Lust

Traditional name: LUST
Better known today as: Many synonyms.

In Dante's story about the ascent to heaven, he discovers that some souls avoid some of the deadly sins, but that every adult does at least some penance for sexual misbehavior.

Especially in the Episcopal church, the limits of suitable behavior remain the subject of controversy. Frankly, I don't think it's the church's business to tell consenting adults what they may and may not do in private. You might not agree. My own conservatism in these matters just reflects my taking the Golden Rule as the norm. I don't see that the world's a better place, or that people are really happier, for all the stuff that goes on. If your own experience is different, you will need to decide that I'm wrong.

Only a few religionists insist that all sexual expression be within marriage and only for the purpose of bearing children. But many (not all) forms of sexual expression are likely to hurt people. Today we're told (wrongly, I think) that we're not complete, fulfliled people if we do not "get our loving", or that we do not need to love responsibly.

Even today, some people approach others with the understanding that they're not looking primarily for sex, and would not even consider sex except in the setting of an established, quality relationship. This makes for quality friendships, and (I'd imagine) the highest-quality romantic life as well.

Available: [online] www.pathguy.com

Published: Jan.30.2005

Accessed Date: 08.03.2011