Q&A: The Parameters of “No Other Way”
The Parameters of “No Other Way”
Question
Hello and blessings,
I have a filtered Xiaomi phone. The problem is that the filter is not airtight; that is, it is possible to see immodest things (not really porn videos) if one makes an effort. I have already stumbled in this area many times in the past, and it is likely that I will also stumble in the future (though of course I try not to). The question is whether even in such a case one can say that there is “no other way,” since it costs money to buy a better filter or another phone (and a dumb phone has other drawbacks), even if it is likely that I really will stumble because of the phone. It should also be noted that even if I do stumble in this area, it is not necessarily going to happen through the phone. In short, I would be happy to hear your opinion on the matter.
Answer
Definitely yes. That is considered “no other way.” Even walking in the street exposes you to immodest sights. That is part of life in this world. By the way, I am also against Haredi filtering, because it filters out arguments and positions no less than it filters forbidden things.
Discussion on Answer
First of all—yes. I explained in column 487 that the medieval authorities (Rishonim) write that “no other way” applies even when the difficulty is small. Beyond that, the filter blocks many other things that you want to see. That too makes it a case of “no other way.”
I am not expert in the laws of filtering, but many Haredim write to me that their filter does not allow access to my site. If there is a filter that blocks only pornography, then of course there is no reason not to use it, and even if there is no obligation, it is certainly worth paying a little for it.
Maybe one more comment. The permission of “no other way” was said regarding the very encounter with the forbidden sight. But if you are drawn in and come to problematic actions or further looking that is not necessary, there is no permission for that.
On Rimon Internet there are several levels according to the user’s preference. The lowest level blocks absolutely airtight any immodest content, but nothing beyond that. And it is important to mention the words of the Talmud: “Even so, he is required to restrain himself.”
That was exactly my question. In practice, it has led me to problematic actions, and apparently it will lead me to that again in the future. Is there permission for it then?
No.
So in practice I need to improve the filter / replace the phone?
Correct. If it would prevent you from very significant things, then there may perhaps be room to discuss it. But if it leads you to transgressions, then you need to prevent them.
Paying another 200 shekels is considered “no other way”? By the way, I use Rimon Internet and it filters exactly what needs to be filtered. (I can browse the site here freely).