A question for any ordained ministers. Is masturbation a sin?

[benedictine]

Is it?

 

[herev]

You will get as many answers for this as there are pastors, I'm afraid. In my opinion, you sould do some research, but there is no specific mention of masturbation in the scriptures, though it is alluded to in Leviticus. I do not believe that the act in and of itself is sinful, however, the process for many requires lust or worse, pornography. Both are sinful.
Wish I could be of more help
tommy

 

[clonenomore]

I agree with Herev on this -- and I can't really add to his post.

However, I really don't think that we are the ones to ask about this. Ask God in prayer -- and then really listen.

 

[benedictine]

Thanks!

 

[getreal52]

Is it?

What do you think about when you touch?


Do you know what lust is?

 

[SoulFly51]

What goes through your mind when you want to touch?


Now - if you were looking at those images in your mind in real life and Jesus was beside you, would you be ashamed of what you were looking at?

 

[benedictine]

First, if anyone was watching me have sex with my wife(were I marrried) I would be embarrased.

Second, it is usually a pairticular girl.

Third, are you, WesWoodal, an ordained minister. You seem slightly young.

 

[Highland Watchman]

First, if anyone was watching me have sex with my wife(were I marrried) I would be embarrased.

Second, it is usually a pairticular girl.

Third, are you, WesWoodal, an ordained minister. You seem slightly young.

Not to push my luck or anything... I may not be formally ordained, but I am 24, and I am a pastor. Youth isn't the only thing that we should look to in assigning whether or not a person is called to be in ministry. Mind you, though, I have had a lot of people look at me strangely and ask me if I was not a little young for being a pastor (or, preacher, as I like to be referred to as...) but that's what I am...

As for my answer regarding this issue, I concur with what has already been said by herev. I would recommend seriously praying about it. Also, there are at least half a dozen threads in the men's forum on this subject. That might be a good place to look...

 

[SoulFly51]

First, if anyone was watching me have sex with my wife(were I marrried) I would be embarrased.

Second, it is usually a pairticular girl.

Third, are you, WesWoodal, an ordained minister. You seem slightly young.

I'm a minister believe it or not, and yes I'm young (1 Tim. 4:12). I'm also unmarried so I understand what you're going through and the temptations you face.

The problem here is that you are not married and the woman you are focusing on isn't your wife.

Check this out -

Matthew 5:27-30 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away."

Jesus said that. Notice the parts of the body He mentions - your eye and your hand. Jesus understood this struggle, but do you believe Jesus ever gave in to this temptation? Of course He didn't. We know He never sinned.

I agree you should pray about this. However, I wouldn't suggest praying for an answer to whether it is right or wrong - I would pray for strength not to give into the temptaion to sin in this way.

We already know masturbation is a sin by studying the Word of God.

 

[AngelusSax]

Hypothetical time, kids.

Say a person masturbates solely for the reason that it reduces the risk of certain types of cancer. There is no lust involved, they're doing it for pure health reasons.

Is it then a sin?

Like I said, hypothetical. Not usually the case, but I suppose it is possible.

 

[SoulFly51]

I'm sure if there was no lust involved it would be alright. It isn't that act of masturbation that I believe is sinful; rather the thoughts that go along with it.



Be nice if that was the cure for cancer wouldn't it.

 

[benedictine]

I'm sure if there was no lust involved it would be alright. It isn't that act of masturbation that I believe is sinful; rather the thoughts that go along with it.



Be nice if that was the cure for cancer wouldn't it.

Indeed.

 

[Dr. of Missions]

I hope nobody minds the input of a new member, First I am ordained, I am not young, however I do recognize the problem. 2nd, it seems as though some have assumed that you are thinking of a particular girl. The truth is, some times young men wake up from a sound sleep, with "an issue" some times a very uncomfortable issue. Most think it requires attention, and that's up to the individual. After 25 years of counsling, pondering and study, I say no it is not a sin. However too much, is not healthy. My reason is, it is not adressed in the bible, and it's a difficulty that most young people face, male and female. The problem, as already noted is, What else you are doing at the same time. Lust is a sin, and Pron is a sin and a very serious problem that requires very serious attention. If Porn is involved, The first thing you need is a good filter for your computer, then talk to a professional about the Porn. If you don't it can distroy your life.

 

[SoulFly51]

I respectfully disagree - I believe it is mentioned by Jesus.


Matthew 5:27-30 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away."

Why else would Jesus talk about impure thoughts/lust and the right hand in the same sentence?

Is it reasonably possible for someone touch and keep from lusting in the midst of it?


Once again - its not the act that I believe is sinful. Its the thoughts that go along with it. But can a person engage in the act and not allow the thoughts to creep in? No normal person can ...

 

[AngelusSax]

What if a man is married, away on business, and masturbates as he lusts about his wife? And vice versa, a woman lusting about her miles-away husband?

Or is lusting over someone permissible if you're married to them? Is it lust then? Or is it technically something different because of that piece of paper?

 

[benedictine]

What if a man is married, away on business, and masturbates as he lusts about his wife? And vice versa, a woman lusting about her miles-away husband?

Or is lusting over someone permissible if you're married to them? Is it lust then? Or is it technically something different because of that piece of paper?

Good Questions.

 

[Nads]

What if a man is married, away on business, and masturbates as he lusts about his wife? And vice versa, a woman lusting about her miles-away husband?

Or is lusting over someone permissible if you're married to them? Is it lust then? Or is it technically something different because of that piece of paper?

That's something I've thought about, and the verse ppl have brought up is the one about lusting over a woman in ur heart, if u are married to that person, what is wrong with lusting over that person, it's not just a piece of paper that makes people married, it really has nothing to do with that piece of paper, it says in the bible that when people have sex they are joined as one.

 

[AngelusSax]

That's something I've thought about, and the verse ppl have brought up is the one about lusting over a woman in ur heart, if u are married to that person, what is wrong with lusting over that person, it's not just a piece of paper that makes people married, it really has nothing to do with that piece of paper, it says in the bible that when people have sex they are joined as one.

Heh, I've made the same argument before. I don't have the link handy, but there's another thread with this topic (marriage.... piece of paper necessary or does sex make you married?). I'll try to find it so we can continue any topic along those lines there, so as not to go off-topic here.

EDIT: Found it. http://www.christianforums.com/t1038361-what-do-you-do-when-you-are-aroused.html&page=1&pp=20

That's the beginning of the thread. You might need to go toward the end before it starts with the married vs. not married thing.

 

[SoulFly51]

What if a man is married, away on business, and masturbates as he lusts about his wife? And vice versa, a woman lusting about her miles-away husband?

Its alright to have sexual thoughts about your husband or wife. In fact - its encouraged.

Also, marriage is more than simply a peice of paper - I know you understand that. Are you just making conversation?

 

[AngelusSax]

Are you just making conversation?

You got me! You got AngelusSax.... My motive of making conversation was found out!