The concept of Lust in Christianity
Lust, in the context of Christianity, is viewed as a damaging emotion to be denied, promoting a spiritually centered life. It manifests as strong, often uncontrolled sexual desire, leading to immorality and sin. Various Christian doctrines describe lust as a capital vice that opposes chastity, enticing individuals into actions contrary to reason and virtue. It is associated with bodily desires that must be resisted to achieve peace and spiritual connection, highlighting the ongoing struggle against such impulses in pursuit of a holy and disciplined existence.
Synonyms: Desire, Craving, Passion, Appetite, Longing, Yearning, Zeal, Lustfulness, Infatuation, Sexual desire, Fervor, Indulgence, Temptation
In Swedish: Lusta; In French: Luxure; In Dutch: Lust; In German: Lust; In Finnish: Himo; In Spanish: Lujuria; In Malay: Keghairahan
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Lust'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The desires that exist in the world and that young men should avoid, as they conflict with the spirit and lead to actions that are not appropriate.[1] (2) This is an affection that arises within living beings by design, encouraging them towards intimate relations, thereby expanding the human population and contributing to the emergence of elevated individuals destined for everlasting existence.[2] (3) An activity that dulls the intellect.[3] (4) Lust is a condition that is connected to gluttony and is considered a monstrous phenomenon without voracity, as they are so united and concrete.[4] (5) Lust is a strong sexual desire, and the text states that the crafty spirit ensnares people with desire and lust, corrupting them with sin.[5]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) Lust is identified as the opposing vice to chastity, representing uncontrolled or excessive sexual desire, which is in direct contrast to the virtue of chastity.[6] (2) A capital vice that involves an inordinate desire for sexual pleasure, pertaining to the preservation of the species.[7]
From: The city of God
(1) Lust is the generic word for all desires, although it may have many objects, yet when no object is specified, the word lust usually suggests to the mind the lustful excitement of the organs of generation, and it is specially appropriated to sexual uncleanness.[8] (2) Lust is described as something that fear would act as a curb on, and the curbing of this prevents it from running riot in luxury.[9]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) This characteristic of the serpent, which is shameless, is a part of its physical description, and it contributes to the type of Satan, as referenced in the text.[10]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) Lust is to be denied, indicating the necessity to abstain from this detrimental emotion, promoting a more righteous and spiritually centered existence.[11]
From: The Kebra Nagast
(1) This of the belly can lead to downfall, indicating a strong desire.[12]
Gnostic concept of 'Lust'
From: Pistis Sophia
(1) These are the desires of the world that the counterfeiting spirit uses to tempt the soul.[13]