Q: Are my wife and I sinning if we watch shows on Netflix that contain graphic sexual situations as part of the story? – D.S.
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC
A: The short answer is yes, it’s objectively sinful to be watching these shows.
These shows involve people engaging in objectively sinful behavior and being an occasion of sin for others who watch them.
The Catechism, No. 2354, is worth quoting:
“Pornography consists in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties. It offends against chastity because it perverts the conjugal act, the intimate giving of spouses to each other. It does grave injury to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the public), since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world. It is a grave offense. Civil authorities should prevent the production and distribution of pornographic materials.”
Your consumption of these shows helps to support and sustain an industry built on sin. The actors, the writers, the producers — everyone has a hand in producing shows that violate God’s plan for sexuality. These shows can especially corrupt impressionable young people.
A big part of your marriage is that you and your wife should be helping each other grow in holiness and reach heaven. This might be a moment for a heart-to-heart talk with your spouse.
Ask yourselves how well you are living your faith and whether you want to add to cultural decay or fight it. The answer could affect your eternal salvation.
