This discussion dives into the Desert Fathers' insights on lust, presenting it as a self-centered desire that undermines true freedom in Christ. Abba Poemen's teachings emphasize the need for self-mastery and the rejection of pleasure-driven living. The contrast between lust and genuine love is explored, challenging societal views on sexuality. There's a call to reframe Christian moral teachings to highlight dignity, virtue, and human flourishing, rather than mere restriction. These timeless insights urge a deeper understanding of our desires and true spiritual growth.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Tackle Anger First, Then Lust
Begin moral struggle by cutting off anger and labouring to squeeze the life out of lust, following Abba Poemen's counsel.
Address pleasure-seeking and avarice because you cannot live according to God as a lover of pleasure and money.
insights INSIGHT
Sexual Sin Has Been Overemphasized
The Church is often perceived as obsessed with sex because sexual teaching has been isolated from broader virtue discussions.
Dorothy L. Sayers argued that moral teaching has narrowed 'immorality' to sexual sin alone, skewing understanding.
insights INSIGHT
Sexual Teaching Aims At Flourishing
Christian sexual teaching aims at human thriving, dignity, and freedom in Christ, not mere restriction.
Bishop Erik Varden urges situating sexual ethics within a wider account of virtue and human flourishing.
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This episode delves into the Desert Fathers' insights on lust, drawing from Abba Poemen’s counsel to a brother wrestling with lust and anger. We explore how the Fathers understood lust (porneia) as distinct from eros, emphasizing its self-centered nature and its opposition to true freedom in Christ. The discussion challenges modern cultural myths about sexual liberation and situates Christian teachings on sexuality within a broader vision of virtue and human flourishing.
Key Quotes
Abba Poemen: “On account of this David said, ‘I smote the lion, I strangled the bear,’ which is to say, I cut off anger and by labours I squeezed the life out of lust.”
Abba Poemen: “You cannot live according to God if you are a lover of pleasure and a lover of money.”
Dorothy L. Sayers (1941, The Other Six Deadly Sins): “Perhaps the bitterest commentary on the way in which Christian doctrine has been taught in the last few centuries is the fact that to the majority of people the word ‘immorality’ has come to mean one thing and one thing only.”
Discussion Points
Christian Teaching on Sexuality: Christian moral doctrine focuses on thriving, dignity, and freedom in Christ, not merely restriction. The Desert Fathers help reframe sexuality within this holistic vision.
Lust vs. Eros: The Fathers used porneia to describe lust, a self-focused desire akin to prostitution, contrasting it with eros, which seeks mutual connection. Lust isolates, while eros yearns for another.
Cultural Narratives: Modern culture often views lust as liberating, but the Fathers saw it as blinding, locking individuals in self-centeredness. Has “sexual liberation” truly freed us?
Lust’s Deeper Roots: Poemen links lust to anger, suggesting it may reflect deeper passions like rage or greed. This perspective sheds light on societal issues like sexual abuse and manipulation.
Transcendence and Meaning: In a secular age, sex is often a substitute for transcendence. The Fathers invite us to redirect desire toward God, fostering true freedom over fleeting pleasure.
Reflection Questions
How do cultural views of lust as “freedom” shape our understanding of intimacy?
What might underlying emotions like anger reveal about struggles with lust?
How can the Desert Fathers’ wisdom help us live out a balanced Christian approach to sexuality?
Dorothy L. Sayers, The Other Six Deadly Sins (1941, Public Morality Council address).
The Sayings of the Desert Fathers, focusing on Abba Poemen’s teachings.
The Book of Job, for reflections on embodied desire for God.
Connect with Us
Share your thoughts or questions by emailing Bishop Erik Varden at hello@desertfathers.com. Join us for the next episode as we continue our journey with the Desert Fathers.
Desert Fathers with Bishop Erik Varden 
