This was really good! When you tossed in the word wonder as associated with Lust it immediately made me think of the little girl’s globe in George McDonald’s Phantastes when Anados lusted after the globe and eventually shattered it when he touched it. Not sure why my mind naturally went there as a connection to Lust but that’s where it took me.
One thing I'm reminded of here is that, in the medieval and renaissance view, Chastity and Charity are closely identified with each other. Chastity is not conceived of as a passive virtue but an active one (and one could be "chaste," in this sense, in marriage as well--not by abstinence but by honoring one's spouse). When we consider how true Charity/Love involves considering others more highly than ourselves, it's easy to see what our society has devolved into dehumanizing each other and viewing each other through the lens of use and self-gratification, as you very aptly demonstrate!
This was really good! When you tossed in the word wonder as associated with Lust it immediately made me think of the little girl’s globe in George McDonald’s Phantastes when Anados lusted after the globe and eventually shattered it when he touched it. Not sure why my mind naturally went there as a connection to Lust but that’s where it took me.
One thing I'm reminded of here is that, in the medieval and renaissance view, Chastity and Charity are closely identified with each other. Chastity is not conceived of as a passive virtue but an active one (and one could be "chaste," in this sense, in marriage as well--not by abstinence but by honoring one's spouse). When we consider how true Charity/Love involves considering others more highly than ourselves, it's easy to see what our society has devolved into dehumanizing each other and viewing each other through the lens of use and self-gratification, as you very aptly demonstrate!
Incredible post, commission, and just when I thought the post would end it kept going. Really thought provoking read.
Aaron, you captured so well in words what I tried to capture in paint. Thanks for inviting me into this reflection this Lenten season.