Drawing the line

In the past few days, I've been running into a lot of issues regarding pornography (no, it's not what you think). First, there was a BBC news story about cops who have the unenviable job of deciding what's porn and what isn't. Then Sonja reviewed a book about a man's addiction to porn. Finally, there was another story (which I won't link) about a Belgian photographer who had an exhibit of pictures that (tastefully?) depicted the pubic area of various women, with the theme that every woman is unique and beautiful. As you might imagine, this stirred up a lot of controversy.

What defines what is and isn't pornography? In extreme cases, it seems to be pretty clear (for example, most people would agree that a naked female in a Rubens or Botticelli painting is art, while one in a girly magazine isn't). But where do we draw the line when it comes to issues like the Belgian photography exhibit? Does the majority opinion rule on whether something represents glorification of the female form, or denigration?

I guess for me, a significant part of this issue ties into the free-speech argument. I believe, for example, that the Belgian photographer had the right to exhibit his work, and that others had the right to refuse to see it. I believe it was Voltaire who said, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Yes, that applies even to those Christians who judge and condemn others who are different from them, but perhaps that's a topic for another post :)

Early Musical Monday: Getting back into the World of Blog

Still fighting the URTI, and now D and M have it, too. I may not get a chance to do much blogging this week, due to a major editing project that's due, but I thought I'd crawl back in, slowly.

Music helps everything. This time, I'll present a song that you can just sit back and enjoy (even if you're not from Edinburgh)--no analysis, no theological parallels, no scripture references. It just is...what it is.

What's up with me lately?

[image removed because it was skewing my web traffic]

Phlegm. Plenty of it. 'Nuff said.

Blogging break

I've been away on a business trip and am catching up with stuff at home and at work this week. Eventually, I'll catch up with blogging as well. The trip was both productive and fun...as a bonus, I got to spend some time with family and enjoy a ball game. If you recognize this park, you'll know where I was :)