Is sex really necessary to sell?

The old adage “sex sells” has been around a long time, but the increase in sexually-related advertising should make us wonder if sex is the only way organizations can sell a product or promote a cause these days.

Models, television stars, and movie stars by the dozens have stripped to promote everything from sneakers to animal rights. Pop culture/entertainment guru Kimberly Lansing said, “When celebrities of all ages and walks are participating, it’s scary to think what the future of entertainment, advertising, and pop culture in general will look like in 20 years.” Joanna Krupa, who has posed nude for PETA and Playboy, said, “In America, the church seems to still have more impact than in Europe and that shapes the overall moral sensitivities of people. My take is that we should surely teach our children about boundaries when it comes to nudity, but we have got to stay reasonable and discuss and stop with the demonizing.”

The reason for “demonizing” the “sex sells” approach is because rampant ungodliness is associated with it. Jesus said, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). Sexually-charged advertising presents the temptation to commit adultery within the heart. One could boycott and complain, but the best response is to turn it off or look away. Again, the Lord added, “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell” (Matthew 5:29). Better to leave the room, turn the channel, turn the page, or load a new website than to commit sin and possibly be condemned.

Kyle Campbell