Orthodox Jews, Other Religions, Sexual lust

JesusisKingofKings

It seems some orthodox jews, muslims (and other religions) believe sexual lust and masturbation is wrong.. and it seems maybe some can fight sexual temptation.. if they do not have the Holy Spirit how can they do this?

Unknown

[quote author=JesusisKingofKings link=board=1;threadid=3933;start=0#msg55275 date=1148380952]
It seems some orthodox jews, muslims (and other religions) believe sexual lust and masturbation is wrong.. and it seems maybe some can fight sexual temptation.. if they do not have the Holy Spirit how can they do this?


I suppose one does not have to have the Holy Spirit in order to excercise self-control. Look, for example, at the Shaolin monks who are capable of pushing their bodies to extreme limits. Many atheists too are able to excercise great self-control.

So I do not think it is strange that Muslims and Jews are able to supress such urges. The post-Christian West has become decadent through its rejection of religion and, as a result, Christian morals.

Sexual immorality is everywhere in the media, and those who follow Christian morals are viewed as strange. Islamic societies, although they are void of God's grace, have nevertheless maintained a strong moral structure.

When one is immerged in such a society, keeping yourselves pure is much easier than in the West. This is another reason for why they are able to control such urges.

Of course, living in the West is no excuse for falling into such temptations, and Christians must not become enemies of God by befriending the world in which we live.

Unknown

The work of the Holy Spirit is cosmic in the sense that it is working through everyone, convicting them of sin, and drawing them to Christ. The ultimate result depends on the response of the individual to this conviction.

The difference between Orthodox Christians and non-Orthodox with respect to our relationship to the Holy Spirit, is that the Holy Spirit works internally within us when we receive Him through Baptism.