In the middle of all of this fascinating discussion, Mole said something which sang out loud and clear in my spirit..."The theft of innocence is always wrong".

I fought long and hard when I was a teenager to stay innocent as long as I could...even naive if you will. I didn't grow up in a moralistic household, so I can't really say that it was parental influence-but at that time in my life I was not ready for all the images that the evolving culture was throwing at me in school, in films, and even to some extent on TV. I count myself fortunate that I was able to steer clear of a lot of the influences that tried so aggresively to rob me of my innocence. I was able to explore the passionate side of my nature at my own pace, with out being forced or coerced into somthing I wasn't ready for because I made such an effort to be a "prude". In many ways, I think I am a lot more well adjusted than many of my friends who used to tease me about being a prude all the time.

To me,Porn is not 'wrong' when an adult (or probably even a teenager who's curious) seeks out a video or a website or magazine...I agree that for some folks it's a very healthy release, and for couples a fun way to spice up an evening. It's when its in your face (yeah like Vickie, but I didn't click!)and you can't get rid of it...or when it's a challenge or a threat, like so often happens in "peer pressure" situations. Much of the porn industry relys on FORCING the issue, getting people hooked on it and working that addiction for all it's worth. That is when it becomes wrong in my eyes...When I walk into a conveience store with my boys and they are embarrased and uncomfortable because of the rack of porn right next to the checkout stand. They have a right not to see it if they so choose...at least not with mum around (Im not THAT naive!)

One other question this whole subject brings up in my mind...maybe we are so 'obsessed' with sex as a society because there are deeper spiritual forces at work within our sexual natures than just the obvious physical gratification. There are many philosophies, Christianity included, that are very adamant about sex not being merely a physical, but also a spiritual joining--that sex influences a person on many levels--even just the "cheap" variety. I really think this maybe true, and that it is as real as the law of gravity..which we can't see, may not understand, but affects us every day nonetheless. Just a ponderment, but I believe there is more to it than meets the eye (pardon the pun)!