Ben Shapiro & Matt Fradd Discuss Porn, Lust & Sexual Desire
May 22, 2023
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Matt Fradd, host of Pints With Aquinas, joins Ben Shapiro to discuss the definition of lust, dangers of pornography, and his viral debate with Dennis Prager. They explore the moral implications of consuming pornography, the importance of consent, and the objectification of individuals. They also delve into the sacredness of sex within marriage and debate the use of pornography and lust in marriage.
Pornography reduces individuals to their sexual value and objectifies them, emphasizing the importance of treating others as subjects and safeguarding their honor.
Lust can exist within marriage if one views their spouse solely for sexual gratification, underscoring the need for moral maturity and aligning desires with true love and mutual respect.
Deep dives
Pornography as an intrinsically evil and sinful act
In a podcast episode, Matt Fradd and Ben Shapiro discuss their views on pornography, both agreeing that it is an evil and immoral act. Fradd argues that pornography is intrinsically evil, not only when consumed outside of marriage, but even within the confines of marriage. He emphasizes that lust, which he defines as a disordered desire for sexual pleasure detached from procreative and unitive ends, objectifies individuals and reduces them to their sexual value. Fradd highlights the importance of treating others as subjects and safeguarding their honor, rather than prioritizing personal pleasure at all costs.
The gradations of sin and the aspiration towards sexual virtue
Fradd and Shapiro delve into the discussion of gradations of sin within the context of pornography. Shapiro emphasizes the importance of not justifying certain versions of sin based on their perceived lesser severity. They agree on the basic principles of avoiding pornography and lusting after others outside of marriage. However, they discuss how the aspiration towards sexual virtue and the best version of marriage involves much more than just adhering to the basics. They stress the importance of clear communication, consent, and treating one's spouse as a beloved object of God in order to cultivate a thriving and morally upright sexual relationship.
Defining and understanding lust within the context of marriage
Fradd and Shapiro engage in a conversation about the definition and understanding of lust within marriage. While initially there appears to be some disagreement on the possibility of lust within a marital relationship, they eventually reach a consensus based on their shared definition of lust. Fradd defines lust as a disordered desire for sexual pleasure detached from the sacred aspects of the sexual act, resulting in reducing a person to their sexual value. They discuss how lust can manifest even within marriage if a spouse views the other solely for their sexual gratification without honoring their full personhood. Ultimately, they emphasize the need to strive for moral maturity and aligning desires with objective reality in the pursuit of true love and mutual respect within marriage.