“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart”(Matt. 5:28). Adultery is prohibited by the Ten Commandments.
This would include pornography, unless pornography is viewed without lust … This is one example in a large text. There are several other instances that denounce the inevitable fruits of pornography use.
If your debate is about porn legality, then please discuss that. If your debate is about porn morality then please change your title, and present opinions, not false facts.
Baine Breaux
Mechanical engineering graduate student