Article February 14, 2000 Issue

Men talk about resisting sensuality

Where does one find genuine satisfaction?

with contributions from Joel Magnes, Bobby Lewis, Nathan Talbot

WHY RESIST?

It would seem that in order for men to be men, there must be a strong sensual side to their nature and identity. Or so goes the conventional view of men. The radio edition of the Christian Science Sentinel talked with some men about the subject of sensuality, and what these men have learned about their real nature as a result of their spiritual study and growth. What follows are edited excerpts from conversations with Joel Magnes of New York City and Bobby Lewis of Evergreen, Colorado. An excerpt from Nathan Talbot of Boise, Idaho, appears on p. 10.

I grew up in a very permissive society, and our household was very permissive. So I engaged in a lot of sexual relationships and sincerely felt that there was no higher satisfaction. I was so convinced that sensuality was the road to happiness that I didn't make the connection that the compulsive pursuit of sexual satisfaction was really selfish and could hurt me and others. I even tried to rationalize that I was actually unselfish because I enjoyed giving women satisfaction as much as I enjoyed getting it.

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