That Christians are susceptible to sin after salvation and often struggle to overcome vices in their lives is a truth readily evidenced by nothing more than a casual glance in any direction one wishes to turn, including inwardly. And while this is a problem faced by all the far greater problem, and more accurate indicator of one’s spiritual state of being, is how one deals with the sins and vices in one’s life. It is the acceptance of sin rather than the mourning over the sin in one’s life that reveals spiritual deadness.

For those who call themselves “Christian” to openly and unashamedly admit they are looking forward to viewing pornographic entertainment, which "Fifty Shades of Grey” and “Magic Mike” unquestionably are, is an example of such spiritual deadness. That deadness could be the result of willfully choosing to believe the lie that God created us along with our desires and therefore, it’s acceptable to fulfill those desires in any way we can.

This spiritual deadness could also be the result of not having been properly guided into discerning right from wrong or good from evil, which I believe is what you, Kim, were saying. If that’s the case the greater sin lies with the pastors/teachers that have, for whatever reason, failed to fulfill their calling as God’s watchmen upon this earth by not boldly and courageously – though in love – calling sin, sin.

How much clearer could it be than in Philippians 4:8? “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (NASU).

Or in Ephesians 5:3-8? “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

Verse 12 adds:“For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.”

Teaching these things isn’t hard, but it does take courage.

The book of Revelation teaches us that it’s the “overcomers” that enter the Kingdom of God, not those who look forward to indulging in sin.

Agreed, Kevin V. Sometimes the path up the mountain is fraught with all sorts of pitfalls.

However, this is an instance where we need guidance about living the good life. I'm reminded that in Romans 7, St. Paul talks about God's law helping us to recognize sin. Of course, we all struggle with knowing and doing.

One of my Facebook friends posts some pretty crass things all day, then wraps up the evening by telling us to "Love God." He apparently sees no inconsistency in that. So I understand what you're getting at, Kim.

On the other hand, all of us who continue to slip up and/or have vices post-salvation are guilty of he same inconsistency, and I would urge caution about any insinuations that our faith is insincere.

I'm saying that "someone can profess loving Jesus with their mouths, but turn around and doing whatever she/he wants." implies an accusation of either hypocrisy or heresy which is different from saying they have vices.

I'm not following you, Jason.

I'm not sure that that is a necessary conclusion, Kim. All it need mean is "There are Christians who have vices." Not, "Christians who do such and such are not really Christians." We do after all belong to a faith that managed to stomach Olaf of Norway.

I think she is talking about having a split mind. Meaning that someone can profess loving Jesus with their mouths, but turn around and doing whatever she/he wants.

All it takes is to ignore the Holy Ghost.

I recommend John Ortberg's small group video "Flow." He discuses this very thing... bit by bit, a person walks down the path toward active sin, finally walking through a proverbial doorway into full sin-filled living.

But thankfully and praise the Lord, there is a way back out of that particular situation. However, it's better never going there in the first place.

Terry, do you know of any Christian currently on Earth who has not embraced evil of any kind?

I'm not surprised either that Christian women watch pornographic entertainment such as "Fifty Shades of Grey" or "Magic Mike". I have believed for a long time that women are visual in nature and stimulated in ways similar to men. With that weakness and Hollywood's patience in pushing the envelope in increments that the world cheered and the Church ignored the outcome is exactly what Satan has intended. The water the frog is now in is boiling. But no one is hopping out, not even those who have taken God's name as their own. When a Christian embraces evil or any kind he has taken God's name in vain.

Ditto, Rolley, ditto.

Point taken.

I would never have thought to put it that way, Rolley, but that's a very wise attitude.

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To know why is to partake of forbidden fruit.

The only way to know what poison tastes like is to drink it. You don't want to do that. Some things are better left not understood.

"...be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil." (Romans 16:19)

But why do they fantasize being prey?

Same as the guys. Once you've started down that particular road, your mind gets warped.

I can understand the visual thing but what is it with sadomasochism? Why do so many women take such delight in reading about rape or even reading about simulated rape?