MyCatholicSource.com - 'Quick Help' Page: Videos For Erectile Dysfunction [MATURE TOPIC]

Answer / Resources:

[click link(s) below, as applicable]

To answer your question, I am not aware of any direct "official" position from the Church which treats of these specific videos. However, I would consider the following...

* If the videos would be an occasion of sin, this would NOT be acceptable.

* If the videos present an incorrect position regarding the nature of the act, this would not be acceptable [of course the primary purpose of the marital act is to beget children with one's lawfully married wife (even at an advanced age, if it is God's will) – any use of the marital embrace outside of marriage is a grave sin]. It seems unlikely that videos produced by non-Catholics would present this matter properly. Notably your question referred to "couples" rather than "husband and wife".

* There is no reason for intimate matters to be graphically displayed or immodestly discussed. Appropriate, delicately phrased written instruction should suffice.

* What other alternatives are available, most preferably from a highly trustworthy Catholic source?

* If there is a medical problem, wouldn't it be more properly discussed privately with a good doctor?

* Saints have taught that for preserving of chastity "flight is better than direct struggle". If the video is graphic, please keep this in mind...

"[I]t should be noted, as indeed the Fathers and Doctors of the Church teach, that we can more easily struggle against and repress the wiles of evil and the enticements of the passions if we do not struggle directly against them, but rather flee from them as best we may. For the preserving of chastity, according to the teaching of Jerome, flight is more effective than open warfare: 'Therefore I flee, lest I be overcome.' Flight must be understood in this sense, that not only do we diligently avoid occasion of sin, but especially that in struggles of this kind we lift our minds and hearts to God" (Pope Pius XII, "Sacra Virginitas", 1954 A.D.)

* Consider the sixth (and ninth) commandments...

"The sixth Commandment forbids all unchaste freedom with another's wife or husband; also all immodesty with ourselves or others in looks, dress, words, and actions." (Baltimore Catechism)

And Christ's words...

"But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 5:28)

If the videos might have unchaste images, might lead to unchaste thoughts, looks, etc. this would present a great danger.

* If your wife would also see the videos, you should consider whether this would be suitable viewing for her (if they are graphic/unchaste, it most certainly would not be suitable).

* I would also keep the following in mind concerning immorality and unchastity...

"Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." (St. Paul, Eph. 5:5)

"But as for cowards, the unfaithful, the depraved, murderers, the unchaste, sorcerers, idol-worshipers, and deceivers of every sort, their lot is in the burning pool of fire and sulfur, which is the second death." (Rv. 21:8)

"Nor is it enough to fly from sin; every Christian ought to shine with the splendor of virtue so as to be pleasing to so great and so beneficent a guest; and first of all with chastity and holiness, for chaste and holy things befit the temple. Hence the words of the Apostle: 'Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? But if any man violate the temple of God, him shall God destroy. For the temple of God is holy, which you are' (1 Cor. iii., 16-17): a terrible, indeed, but a just warning." (Pope Leo XIII, "Divinum Illud Munus", 1897 A.D.)

If you have any doubts, you might ask yourself what the Blessed Virgin Mary might think about your watching those videos.

Finally, if you have further questions, it might be awkward, but you could privately ask a good priest for guidance (even a good priest at another Catholic parish). As priests have "heard everything", it hopefully wouldn't be 'too embarrassing'.

Reminder: We make no guarantee whatsoever regarding any item herein. Items herein may be the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect our views. All applicable items may be subject to change at any time without notice. Utilize any link(s) appearing on this page at your own risk. For more terms information, see "Important Notice" below.