Pornography and Acedia

With accessible, forceful prose, Duke theology professor Reinhard Hutter diagnoses of the spiritual pathology underlying our society's disturbingly pervasive indulgence in internet pornography. Aiming "not at its shiny electronic surface but at its hidden spiritual root," Hutter locates the origins of pornographic addiction in the spiritual vice of acedia, or spiritual apathy. This vice involves a profound and pervasive sense of boredom and a dull resignation to a life without the friendship of God—a condition powerfully deleterious to both the Christian life and to human dignity. "The lust of the eyes that feeds on internet pornography does not inflame but rather freezes the soul and the heart in a cold indifference to the human dignity of others and of oneself."

Turning toward the positive task of prescribing a remedy for the problem of pornography, Hutter recommends a steady and active discipline of focused communal prayer, arguing that such practice "sustains the spiritual union of the mind and heart with God," working to fortify our spiritual chastity and protect us from the corrupting vice of acedia.

All told, "Pornography and Acedia" is a valuable, comprehensive resource for properly understanding—and effectively countering—one of our day's most dangerous challenges to spiritual well-being.

Religião e Espiritualidade