Definition of 'lustful intent'

[Scott H]

Let me begin by saying that I'm not a Christian, but I do give Christian
ethics its due consideration.

Matthew 5:27 states, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit
adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful
intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right
eye causes you to sin, tear it out..."

Now, I happen to be a guy who has glanced at many women. I've never had a
girlfriend. If they've noticed, I've tried to smile or compliment them to
reassure them that they are in no danger.

Jesus' teaching here seems a bit extreme to me. How unfair it seems that he
should associate such an intimidating punishment with such a vaguely-defined
sin. Like I said, I do give earnest consideration to Christian ethics, but
if you want me to follow *this* parable, you will need to define 'lustful
intent' for me. What would Jesus say, and how do I know that he would say
that?

Is it a *real intent* to do something with her, as in, "Tomorrow I'm going
to ask her out," is it an *imagined intent* to do something with her, as in
a private fantasy, or is it just an erection? Most importantly, I seriously
ask: Does the difference between 'love' and 'lust' in anyway depend on the
glancer's attractiveness? Is it love if a handsome guy looks at you but only
lust for an ugly guy? If you don't define 'lustful intent,' then how do I
know?

Do you need to have a wife or girlfriend already for it to be considered
adultery?

I understand that some women, in some cases, are uncomfortable with being
glanced at, and it would be nice if there were a rule of thumb about it that
in no way depended upon one's attractiveness -- something that handsome men
would have to follow in addition to ugly men.

'Handsome' and 'ugly' are, of course, both relative and subjective terms, so
I do not intend to imply that anyone is objectively handsome or ugly.

--
There are two extremes of beauty in the universe. One is the abhorrent lack
of empathy among conscious beings, and the other is the splendor of orderly
perfection in the laws of nature.

[Scott H]

I wrote:
> Like I said, I do give earnest consideration to Christian ethics,
> but if you want me to follow *this* parable, you will need to
> define 'lustful intent' for me.

I would really like to hear your opinions on this.

After this, I will ask one more time, and if I still receive no responses,
then for now Jesus' attempt to persuade me will fail.

[Scott H]

Anyone?

[jobc...@gmail.com]

On Sunday, November 23, 2008 5:36:58 PM UTC-8, Scott H wrote:
> Anyone?

Your ok, funny that this is 2013 now and your post is 2008. Well im going to break this down when jesus says "'You shall not commit

adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful

intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Jesus is referring to a married man. your not married so this doesnt apply to you. in matthew 5:31 he states when a man divorce his wife that he must get a certificate of divorce. he's talking specifically to a married man. But on your hand you should look at a woman honorably. its ok to check her out to like her. but if your only going for one things just to get it in then you shouldnt go for that woman. you must have respect for that woman. do not take her goods then not stay with her. At this point your commiting fornication Sex outside of marriage. if you see a woman you like then you chould date to marry. For you, you should read more about fornication.

[ransomli...@gmail.com]

Well I was confused what Scott was saying that's means the bible speaks lie but thank you Jacob you make me understand what Jesus meant

[fadele...@gmail.com]

On Monday, November 12, 2018 at 6:47:59 PM UTC-5, ransomli...@gmail.com wrote:
> Well I was confused what Scott was saying that's means the bible speaks lie but thank you Jacob you make me understand what Jesus meant

Ok so I see this is an old thread but I have to put my interpretation of the bible here. Adultery can be committed by everyone single or married.The law Jesus is explaining is for everyone. If you want to follow him and be a more like him dont look at women or think about the women you have seen and masturbate. Love does not envy (1 Corinthiansb13:4),when you look or think about women to envy them and want them as an object even if you wouldnt actually sleep with them it is still adultery/lustful intent. I struggle with this all the time women's butts and boobies are everywhere on the internet.We must run from temptation and resist. God help me live what I believe and others who read this.The guys guy will say it doesnt hurt to look, heck pastors and deacons will say that very thing, its just not in the bible.