Apathy is not the answer to the aggressive challenge of pornography, incest, rape, and other forms of sexual abuse. "Lift up a standard for the people," ^{Isa. 62:10;} cried the prophet. The standard of purity and morality needs to be lifted up by every concerned citizen. Nor can individual citizens look only to human government for answers—although the battle against the evil of pornography is often conscientiously waged by courts and various agencies of government.

The underlying problem remains. Until it is seen that everyone's true selfhood is not physical and sensual but spiritual, and people lean more toward benefiting mankind rather than pleasing themselves, pornography and other forms of evil will continue.

According to Editorial Research Reports: "Once confined to relatively tame magazine stands, strip clubs and peep shows in low-rent downtown areas, the nationwide 'porno' trade has mushroomed in recent years, moving into quiet middle-class communities and outlying suburban shopping centers. ... Magazines that used to be considered racy . . . now can be bought in most drugstores, while hard-core erotica . . . are openly sold in a multiplying array of specialty shops." ^{William V. Thomas, "Pornography Business Upsurge," Editorial Research Reports, October 19, 1979;}

Concern over moral standards isn't new. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of their wickedness. Abraham interceded in behalf of the righteous in the cities, fearing they might be destroyed along with the wicked. "And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes." Later, this was amended to, "I will not destroy it for ten's sake." ^{Gen. 18:26, 32;} Mrs. Eddy explains, "A life or a nation is saved, in proportion to the predominance within of purity, patriotism, or other right motives; and this is the inner spiritual meaning of the story of Abraham's petition to God. If Sodom City had in it enough moral worth, it would be saved, not otherwise." ^{Irving C. Tomlinson, Twelve Years with Mary Baker Eddy (Boston: The Christian Science Publishing Society, 1966), p. 85;}

Scientific identification—a wholehearted acceptance of a spiritual rather than material definition of man and woman—is one's surest defense against sensual bondage. As pure gold can't be magnetized, so man's immortal individuality cannot be drawn toward the material and impure. There is no base or unworthy force enticing the real man. The only pull on him is his unity with God, with the pure and the good. "Make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof," ^{Rom. 13:14;} said Paul.

Christ Jesus was an example of the power of purity. Mrs. Eddy writes, "His spirituality separated him from sensuousness, and caused the selfish materialist to hate him; but it was this spirituality which enabled Jesus to heal the sick, cast out evil, and raise the dead." ^{Science and Health, p. 51;}

Pornography comes from a Greek word meaning the "writing about prostitutes." Its intent is to excite the baser propensities. The message of the Christ is "Peace, be still." The effect of the Christ to purify consciousness and regenerate lives is paramount in Christian Science. He who would help mankind today to overcome its troubles has a responsibility to lift up the standard of purity. Every right thought, every sincere prayer, every moral stand, every pure life, has its effect for universal good.

Indulging pornographic taste is sometimes portrayed as a normal part of private life. But what is such indulgence built on? Is it progressive? Plainly, thoughts wrapped up in sexual fantasy and sensual pleasures are not the kind that heal mankind and lift it to new heights of accomplishment.

On the other hand, starting from the basis of one Mind, God— pure, holy, inviolate—the thinker can safely turn to the divine government for answers to all of the perplexing problems of the day. As our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, declares, "Immortal Mind is God; and this Mind is made manifest in all thoughts and desires that draw mankind toward purity, health, holiness, and the spiritual facts of being." ^{Miscellaneous Writings, p. 37.}

Pornography will lessen as each of us takes a stand for God in every thought.