November-03
Q: What are the Church's teachings about pornography? Can it be considered mortal sin when merely viewed??
                              (- a commonly asked question submitted to our web site)

A: The best and most concise answer comes from the EWTN Q&A Forum -

Church's teachings on Pornography

Question from val alcazar on 07-09-2002

What are the Church's teachings about pornography? Can it be considered a mortal sin when viewed?

Answer by Fr. John Echert on 07-09-2002

To intentionally view pornography is a mortal sin, for Jesus taught that to lust after another is the equivalent of doing the act itself. Pornography is a misuse of another human person, most especially by those who profit upon it but also those who view it, who make, reduce and manipulate the person into someone to be misused. It is a dark and sinister world, often tied to other forms of crime, and Christians must have nothing to do with pornography. It has infiltrated our homes, wrecked marriages and families and ruined careers. Satan must be quite pleased with the success he has had, in bringing pornography so readily into homes and the workplace.

Father Echert – EWTN Q&A Forum

COPYRIGHT 2002 (Reprinted with Permission)