I've avoided interacting with Perplexity and UB Tutor as chatbots because responses can drift away
from what I've read in the Papers for decades. However, the chatbot responses seem instructive and reasonably
aligned with the UB text! This is how I would have asked about these topics:
Q: What did Jesus teach about pornography, masturbation and enjoying the feeling of carnal appetites like lust?
(
UB Tutor) "Jesus' teachings on matters of lust, self-control, and the enjoyment of carnal appetites emphasize the importance of inner purity and the alignment of one's intentions with divine will. He taught that moral conduct is not merely about external actions but also about the inner motivations and desires that guide those actions. For instance, Jesus expanded the traditional understanding of adultery by stating that even looking upon another with lustful intent constitutes adultery in the heart. This teaching underscores that the moral quality of an act begins in the mind and spirit, where intentions are formed, and that divine judgment considers these inner dimensions of human behavior.
Regarding the broader context of carnal appetites, Jesus did not condemn the natural urges of the human body but rather emphasized the need to transcend them through spiritual growth. He revealed that true happiness and fulfillment are not found in selfish satisfaction or sensuous gratification alone but in the pursuit of higher values such as intellectual mastery and spiritual achievement. These higher pursuits elevate human existence and provide a more enduring form of joy than the fleeting pleasures of physical indulgence.
Jesus also taught that self-mastery is a cornerstone of spiritual progress. He encouraged his followers to transform their temptations and lower desires into opportunities for spiritual growth by cultivating a genuine love for higher ideals and divine truths. This transformation is not achieved through mere suppression of desires but through the development of a sincere affection for spiritual values, which naturally displaces baser instincts. In this way, spiritual rebirth leads to true self-mastery, enabling individuals to live in harmony with divine will and to express the fruits of the spirit - qualities such as love, joy, peace, and self-control.
While Jesus did not specifically address modern concepts like pornography or masturbation, his teachings on purity, intent, and self-control provide a framework for understanding these issues. He emphasized the importance of aligning one's thoughts and actions with the higher purpose of spiritual growth and the will of God. This approach invites individuals to reflect on whether their actions contribute to their spiritual development and the well-being of others or whether they are distractions from their divine potential."
(
Perplexity) "The Urantia Book does not record Jesus making explicit statements about pornography, masturbation, or the enjoyment of carnal appetites such as lust. Instead, the text generally emphasizes personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and the transformation of lower animal urges into higher, more spiritual forms of love and self-control.
While the Urantia Book does not mention pornography (as the concept is modern), it does promote Jesus’ teachings that focus on respecting the dignity of others and cultivating purity of heart and intention. The emphasis is on treating others as children of God rather than as objects for personal pleasure. The teachings caution against the objectification and exploitation that sexual lust and pornography can encourage, noting these tendencies can degrade real relationships and hinder spiritual growth.
The Urantia Book does not specifically address masturbation or label it a sin. Interpretations by those who study the text suggest that it is generally considered a part of normal human experience, especially in adolescence. The Book avoids moralizing about such practices and instead encourages individuals to develop self-mastery, discernment, and a balanced approach to their physical and emotional lives. It leaves such matters largely to individual conscience and the guidance of personal spiritual insight.
The Urantia Book recognizes that humans have physical appetites and desires, which are not inherently sinful. Problems arise when these appetites are indulged in ways that harm oneself or others, or when they dominate the will and inhibit spiritual progress. Jesus is depicted as teaching the value of self-control, love, and service, transforming natural desires into opportunities for growth and loving relationships, rather than merely for selfish gratification.
In summary, the Urantia Book’s depiction of Jesus would suggest that spiritual maturity involves moving beyond selfish indulgence in carnal appetites and focusing on love, self-mastery, and the respectful, dignified treatment of oneself and others."
Experiential wisdom: At age 80, these are no longer topics of concern!
Regarding topics about human experience, I have more confidence in what
other humans say than what AI tries to extract from human writings.
Rod
)
First clues: This video loops about 10 times. 
Next perspective ...
