maryofegyptIncredibly a new study claims that viewing pornography is not only a good thing, but a very good thing.  It even states that over 90% of people reported it has a "positive effect" in their lives.  The study also concluded that viewing pornography strengthened marriage, gave people a healthier sexuality, and made them less judgmental about other body types. 

Uh huh, yeah right. 

I think a good followup study would be to interview the families and spouses of those who participated in the surveys and see how they perceive matters.  My guess is that the 90% figure would go way way down.  I find it hard to see how objectifying others could make people happier and healthier, but then again, given our high divorce rates, many people wouldn’t even know how to define a "healthy" sexuality or marriage.  The Catholic Catechism, not mincing words, correctly describes pornography:

"It offends against chastity because it perverts the conjugal act, the intimate giving of spouses to each other. It does grave injury to the dignity of its participants…since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world. It is a grave offense. Civil authorities should prevent the production and distribution of pornographic materials."

Society is so permissive that adult pornography is now practically considered mainstream.  Of course, for the Christian it can never be mainstream, but always gravely sinful.  Fortunately the Church has setup ministries for people addicted to pornography.  And those men and women involved in them can tell you it’s not a positive thing.  Here are two ministries I found on the web:

The Serenellians: An Apostolate of Hope for the Sexually Addicated (and their loved ones)

Saint Dymphna Healing Center

Image is of St. Mary of Egypt, patron Saint of sexual temptations.  From Miniature Stories of the Saints
by Rev. Daniel A. Lord, S.J