Is masturbation a sin?

[PetertheRock]

I have always wondered why something that prevents cancer would be a sin?

If you don't touch (or have sex) then you run a higher risk of prostate cancer. If you are single and not married then obviously you can't have sex. Anyway, here is the article in question...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3072021.stm

Masturbation 'cuts cancer risk'
Men could reduce their risk of developing prostate cancer through regular masturbation, researchers suggest.

They say cancer-causing chemicals could build up in the prostate if men do not [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] regularly.

And they say sexual intercourse may not have the same protective effect because of the possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted infection, which could increase men's cancer risk. Australian researchers questioned over 1,000 men who had developed prostate cancer and 1,250 who had not about their sexual habits.

They found those who had [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] the most between the ages of 20 and 50 were the least likely to develop the cancer.


The protective effect was greatest while the men were in their 20s.

Men who [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] more than five times a week were a third less likely to develop prostate cancer later in life.

Fluid

Previous research has suggested that a high number of sexual partners or a high level of sexual activity increased a man's risk of developing prostate cancer by up to 40%.

But the Australian researchers who carried out this study suggest the early work missed the protective effect of [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] because it focussed on sexual intercourse, with its associated risk of STIs.

Graham Giles, of the Cancer Council Victoria in Melbourne, who led the research team, told New Scientist: "Had we been able to remove ejaculations associated with sexual intercourse, there should have been an even stronger protective effect of ejaculations."

The researchers suggest that [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] may prevent carcinogens accumulating in the prostate gland.

The prostate provides a fluid into sperm during [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] that activates sperm and prevents them sticking together.

The fluid has high concentrations of substances including potassium, zinc, fructose and citric acid, which are drawn from the bloodstream.

But animal studies have shown carcinogens such as 3-methylchloranthrene, found in cigarette smoke, are also concentrated in the prostate.

'Flushing out'

Dr Giles said fewer ejaculations may mean the carcinogens build up.

"It's a prostatic stagnation hypothesis. The more you flush the ducts out, the less there is to hang around and damage the cells that line them."

A similar connection has been found between breast cancer and breastfeeding, where lactating appeared to "flush out" carcinogens, reduce a woman's risk of the disease, New Scientist reports.

Another theory put forward by the researchers is that [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] may induce prostate glands to mature fully, making them less susceptible to carcinogens.

Dr Chris Hiley, head of policy and research at the UK's Prostate Cancer Charity, told BBC News Online: "This is a plausible theory."

She added: "In the same way the human papillomavirus has been linked to cervical cancer, there is a suggestion that bits of prostate cancer may be related to a sexually transmitted infection earlier in life."

Anthony Smith, deputy director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University in Melbourne, said the research could affect the kind of lifestyle advice doctors give to patients.

"Masturbation is part of people's sexual repertoire. "If these findings hold up, then it's perfectly reasonable that men should be encouraged to touch," he said.

 

[PetertheRock]

Another thing, I was told by some people here if I touch I shouldn't recieve communion. However, when I went to confession I was told the opposite, I was told that frequent reception of the eucharist would help me turn away from this sin.

 

[PetertheRock]

I also found this article which is interesting. This is only a clip from the article...

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_800400.html
"What we found was men who [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] most in their twenties, thirties and forties had about a third less prostate cancer risk than men in the lowest category of [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse]," said Professor Graham Giles, head of cancer epidemiology at the Cancer Council Victoria.

"The men who were the high performers in terms of [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] had a third less prostate cancer risk than men who were in the lowest category of [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse]."

He said one explanation for the apparent beneficial effects of self-pleasuring was that frequent [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] prevented sperm from building up in the ducts, where it could potentially become carcinogenic.

Prof Giles said previous reports had found an increased risk of prostate cancer among prisoners and Roman Catholic priests.

Prof Giles said the study may have implications for prostate cancer patients who grew up at a time when the practice was frowned upon.

"I really think that masturbation is a quite normal human activity, and if the habit can also be shown to be healthy and beneficial, why not?"

 

[ej]

You should read what the CCC has to say on the matter

It doesn't entirely correlate what you were told at confession - but it would be helpful for you to read it...

 

[ej]

2352 By masturbation is to be understood the deliberate stimulation of the genital organs in order to derive sexual pleasure. "Both the Magisterium of the Church, in the course of a constant tradition, and the moral sense of the faithful have been in no doubt and have firmly maintained that masturbation is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action."137 "The deliberate use of the sexual faculty, for whatever reason, outside of marriage is essentially contrary to its purpose." For here sexual pleasure is sought outside of "the sexual relationship which is demanded by the moral order and in which the total meaning of mutual self-giving and human procreation in the context of true love is achieved."138
To form an equitable judgment about the subjects' moral responsibility and to guide pastoral action, one must take into account the affective immaturity, force of acquired habit, conditions of anxiety, or other psychological or social factors that lessen or even extenuate moral culpability.

 

[tdcharles]

There are more effective ways to fight prostate cancer. Simply having a healthy diet can immensely decrease your chances of getting prostate cancer.

The article says the proactive effect of masturbation is greatest in yours 20s, but the average male that gets prostate cancer is 70 years old. It's not a life or death issue.

 

[lonnienord]

ok a couple of questions. If touching yourself is a mortal sin -- which it is -- which is worse prostrate cancer or hell?

Do you really want to avoid prostrate cancer so you can live a few more miserable years on earth? Or can you see beyond? This earthly life, even if it lasts 125 years (which it won't for very many of us) is nothing compared to eternity. Personally i want to spend eternaty with JESUS and i will do nothing that could in any way interfere with that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

all for JESUS!!
lonnie

 

[Skripper]

Another thing, I was told by some people here if I touch I shouldn't recieve communion.

Are you sure you weren't told that if one masturbates, one shouldn't receive communion without sacramental confession first?

However, when I went to confession I was told the opposite, I was told that frequent reception of the eucharist would help me turn away from this sin.

Are you sure the priest meant it's okay to receive without prior sacramental confession first?

 

[pittguy579]

Yeah...his points didn't make any sense to me either..it sounded as if he got things backwards.

 

[ShannonMcCatholic]

This is very obviously a sin in which you struggle. Not to be overly explicit, but I also struggled in this area for a long time.

As a weakened person- I would use all kinds of ways to justify my sin (my husband isn't interested in me, he works all the time, I am away from him for a few weeks). I was an addict-- and addiction removes one of the essential components (ie, freedom) from making a sin mortal. Hence the ability to receive Communion , without saccramental confession. The hidden danger in this, however, is the sin of presumption-- that we can commit this sin and just assume we can go confess afterwards.

The effect of habitual sin- is that it injures our relationship with Jesus. We grow tepid and cannot speak or be spoken unto the Holy, ALmighty One-- when we are complacent about our sin.

This is one of those sins that you must struggle and fight against everyday. You must avoid all near occassions of sin (as those too, must be confessed). ANd you must realize that the Church's teaching is clear and unequivocable--masturbation is always sinful-- whether or not it is mortal or venial depends on freedom and knowledge.

The best way to overcome this sin -is to purposefully mortify yourself, practice the opposite virtue (for example-while you are free to watch whatever you want on TV- perhaps NOT watching Tv every other day-- or some other action that is an action of purity and chastity). ANd to beg, and beg for a horror and hatred of this sin.

For me the chain was blessedly broken when I saw the Passion of the CHrist-- I understood how wretched my sin was to Our Lord- I would meditate upon His broken and bloody body hanging on the Cross, whenever I was tempted-- and it just didn't seem that important anymore to be impure with myself!

Do not be fooled- the world will tell you all maner of sexual deviance is natural, normal, and healthy-- but as lonnie alluded to- do you want the health of the worl or the health of the SPirit. If it is the latter, do all you can to lean on the Divine Physician- he will give you all you need to have eternal health!!

 

[Skripper]

Yeah...his points didn't make any sense to me either..it sounded as if he got things backwards.

It would seem that something is missing, somewhere, but one never knows.

 

[ShannonMcCatholic]

Once again- my heart poured out post- buried at the bottom of the page--....

Listen- if impurity with oneself is an addiction- it is very likely not a mortal sin- as there is no freedom, per se. Hence the ability to receive Communion without confession. However I would argue that weekly confession is the best way to receive the grace necessary to combat a particular habitual sin!

 

[Rising_Suns]

PetertheRock, peace be with you,

There was a thread a while back regarding masturbation, and many of our devote members made wonderful and sincere contributions to the thread. Perhaps it may be of interest to you; http://www.christianforums.com/t1484351-masturbation-is-a-mortal-sin.html

Blessings,

-Davide

 

[Irenaeus]

What profits it a man to gain the whole world (health, fame, wealth) and forfeit his very soul? What will a man give in exchange for it?

You know, there are so many things that we do everyday that *may* increase our proclivity to certain diseases or undesireable outcomes. If we live in the city, you may have more unhealthy lungs. If you are a teenage driver (16-21) you are more likely to have a car crash. If you eat ice cream or maybe have clams for dinner, you are introducing into your body in the former case a good dose of saturated fat, or in the latter, a rather unhealthy choice to eat the vacuum cleaners of the sea.

This is folly to the world, to believe that (as we do) this world is not all there is, and that yes, some things may extend our life, but we know this life is not all there is; and that we should be anxious, like Paul, to leave this earthly tent and proceed to our eternal home.

PS: Yes, definitely check out the thread Rising_Suns posted above.

 

[Rising_Suns]

Once again- my heart poured out post- buried at the bottom of the page--....

Shannon,
I would hope that others read your post ernestly, as it is very wise and sincere (as always).

Blessings,

-Davide

 

[Skripper]

Once again- my heart poured out post- buried at the bottom of the page--....

Listen- if impurity with oneself is an addiction- it is very likely not a mortal sin- as there is no freedom, per se. Hence the ability to receive Communion without confession. However I would argue that weekly confession is the best way to receive the grace necessary to combat a particular habitual sin!

This is always a possibility, yes. And it could indeed lessens one's subjective culpability, would lessen's one's culpability if it were, truly, an addiction since addiction diminishes one's freedom of choice and ability to resist. Because of this possibility, this sort of sin is very circumstance-specific, so to speak. Though I'm not sure the OP was talking about "addiction," at least he made no mention of it. Moreover, while it's true that actual addictions do, I'm sure, exist, I tend to think it is a bit "over-diagnosed" and that it's not the case for most. It's more likely that the vast majority of this sort of thing is not truly "addictions," though the possibility is certainly there for some minority percentage. In other words, truly addictive behavior in this area is more likely the execption, not the rule (not suggesting you implied it was "the rule" of course ).

 

[Irenaeus]

Skripper,

I tend to be wary when things are blamed as addictions, myself. One must be very careful.

When I think about psychology and how some of the to-be martyrs apostasized because they were afraid of pain, or underwent pain, did the early Church dismiss them as not having a "free" free-will because of their psychological state (that of agony)? No; they were believed to have denied Christ. They believed fully in their culpability.

So while some behaviors are habitual, I think some Priests need to differentiate between what is habitual, and what is simply extremely difficult. To be crucified with Christ is extremely difficult. Grace is needed; Priests should make every effort to exhort their penitents to go to the Tribunal of Mercy frequently and lovingly.

 

[Maggie893]

Another thing, I was told by some people here if I touch I shouldn't recieve communion. However, when I went to confession I was told the opposite, I was told that frequent reception of the eucharist would help me turn away from this sin.

I have a friend who was with the Jesuits for a period of time who also struggled with this sin. His spiritual director there told him the same thing. When my friend would find articles or devotions that were designed to help him not sin and also indicated that he shouldn't receive communion, he was told not to read them or distribute them to the other novices. He eventually left the novitiate and is now in spiritual direction elsewhere and his new spiritual director is quite clear that a sin is a sin. Interestingly enough, now that this spiritual director is directing him to not receive communion in a state of sin, from masturbation, he is overcoming the sin through his desire for Christ in the Eucharist.

Also remember that today's scientific discovery on what causes or doesn't cause cancer will probably be reversed within the decade but God's perfect design will never become obsolete.

 

[ShannonMcCatholic]

Skripper,

I tend to be wary when things are blamed as addictions, myself. One must be very careful.

When I think about psychology and how some of the to-be martyrs apostasized because they were afraid of pain, or underwent pain, did the early Church dismiss them as not having a "free" free-will because of their psychological state (that of agony)? No; they were believed to have denied Christ. They believed fully in their culpability.

So while some behaviors are habitual, I think some Priests need to differentiate between what is habitual, and what is simply extremely difficult. To be crucified with Christ is extremely difficult. Grace is needed; Priests should make every effort to exhort their penitents to go to the Tribunal of Mercy frequently and lovingly.

While I think it prudent to err on the side of zealous carefulness to receive Holy Communion worthily-- the reality is that we do not know what went on in the confessions of the Saints. We do not know what their confessors instructed them, nor the sins they confessed. We must assume that a person's confessor is abiding in the arms of God- and acting as Christ Himself! We are not holy priests, ever offering the oblation of Christ- making Him ever Incarnate-- we cannot understand the grace that comes along with that unity of the earthly and heavenly priest! We should be very wary of telling someone (or even implying) not to listen to their confessor.

 

[Irenaeus]

Shannon,

I would never suggest someone NOT listen to their Confessor.

Just my opinions, not my criticisms.