Sin of the Day: Lust

Finally a fun sin to talk about! Lust, the unmitigated, unrelenting desire for sexual gratification. And in some cases, the desire for POWER. Though these things are not mutually exclusive.

I think we can all agree that the equivalent virtue, chastity, is overrated. There is no truth to be found, no high reason to be discovered, no obstacle that can be overcome through the maintenance of chastity. Sex is a fundamental component of human nature; the Christian right would have us suppres our "beastial nature" in the pursuit of greater goals, but I find this perspective to be cynical, pessimistic and entirely self-defeating. If God had intended humans to be beings of rationality only he wouldn't have invented latex ball-gags.

I suppose the sin of lust generally refers to the idea that when a man sees a pair of well-displayed mammaries or smooth legs he would grow an inch of hair all over his body, howl at the moon and go into rape mode. Or perhaps the woman, upon observing the exquisite erect muscular structure of an Adonis statue, would convulse in an epileptic fit of unequivocal carnal pleasure and writhe until the world ceased to tremble. I'm not sure what's wrong with this second example, as I'd imagine it would be quite the sight to behold.

The dangers of over-indulgence in lustful pleasures are obvious: destruction of relationships, lack of productivity, creativity and loss of substance within oneself.

An old report said that professional athletes should refrain from sexual activities the day before their sport; any yay-ka-boom-boom they might enjoy would apparently drain them of the stamina they would otherwise need for running, tackling or hand-eye coordination.
It is interesting to note that newer studies have shown that the reverse is true - sex actually raises testosterone levels, which is a highly beneficial hormone for athletes.

Self-denial of any type is harmful. Self-control will help you get things done.

Anyone who extols the virtue of chastity clearly isn't getting any. Be ashamed of your failings as a human; don't be ashamed of your humanity itself.