Why is lust so powerful?

[RileyG]

It seems like lust (and pride) are so powerful sins. It seems like majority of humanity seem to be infected by them. Why is that? I've always wondered...

P.S. What is meant by passions?

Thanks!

 

[RDKirk]

It seems like lust (and pride) are so powerful sins. It seems like majority of humanity seem to be infected by them. Why is that? I've always wondered...

P.S. What is meant by passions?

Thanks!

"Passions" are "lusts." "Lust" is any strong physical desire, not limited to sexual desires.

The reason they are so strong is because our minds have been trained to obey our physical desires since the moment we were born. Our minds are much less accustomed to hearing and heeding our renewed spirits.

 

[RileyG]

Thank you for your response!

Are you Orthodox? I'm uncertain what the EOC means by "passions". Are they sort of like "disordered affections" (having affection for something that isn't God) or "disordered appetites) (like lustful thoughts, overeating, pride fulness, arrogance etc).

Thanks!!

 

[RKO]

In terms of physical lust, its like hunger. The body has a need for sustenance to convert to energy so it gets hungry. Life has a prime purpose to create life, hence sexual attraction and lust. Christ calls us to moderation in both.

 

[ArmyMatt]

It seems like lust (and pride) are so powerful sins. It seems like majority of humanity seem to be infected by them. Why is that? I've always wondered...

pride is the root of all sin, because when you sin you are at the very least going against God's will because (even if just in the moment) you know better. lust is powerful I think because in our fallen state, sexual love between married people are salvific for the husband and wife. a priest I know once pointed out that the things that can make us holy (sex within marriage, eating the Eucharist, etc) are often what the devil usually twists to get us off track (lust, gluttony, etc).

P.S. What is meant by passions?

the passions are in a sense our desires, which are not wrong per say but they are out of whack and they control us. the purpose of theosis and attaining dispassion is to put them back in their proper order and to have man in complete control of them.

 

[RileyG]

Thank You!!!

 

[ForJesusChrist]

Why is lust so powerful?

Why is sin so tempting? Because it appeals to us and to the here and now, not the long term and God's eyes.

God Bless
Praise Jesus