Should Christians Read "Smut"?

An open-ended question.

I want to pose the question in your mind, that with contemplation, we could all seek answers from God. And that as Christians, a reminder that we are not to judge one another for what they do. We are told this in the Bible, as well as to love one another, and also to turn away from sin.

What is smut/spice? Lately the topic of "spice" in books has been going back and forth in my mind. Spice is one of the terms used to describe sex scenes or anything graphic of that nature. Another term is "smut". I see a lot of Christians who are pro-spice books and have them as a preferred genre. I never thought about it until I stumbled upon a 'spicy' book by mistake.

My mission: What I don't want to do is judge anyone for the things they do. What I do want to do is pose the question of whether or not said actions are a sin.

I've spoken about it in another blog that before I became a born-again Christian, I was heavily into the occult. I didn't even realize it because the things I loved were so mainstream.. And now I see this happening with 'spicy' reads. At the start of the journey of my relationship with Christ, I found something that changed the course of my life: a YouTube pastor that, in a very non-judgmental way posed some questions for our own self-reflection. It was through that I was able to see just how far I had slipped into the lies of this world, and how far I had traveled from the truth of it (the Bible's teachings).

If there is a question on whether or not something is good, right and pure- first seek the Lord, for he gives answers to those who seek.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 15 NIV

What started this: A few days ago, I downloaded a very innocent looking book on Kindle Unlimited. It was a setup much like my own novel- a pet centered romantic comedy with a darling premise and cartoon cover. What I didn't realize was its content: just past the first page was a fast-moving heavily sexualized scene; much of it happened before I even realized it. This was not a Christian book, but of course I read many mainstream stories that are 'clean' reads as they do not have these types of happenings. Of course, there are plenty of other triggers/normalizing other sins in books, but today I am specifically posing the question of sexual sin.

"you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." Corinthians 6:20

The question: While many feel convicted to not watch, listen or read anything explicit, why do other Christians have conflicting convictions? If the Bible tells us a thought of sin in the heart is equal to doing it, does anything erotic in nature fit into the lives of a Christian? Does reading, watching or listening in any form to explicit content bring glory to God?

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Corinthians 10:31

My final thought is that we like to do things that make us happy and feel good. But we have to be weary as the things of this world might bring short term pleasure, but they are not righteous. They are not eternal. They have no gain, and often lead us further into the temptation of sin. Jesus never said to 'do what feels good' or that we can enjoy explicit content as long as we are not engaging in it. He said we must deny ourselves (Matthew 16:24- below). I have struggled with this kind of content being very prevalent in my life, and I am well aware that it's everywhere. Mainstream cable tv has nudity, explicit scenes and references to things that used to be reserved for late night HBO. And now, you can find it in the most unsuspecting books. The more that sexual immorality is normalized in the world, the more it becomes in our life. Once you see it, or read it, or hear it- you can't undo these things.

Matthew 16:24-26 ²⁴ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. ²⁵ For whoever wants to save their life^[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. ²⁶ What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

If we actively participate in the ways of this world, diving into the pornographies and explicitness, what sets us apart as Christians?

Leave your thoughts below!