As one could discover either by a priori reasoning or by direct experience, technology as a whole, and the internet in particular, has significant erotic potential. The use of texting to send images intended to arouse the recipients ("sexting"), the use of social media to browse or post sensual material with sexual intent, and the general use of the internet for the purpose of sexual satisfaction are only some of the ways that technology has provided new ways to explore and enjoy sexuality.
People can easily use various devices to find online images and videos of members of the opposite gender in practically every clothed or unclothed state, as well as material featuring a diversity of Biblically legitimate sexual acts. For those who prefer visual stimulation to using their imaginations alone or to sexual expression with a committed partner, the internet is a thorough erotic resource. Indeed, the internet is the most versatile and widely accessible masturbatory aid of all.
It is for reasons like this that evangelical Christians may be highly reluctant to allow themselves or their children access to the internet, especially if they are male, due to misandrist myths about men being hypersexual and prone to sexually objectify women. This legalistic fear of the internet, of sexual uses of technology in general, and of erotic material in general that is voiced by many Christians does not represent the Bible's stance on erotic media, even though it is a fear shared by a significant amount of churchgoers.
The erotic potential of technology is not a reason to fear it, but it is instead yet another avenue to pleasure to be handled within the confines of morality. However, the freedom within the Biblical boundaries is much larger than the majority of Christians across history have ever acknowledged: masturbation, sexual thoughts about members of the opposite gender to whom one is not married or engaged, and the explicitly sexual appreciation of the body of the opposite gender are absolutely nonsinful in themselves (Deuteronomy 4:2).
Because technology allows for alternative ways to engage in these innocent (in themselves) pleasures, to condemn technology for its sexual uses is unbiblical. Not everyone has an interest in pursuing sexual pleasure. Not everyone who is interested has the desire to use technology in any of the aforementioned ways. Christians who find themselves eager to experience sexual pleasure and also want to avoid sin, though, have not violated any of God's commands merely by using technology for sexual purposes (1 John 3:4).
It is for reasons like this that evangelical Christians may be highly reluctant to allow themselves or their children access to the internet, especially if they are male, due to misandrist myths about men being hypersexual and prone to sexually objectify women. This legalistic fear of the internet, of sexual uses of technology in general, and of erotic material in general that is voiced by many Christians does not represent the Bible's stance on erotic media, even though it is a fear shared by a significant amount of churchgoers.
The erotic potential of technology is not a reason to fear it, but it is instead yet another avenue to pleasure to be handled within the confines of morality. However, the freedom within the Biblical boundaries is much larger than the majority of Christians across history have ever acknowledged: masturbation, sexual thoughts about members of the opposite gender to whom one is not married or engaged, and the explicitly sexual appreciation of the body of the opposite gender are absolutely nonsinful in themselves (Deuteronomy 4:2).
Because technology allows for alternative ways to engage in these innocent (in themselves) pleasures, to condemn technology for its sexual uses is unbiblical. Not everyone has an interest in pursuing sexual pleasure. Not everyone who is interested has the desire to use technology in any of the aforementioned ways. Christians who find themselves eager to experience sexual pleasure and also want to avoid sin, though, have not violated any of God's commands merely by using technology for sexual purposes (1 John 3:4).
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