Pornography "One of the Most Pervasive and Destructive Problems in Our Society" – Philly Cardinal

LifeSiteNews ^ | 6/9/06 | Hilary White

[wagglebee]

Cardinal Justin Rigali, writing in the Catholic Standard and Times, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, said that the modern media’s obsession with pornography is “one of the most pervasive and destructive problems in our society.”
 
“Our society," the Cardinal wrote, “is inundated with sex and sensuality largely from the media. Films, television programs, and advertisements are loaded with sexual reference as well as the promotion of sexual promiscuity.”
 
The all-pervasiveness of sexual imagery in the media has led to the vast proliferation of pornography on the internet where it is accessible to anyone who can use a keyboard. It is also increasingly frustrating for law enforcement officials around the world that sexual predators have begun using the internet to target children.
 
In November, 2004, a US Senate hearing discussing the dangers of addiction heard evidence that addiction to pornography has ruined lives and destroyed families. Virginia Tech, professor James B. Weaver said studies show that extended exposure to pornography creates "sexual callousness, the erosion of family values and diminished sexual satisfaction."
 
Rigali called pornography “a cancer upon contemporary culture.” “Addictive in nature, many have been entangled in its lure and have caused great psychological and emotional harm to themselves and even to spouses and other family members.”
 
At the same senate committee hearing in 2004, US lawmakers heard evidence that corroborates the Cardinal’s assertion. University of Pennsylvania sexual trauma program co-director Mary Anne Layden said pornography addiction has similar effects on the brain as heroin or crack cocaine addiction.
 
The Cardinal writes, “Violence, sexual abuse, psychological trauma and ruptured relationships are the fruit of pornography, which, astonishingly, is a multi-billion dollar industry.”
 
Read Cardinal Rigali’s article:
http://www.cst-phl.com/main.html

[wagglebee]

The Cardinal writes, “Violence, sexual abuse, psychological trauma and ruptured relationships are the fruit of pornography, which, astonishingly, is a multi-billion dollar industry.”

Yet many would prefer to just pretend it isn't a problem.

[ladyinred]

Not only that, but it is also free speech, even on the internet with children.

[wagglebee]

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DISCUSSION ABOUT:

Pornography "One of the Most Pervasive and Destructive Problems in Our Society" – Philly Cardinal

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[Tribune7]

ping

[Lunatic Fringe]

“one of the most pervasive and destructive problems in our society.” Let's see... War. Hunger. Poverty. Slavery. Genocide. Murder. Terrorism. But yes, I suppose someone sitting in their living room watching porn is one of the "most pervasive and destructive problems in our society."

[supercat]

Liberalism is far more dangerous and destructive.

[Grut]

“Our society," the Cardinal wrote, “is inundated with sex and sensuality largely from the media.

Well, and the rectory.

[wagglebee]

Ping.

[FierceDraka]

Yay! Oh boy! More authoritarianism justified by "public safety"!

He who trades liberty for safety deserves neither.

[IronJack]

I think the good cardinal has confused cause and effect. Certainly, preoccupation with pleasures of the flesh is a hallmark of a decadent society. But pornography is a symptom of the problem, not a problem itself.

[Melas]

Yeah, we should all consult people like yourself before we turn on the TV, rent a DVD, or crack a book. After all, you know what's really best for us. /sarcasm.

[Captain Ray]

I don't really get it.. pornography that is...

I can look at it.. for a few minutes here and there.. it's titillating.. I will give you that, but I need to mow the lawn.. there is a sale on Black Angus Beef at the grocery store.. Corina will be home from school soon.. I have a bottle of fine Canadian Whiskey that needs some attention.. I just have more important things to do!!

I have a friend who really enjoys looking at Porn.. I don't blame him.. hey man.. if he want's to wrap his computer room in plastic and pleasure himself... well.. GOOD FOR HIM!! Personally.. My woman will take her shirt off for me pretty much anytime I want her to.. that to me is better than some video of asian chicks who will fill any and every orifice of her body by some abnormally well hung man...

To each their own I guess... Don't get me wrong here.. I am not saying that people who enjoy porn should be limited to it.. I just don't get it..

Raymond

[Bigg Red]

You are correct, Excellency, but you are yelling about this rather late in the game, aren't you? Let's hope it's not too late.

[LibLieSlayer]

Every time I read a story on pornography, I always think of the old joke about the guy that went to the doctor to find out why his private parts had turned orange. After batteries of tests, and consultation between many doctors, medical science was just stumped.

As the guy is talking with his doctor the doc says, "We just don't have any idea what is going on in your case... I think it my be helpful if you filled in some information we need."

"What is your occupation?” The doc asked.

"I own my own restaurant", answered the guy.

"What do you do for fun... you know... hobbies etc".

The guy answers, "Oh hell doc, I just sit around the house drinking beer, eatin' Cheetos and watchin' porn films"!

LLS

[wagglebee]

LMAO!

[Bigg Red]

Destruction of the family and its values leads to most of the other evils that you listed, and pornography contributes to destructio of family values.

[wireman]

Thank you.

[Paperdoll]

Hi: Please put me on your Moral Absolutes ping list. Thanks. paperdoll

[Larry Lucido]

Well, I won't be able to decide one way or the other without doing more research.

[isom35]

a porn thread without pics? how will I ever do my analysis?