prayer and porn
I saw a special on CNN the other day on JC’s Girls. http://www.jcsgirls.com/ The CNN angle of course was ‘Fight Porn, love God’. So reminiscent of the “Save a Stripper” philosophy I was immediately and passionately infuriated. Apparently these beautiful Barbies travel around to strip clubs and adult entertainment conventions to spread the word of God and hand out bibles. They are ex-strippers and ex-porn stars. They seek to rescue women in the industry, and the men that feed it.
I know there are many women in unfortunate circumstances. I know that some choices can lead to addictions. I know that many people suffer from low self-esteem. I know that at times people need help, but I also know that help is generally not accepted until someone is ready.
I admit I have only paid lip-service to this particular site, and I have not explored their individual attitudes. I do not know if JC’s Girls are self-righteous and narrow in their desire to help, or if that was the CNN influence.
Controversial or not, I believe that the adult entertainment industry is an important aspect of our society. I believe that fantasy is healthy, and that sex is not immoral. A consensual adult exploring visual imagery and desire has nothing to do with church.
There is a difference between someone who is addicted to porn, or stripping to finance a drug addiction, and the majority of patrons and dancers I encounter. I understand the industry varies a great deal, and that what I am accustomed to in Canada may be a very different experience from Vegas.
Situations are unique, as are people. We are spiritual, and we are passionate. The need to believe, to pray, to belong to something bigger and more powerful than ourselves is deep-rooted and world-wide. A spiritual experience, an individual relationship with God, a faith strong in love, acceptance, and forgiveness is a real human need. We need faith.
We are also material creatures, with earthy desires and needs. Passion shared may be profound and sexually explosive. We are beings of free-will. We are individual people, on a unique path. Our choices and trials do not diminish our worth. Human sexuality is dynamic and fascinating. The fervor can be electric, and the afterglow religious. Sex can fulfill needs that are as elusive and personal as religion.
The post-modern excuse that everything is relative is frustrating. The idea that there is no right or wrong is provoking. However, to shed judgment in a black or white fashion is equally exasperating. There is no shame in enjoying the naked body. There is no shame in getting naked.
What of needs that cannot be met within a relationship? What of the desire to enjoy beauty and sexuality? What of sexual needs that exist independently of a partner? If one person is unable or unwilling to fulfill the yearnings of the other, do those desires become “dirty” and “sinful”?
I know of no perfect people. I know of no friends without faults or vices. I know of no perfect relationships. I know people who make mistakes, who make poor decisions, who grow and learn and experience.
The human experience may be many things, why isolate prayer from porn?
I am not the one to judge.
I know there are many women in unfortunate circumstances. I know that some choices can lead to addictions. I know that many people suffer from low self-esteem. I know that at times people need help, but I also know that help is generally not accepted until someone is ready.
I admit I have only paid lip-service to this particular site, and I have not explored their individual attitudes. I do not know if JC’s Girls are self-righteous and narrow in their desire to help, or if that was the CNN influence.
Controversial or not, I believe that the adult entertainment industry is an important aspect of our society. I believe that fantasy is healthy, and that sex is not immoral. A consensual adult exploring visual imagery and desire has nothing to do with church.
There is a difference between someone who is addicted to porn, or stripping to finance a drug addiction, and the majority of patrons and dancers I encounter. I understand the industry varies a great deal, and that what I am accustomed to in Canada may be a very different experience from Vegas.
Situations are unique, as are people. We are spiritual, and we are passionate. The need to believe, to pray, to belong to something bigger and more powerful than ourselves is deep-rooted and world-wide. A spiritual experience, an individual relationship with God, a faith strong in love, acceptance, and forgiveness is a real human need. We need faith.
We are also material creatures, with earthy desires and needs. Passion shared may be profound and sexually explosive. We are beings of free-will. We are individual people, on a unique path. Our choices and trials do not diminish our worth. Human sexuality is dynamic and fascinating. The fervor can be electric, and the afterglow religious. Sex can fulfill needs that are as elusive and personal as religion.
The post-modern excuse that everything is relative is frustrating. The idea that there is no right or wrong is provoking. However, to shed judgment in a black or white fashion is equally exasperating. There is no shame in enjoying the naked body. There is no shame in getting naked.
What of needs that cannot be met within a relationship? What of the desire to enjoy beauty and sexuality? What of sexual needs that exist independently of a partner? If one person is unable or unwilling to fulfill the yearnings of the other, do those desires become “dirty” and “sinful”?
I know of no perfect people. I know of no friends without faults or vices. I know of no perfect relationships. I know people who make mistakes, who make poor decisions, who grow and learn and experience.
The human experience may be many things, why isolate prayer from porn?
I am not the one to judge.
Labels: politics
posted by Ryann @ 11:59
1 Comments:
At 2:11 PM,
thatgirl said…
Why indeed? There is really no need to separate sexuality from religion. The fact that North American society has chosen to do so is unfortunate to say the least. This great continent sometimes seems more sexually repressed than the puritans who first colonized it. There are many theories about why it is so. For example, that open sexuality is a form of freedom and expression that could pose a threat to people's obedience. In a way it's a threat to the rule of state or the rule of the church. In fact, the rule of church and state have often overlapped and certainly in the church is still very much involved in control through the state. Just think of the gay marriage issue. It's not even an issue if you take out the so called "church" aspect of it. This is another example of how religion is being used as some kind of control tactic. Although what the purpose of it is is somewhat beyond me.
I love your blog Ryann. You have great ideas and present them very well. I'm always interested in what you have to say. Keep it up:)
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