Dear Russ:

If a movie is pornographic then it is a sin to watch. A movie that happenes to have a nude scene or two is not necessarily a sin to watch, but it is not prudent.

We have an obligation to avoid the near ocassion of sin. Failing to do that is not sin, but can unnecessarily lead us into sin.

There are many things that are bad for us that are not necessarily sinful. It is an issue of wisdom and prudence. St. Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians 6:12 "Everything is lawful for me," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is lawful for me," but I will not let myself be dominated by anything.

And again in 1 Corinthians 10:23  "Everything is lawful," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is lawful," but not everything builds up.

As to where the line is drawn between mere nudity in a movie and pornography is not clearly defined and thus is a matter of conscience. Our conscience, therefore, is guided by the teaching of the Church on pornography (from the Catechism):

2351 Lust is disordered desire for or inordinate enjoyment of sexual pleasure. Sexual pleasure is morally disordered when sought for itself, isolated from its procreative and unitive purposes.

2354 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.

We must remember that people respond differently to these things. Michelangelo's "David" may spark lust in some and to others not. For those who would look upon that statue or any work of art that has nudity, the better part of valor is to avoid such works. But those who have problems should not translate their reactions upon everyone else; and those without problems with nudity in art should not look down on those who need to avoid it.

Bottomline is since the distinctions are not clearly marks in many cases, we must not look to what others are doing but look to what we will do based upon our conscience in the matter.

I am, however, speaking about nudity. The depiction of simulate or real sex acts is altogether different.

Pornography is not limited to the so-called "adult" movies depicting graphic similate sex acts or actual sex acts. In terms of how I read the Church's definition, quoted above, any scenes in even the highest class Hollywood movie that depict more than mere nudity but simulate sex acts are pornographic by definition. And if I am correct in that interpretation then any movie, no matter how mainstream, even though no an "adult" movie as such, that depicts simulated sex acts will be a grave sin to watch.

We must all remember to take the advice of St. Paul:

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is
honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if
there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  (Phil 4:7-8)

And finally, St. Ignatius of Loyola in his Constitutions wisely teaches:

"All should take care to guard with great diligence the gates of their senses (especially the eyes, ears, and tongue) from all disorder, to preserve themselves in peace and true humility of their souls, and to give an indication of it by silence when it should be kept and, when they must speak, by the discretion and edification of their words, the modesty of their countenance, the maturity of their walk, and all their movements, without giving any sign of impatience or pride. In everything they should try and desire to give the advantage to the others, esteeming them all in their hearts as better than themselves [Phil 2:3] and showing exteriorly, in an unassuming and simple religious manner, the respect and reverence befitting each one’s state, in such a way that by observing one another they grow in devotion and praise God our Lord, whom each one should endeavor to recognize in his neighbor as in His image. . . . It will be very specially helpful to perform with all possible devotion the tasks in which humility and charity are practiced more; and, to speak in general, the more one binds himself to God our Lord and shows himself more generous toward his Divine Majesty, the more will he find God more generous toward himself and the more disposed will he be to receive graces and spiritual gifts which are greater each day".

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary