Why Are Almost All Pleasures Considered Sins?

[Kylyssa]

Christians:  If God is anti-sin, then why did God create humans whose pleasures are almost all sins?

Yes, I understand that many other things are considered sins, including some legitimately harmful things as well as some crazy things people have no control over like being born, but I'm asking why almost all pleasurable activities that are not Jesus-centric are considered sins.

[Voter]

Christians:  If God is anti-sin, then why did God create humans whose pleasures are almost all sins?

He didn't. There are limitations on some activities, outside of which they become sin, but otherwise most pleasures can be enjoyed. Sex, food, drink, sports, games, entertainment are all allowed - what is it that's so pleasurable which Christians can't partake in?

[LegendarySandwich]

sex

Ideally, you will only have one, opposite sex, partner for life to have sex with, and you have to wait until marriage to do so. According to the Bible, divorce is a sin. Pornography is a sin. Masturbation is a sin.

Hell, some Christians, like Catholics, regard anything other than procreation as a sin -- even with your spouse! No sodomy for you, sorry.

food

Don't most Christians regard gluttony as a sin?

drink

Don't most Christians regard drinking alcohol as a sin?

games, entertainment

It depends on the Christian, but most don't allow excessive violence, sexual content, profanity, etc. Some don't even allow things like Harry Potter, which is immensely stupid.

are all allowed - what is it that's so pleasurable which Christians can't partake in?

Mostly sex, I would say.

[Voter]

Ideally, you will only have one, opposite sex, partner for life to have sex with, and you have to wait until marriage to do so.

And those people report high satisfaction with their sex lives.

Don't most Christians regard gluttony as a sin?

I noted limitations. Eating to the point of gluttony would be one. Most people regard gluttony as a negative.

Don't most Christians regard drinking alcohol as a sin?

No. Catholics serve it on Sunday morning.

It depends on the Christian, but most don't allow excessive violence, sexual content, profanity, etc. Some don't even allow things like Harry Potter, which is immensely stupid.

Yes, it's up to the individual. My wife and oldest child go to the midnight showings of each new Harry Potter.

Mostly sex, I would say.

Says the guy who's spanking it to porn.

[LegendarySandwich]

Ideally, you will only have one, opposite sex, partner for life to have sex with, and you have to wait until marriage to do so.

And those people report high satisfaction with their sex lives.

I wonder why.  

Don't most Christians regard gluttony as a sin?

I noted limitations. Eating to the point of gluttony would be one. Most people regard gluttony as a negative.

Says the guy who's wanking it to porn.

Fixed it for you.

[Davin]

Ideally, you will only have one, opposite sex, partner for life to have sex with, and you have to wait until marriage to do so.

And those people report high satisfaction with their sex lives.

Care to back this statement up with some data?

[Voter]

http://www.leaderu.com/critical/cohabitation-socio.html
Scroll about 3/4 of the way down.
The best sex is found in the marriage relationship. It is reported that if a couple abstains from sex before marriage, they are 29 to 47 percent more likely to enjoy sex afterward. In a study by Dr. Evelyn Duvall and Dr. Judson Landis, evidence was found that premarital sex was not as satisfying.

A study by Linda Waite, Ph.D., a sociologist at the University of Chicago and reported in "Psychology Today," found the frequency of satisfaction rose considerably after couples adapted during marriage. Married people lead more active sex lives. While cohabiting couples have similarly high levels of sex, married men and women have more satisfaction in the bedroom. That's because married people know the tastes of their partner better and can safely cater to them, while the emotional investment in the relationship boosts the thrill.

A recent Michigan study, found that individuals who have never cohabited outside of marriage were more likely to rate their relationships stronger than those who have cohabited (49% of non-cohabitors rated their relationship a "10," compared to 36% of those who have cohabited) (Michigan Family Forum 1998).

[AnimatedDirt]

Christians:  If God is anti-sin, then why did God create humans whose pleasures are almost all sins?

Before commenting, I think I'd rather ask for a list, not necessarily complete because that might not be possible, but a list to begin with.  I see sex is already on the list, but define that which you want to do that is sin or you think is sin.  Sex is not a sin as by the Christian reckoning, God created man and woman and sex as a means for both pleasure and procreation.

I suppose on that line, what specifically are the sins within sex (as one on the list) that are being missed out on if we abstain from the sinful parts of sex?

That would help me.

[hismikeness]

The cynic in me says its because the religious institutions want your money (and your mind) focused on the religious institutions, not your own pleasure.

[LegendarySandwich]

http://www.leaderu.com/critical/cohabitation-socio.html
Scroll about 3/4 of the way down.
The best sex is found in the marriage relationship. It is reported that if a couple abstains from sex before marriage, they are 29 to 47 percent more likely to enjoy sex afterward. In a study by Dr. Evelyn Duvall and Dr. Judson Landis, evidence was found that premarital sex was not as satisfying.

A study by Linda Waite, Ph.D., a sociologist at the University of Chicago and reported in "Psychology Today," found the frequency of satisfaction rose considerably after couples adapted during marriage. Married people lead more active sex lives. While cohabiting couples have similarly high levels of sex, married men and women have more satisfaction in the bedroom. That's because married people know the tastes of their partner better and can safely cater to them, while the emotional investment in the relationship boosts the thrill.

A recent Michigan study, found that individuals who have never cohabited outside of marriage were more likely to rate their relationships stronger than those who have cohabited (49% of non-cohabitors rated their relationship a "10," compared to 36% of those who have cohabited) (Michigan Family Forum 1998).

The Young Turks did a video on, if not that study, one similar, where they basically debunked it from my perspective. I can't remember all their points, but the major one that I can remember is that people who wait until marriage to have sex don't have any benchmark or standard to go by -- besides their spouse, of course. Obviously they're going to think it's great, because it's sex...duh.

[Voter]

The Young Turks did a video on, if not that study, one similar, where they basically debunked it from my perspective. I can't remember all their points, but the major one that I can remember is that people who wait until marriage to have sex don't have any benchmark or standard to go by -- besides their spouse, of course. Obviously they're going to think it's great, because it's sex...duh.

Are you purposely lobbing me a softball?

[LegendarySandwich]

The Young Turks did a video on, if not that study, one similar, where they basically debunked it from my perspective. I can't remember all their points, but the major one that I can remember is that people who wait until marriage to have sex don't have any benchmark or standard to go by -- besides their spouse, of course. Obviously they're going to think it's great, because it's sex...duh.

Are you purposely lobbing me a softball?

...What?

[LegendarySandwich]

Christians:  If God is anti-sin, then why did God create humans whose pleasures are almost all sins?

Before commenting, I think I'd rather ask for a list, not necessarily complete because that might not be possible, but a list to begin with.  I see sex is already on the list, but define that which you want to do that is sin or you think is sin.  Sex is not a sin as by the Christian reckoning, God created man and woman and sex as a means for both pleasure and procreation.

I suppose on that line, what specifically are the sins within sex (as one on the list) that are being missed out on if we abstain from the sinful parts of sex?

That would help me.

• Masturbation and pornography are sins
• Homosexuality and other nontraditional sexualities are sins
• Any sex other than that in a marriage is a sin
• Polygamy and other nontraditional marriages are sins
• ...and basically any and all other restrictions on consenting sex, love, and marriage.

[AnimatedDirt]

Christians:  If God is anti-sin, then why did God create humans whose pleasures are almost all sins?

Before commenting, I think I'd rather ask for a list, not necessarily complete because that might not be possible, but a list to begin with.  I see sex is already on the list, but define that which you want to do that is sin or you think is sin.  Sex is not a sin as by the Christian reckoning, God created man and woman and sex as a means for both pleasure and procreation.

I suppose on that line, what specifically are the sins within sex (as one on the list) that are being missed out on if we abstain from the sinful parts of sex?

That would help me.

• Masturbation and pornography are sins
• Homosexuality and other nontraditional sexualities are sins
• Any sex other than that in a marriage is a sin
• Polygamy and other nontraditional marriages are sins
• ...and basically any and all other restrictions on consenting sex, love, and marriage.

With regard to masturbation, I lean towards this idea.  Is Masturbation Wrong? - Matt Slick but there may be more to it than JUST this.

On pornography...define what you count as "sinless" pornography.  There are many articles on pornography and its effect on society, women, men and children.  A quick g00gle check brings up many studies, cases, and heart-wrenching accounts.

There's no (more) sin in BEING homosexual (vs heterosexual) or gay (considering the newest thread suggesting the word homosexual is now not PC) the sin is the act of sex between two same gender individuals.  The mere fact that you cite this as "nontraditional" says something.

Monogamous sex is good.  Would you want your GF/BF/spouse/daughter/son/granddaughter/grandson out and about engaging in sex at their whim?

Your list is a list of ONE...sex as sin.  Are there no more (important enough) pleasurable "sins"?

[Thumpalumpacus]

Christians:  If God is anti-sin, then why did God create humans whose pleasures are almost all sins?

Yes, I understand that many other things are considered sins, including some legitimately harmful things as well as some crazy things people have no control over like being born, but I'm asking why almost all pleasurable activities that are not Jesus-centric are considered sins.

Because guilt is religion's lever of control.