Masturbation: Why Should It Be Bad?

[Escipión]

First off, i wanna say that i'm a christian and that I do believe in God.


now let's get to the point. Why should it be a sin? I mean, it is part of our nature, it's part of ourselves as humans. I'm sick of hearing those who constantly condemn masturbation. Why is there that absurd necessity inside Christianity to deprive our lives of absolutely everything that brings us some pleasure, to deny ourselves, to deny our nature?

There are actually many species of monkeys who do it. And I'm sure that all those who are so much against masturbation in these forums can't help doing it with a certain assiduity.

We are animals after all, we have a body that works in a certain way, and in order to releave all the sexual tension we do need to touch. God wouldn't have made us this way if he knew we'd be in constant fight against the physiology of our bodies. When I see a pretty girl, i just can't help feeling atracted to her, I can't help desiring her in a sexual way, because i'm a sexual being, period. Why should I repress these thoughts, why should I repress my necessity to touch? Why is there so much repression?

And yes, i am opposed to premarital sex. But this is totally different, since it's something that affects me and no-one else. But no, we christians love to suffer. We are afraid of feeling pleasure, we are afraid of enjoying our bodies, we are afraid of enjoying our lives. There are many people who feel pleasure when they get a massage. Well I tell you there's absolutely no difference between the pleasure you get in this case and the one you get masturbating. Both things are about enjoying one's body. And while someone masturbates, it's totally normal and NATURAL to have sexual fantasies, of course! I mean, we are genetically made to desire people from the opposite sex, after all, as animals, our only goal is to procreate for the sake of our species. They question here is: why should I repress things that are natural and envolve me and just me, only because they are pleasurable?

 

[feline]

This is a highly debated topic as I'm sure you'll find once looking around the boards. Some believe it is a sin, others do not. I don't really see the point in debating it, as it is clearly grey area. I would say if one feels guilty, convicted or negatively affected otherwise by masturbating, refrain. If not, knock yourself out.

 

[Mr.Cheese]

I honestly don't have a problem with it.
There is a host of other things I believe to be more important.

 

[Leah]

@ escipion

Hiya! Well, this is my thought on masturbation (spelling?)

It is viewed by some as a sin because of the lustful thinking that comes with it. Its just like you said, if you see a pretty girl then its natural for you to be attracted to her and want to have sexual relations with her. To me, lust means wanting something only for a little while and not getting anything positive out of it in the end, know what I mean? So yeah, I can see why some think masturbation is a sin. But I also agree with you on being in a constant fight with the physiology of our bodies. I suffer from this ALL THE TIME *LOLOL!* Sure it stinks, and most of the time I want nothing more than to just relieve myself from that tension. But then I think to myself, "WWJD?" And I think about the fact that He's sees all and knows all. So that in itself discourages my need to relieve myself, know what Im sayin? *lol* Trust me, it works and if He can do that for me, then He can do that for you too.

And I think we all can agree that its virtually impossible to not think sexually about someone when you're masterbating. So yeah, I guess its a sin.

Hope my words made sense to you. hehe.

 

[moerunamida]

I honestly don't have a problem with it.
There is a host of other things I believe to be more important.

Same here. I would worry about trying to fix other flaws in your life that are more important.

 

[jezic]

something is wrong if it does not lead towards God.

Does masturbation advance your spiritual life?

Usually it does way more harm and keeps you from discovering the true beauty of human sexuality and God's plan for it.

That would make it wrong.

It is also condemned in the Bible and in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

and there is plenty of pleasure, have you ever just sat with Jesus and prayed for hours and felt his love around you, lifting you up? That is better than any physical pleasure there is.

 

[Eruliel]

One of the things that Christians are called to do is set themselves apart from the world, to set aside their lusting desires. I know this sounds old fashioned and stupid, but we are a people, called by God, sanctified, and set apart by him. We're not supposed to act like those around us who are not Christians, and saying that we should give into our animal instinct seems to me to just be giving up and going with the flow, something that God did not intend for his children to do.
I would like to point out that Sexual Immorality was something that the ancient Christians were supposed to abstain from. That and eating blood (Acts 15:20). Masturbation can fall under the category of Sexual Immorality because it could lead to actual intercourse before Marriage.
Understand that I think the human form is beautiful, God intended it to be beautiful, and we should enjoy looking at our bodies (read the song of solomon if you don't believe me. I love that book. It's gorgeous), but our bodies are also the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:18-20), and as such they shouldn't be defiled with sexual impurity until you're married. There are other ways of enjoying the human form. Join an art class. Wear nice clothes that make you look and feel good. And praise God for the wonderful work he has done on us for as the Psalmist said "I am fearfully and wonderfully made".
Those are my two cents worth,
Slainte!
Kuduk.

 

[invisible trousers]

i'm really hesitant to "argue" about masturbating in this forum, it's not really the correct place.

something is wrong if it does not lead towards God.

Does masturbation advance your spiritual life?

no, but neither do taking a poo, picking your nose, playing video games, watching tv, listening to all sorts of music, doing math problems, etc etc etc

i think what's more important is if the activity leads you *away* from God, like cheating on your spouse, stealing your neighbor's tv, etc. i don't know but i think all sorts of christians have masturbated and not been led away from God.

Usually it does way more harm and keeps you from discovering the true beauty of human sexuality and God's plan for it.

you are unable to prove this.

It is also condemned in the Bible and in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

no, it's not. also many of us are not catholic and really don't care about their teachings, no offense to you of course.

is masturbating taking up all of your free time? can you only think about running home from school and spending all day in your bedroom masturbating?

if it's something that you seriously have a problem with, then by all means don't do. however, many of us are able to touch occasionally and not have it affect our lives. there really are more important things for us to worry about.

 

[swordsman]

First off, i wanna say that i'm a christian and that I do believe in God. now let's get to the point. Why should it be a sin? I mean, it is part of our nature, it's part of ourselves as humans.

No, it's not part of our nature to touch. I know a lot of people older than me who have never masturbated in their lives and they're doing just fine.

I'm sick of hearing those who constantly condemn masturbation. Why is there that absurd necessity inside Christianity to deprive our lives of absolutely everything that brings us some pleasure, to deny ourselves, to deny our nature?

Because that 'pleasure' is actually a form of sexual self-abuse. For just a moment's pleasure some people accidently make their genitals bleed from rubbing too much, and making them sore. My friend, the absurdity is actually trying to encourage this form of behaviour.

There are actually many species of monkeys who do it. And I'm sure that all those who are so much against masturbation in these forums can't help doing it with a certain assiduity.

Don't put all of us in the same category as monkeys. If monkeys choose to do it, let them be. I've heard that lions can mate up to 50 times a day... would you like to replicate that too when you're married? good luck!

We are animals after all

No we're not...we're HUMANS. We're unique creatures and resemble the image of God.

we have a body that works in a certain way, and in order to releave all the sexual tension we do need to touch.

No we don't need to touch. I haven't masturbated in almost 6 months after being freed from that addiction and I don't intend to touch ever again. If you feel tense....relax. There are many people who do not touch anymore which proves that there's no need to touch when you have "sexual tension".

When I see a pretty girl, i just can't help feeling atracted to her, I can't help desiring her in a sexual way, because i'm a sexual being, period.

Yes, you are a sexual being...but that to me sounds like lust. I don't believe God would approve of such actions man. I believe you need to learn some self-control or you may be in trouble

Why should I repress these thoughts, why should I repress my necessity to touch? Why is there so much repression?

Because masturbation is addictive! It can DESTROY your life! It can potentially ruin friendships, it can mess up cycles for women (so I've been informed), it can lead you to sexual bondage and potential intimacy problems with your future spouse.

If you choose to touch...that's your choice, but I'm telling you as a person who has been there, done that....that it is potentially harmful to you sexually, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

And yes, i am opposed to premarital sex. But this is totally different, since it's something that affects me and no-one else.

I'm glad you recognise that it has it "affects" you. Ask yourself the question: Does this bring me closer to God? What am I thinking about when I perform this act? Think long and hard about the potential consequences man.

We are afraid of feeling pleasure, we are afraid of enjoying our bodies, we are afraid of enjoying our lives. There are many people who feel pleasure when they get a massage. Well I tell you there's absolutely no difference between the pleasure you get in this case and the one you get masturbating.

Yes there IS a difference! I'm currently helping half a dozen people get off this addiction. All of these people had one thing in common

• They all realise the addictiveness and the sexual bondage that it leads to
• They want to be FREE from it (and they WILL be, with Jesus' help)
• They realise that it damages them emotionally, spiritually, sexually and physically

And there are many more that are desperate to be free (even non-christians). Obviously some Christians feel heavily convicted to stop this act by the Holy Spirit and they can't stop. Do you think they should stop? I do.

Like I said before....you can live without masturbation, and you can live without it EASILY!! Don't get caught up in this sex-crazed world.

Both things are about enjoying one's body. And while someone masturbates, it's totally normal and NATURAL to have sexual fantasies, of course! I mean, we are genetically made to desire people from the opposite sex, after all, as animals, our only goal is to procreate for the sake of our species.

"species", "animals"....

Sexual fantasies? in other words....lust? Why bother trying to escape from the real world and create a 'fantasy world'? Obviously there's something bothering you in the real world that makes you escape from it from time to time. Fix up your REAL world with God, and your 'fantasy' and REAL world will be the same! as for the sexual part...like I said, i think that's lust, and lust is wrong.

They question here is: why should I repress things that are natural and envolve me and just me, only because they are pleasurable?

God created us in such an interesting way, however masturbation is quite selfish and robs us of the intimacy you will have with your future spouse, let alone all of the abundant potential hazards that you could face. If you (or anyone) choose to do it...that's your choice, but I've just told you of the many dangers masturbation comes with. I'd highly recommend you to stop it if you're involved in it though.

 

[Escipión]

i disagree with the ones of you who have said that masturbation can't be good if it doesn't lead you towards God. I don't want to offend anybody, but isn't this a bit absurd?

How many activities do we do on a day that have to do nothing with God, just as playing chess, videogames, reading a book, watching tv, hanging out with friends and watching starwars with them at the cinema, going to the mall with your girlfriend or with some friends...

There's one of those fanatic christians at my church who sais there's no excuse to read a history book if you could be reading the bible. Please, let's keep our common sense. I have a life, and God wants me to live it. we should keep in mind that in our society sex is a taboo. We analyse sex and all sexual activities with the eyes of our society, and in the same way we say we wouldn't do it if Jesus was sitting beside us, as some say, we wouldn't do it either in front of our father, or mother, or best friend.


TO eruliel

i disagree with you. I have instincs which god put in me and i am not ashamed of them, because that would be like being ashamed of how god made us. "I" am not only a soul, i'm also my body. Trying to act as if the second didn't exist doesn't make much sense to me.

 

[feline]

something is wrong if it does not lead towards God.

Does masturbation advance your spiritual life?

Is icecream wrong? What about taking a nap? Or playing ping pong? They're not harmful, yet they do not led towards god.

 

[janny108]

I think God is concerned about the big and little things in our lives.
I don't know so many people continue to be divided on this. I have been healed of of fantasy and masturbation. I'm only going to say to those who say "well we are sexual creatures, human, etc. that if we walk by the spirit of God we will Not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Look up immorality in your bibles. I don't think someone can touch without having impure thoughts.
Jan

 

[swordsman]

Is icecream wrong? What about taking a nap? Or playing ping pong? They're not harmful, yet they do not led towards god.

you're right....but masturbation CAN be potentially harmful, and it CAN lead you AWAY from God. It can open doors to many forms of bondage such as premarital sex, cross-dressing, homosexuality...etc

And like I mentioned, there are quite a number of people now who do not touch, and are living their lives very well without it.

Now, having said that... if you can live without masturbation in your lives....something potentially dangerous....why NOT??

If you believe that you live a free, fulfilling life in Christ, while you touch...may God continue to be with you and bless you, however from me...someone who used to do it, but doesn't do it anymore, I'd encourage all of you guys to stop doing it. For me and EVERY PERSON that has stopped it, they felt better from it and live more fulfilling lives. It's my testimony!

 

[Leah]

@ those who think masturbation is ok:

Ya know, if ya'll stop and think about it, what always happens when you touch?? You end up having sexual thoughts about someone (and don't act like it can't or doesn't happen cuz you know darn good and well it does. Don't be naive) The fact that we're human and we inevitably struggle with everyday issues in our lives certainly doesn't excuse nor justify immoral behavior/thinking. That's a copout. Look, if you wanna continue doing that, then that's your choice. But know this: God sees all, knows all and you WILL have to give an account to Him for all that you think, say and do when that last hour comes.

Remember that.

 

[moerunamida]

Is icecream wrong? What about taking a nap? Or playing ping pong? They're not harmful, yet they do not led towards god.

Excellent thought!

 

[marianservant]

I believe that masturbation can become harmful because it can become a serious addiction and take over your life. Constant lust and need to "get off" are not a good thing and they distract you not only from God but form life in general. It comes down to self mastery. Pain and temptation are the vessels through which God tests and molds us. To forgoe masturbation and lust (to the extent possible) is highly remarkable and a pillar of purity. A sin? Possibly, better to master the self in my humble opinion and not worry about it...

 

[invisible trousers]

@ those who think masturbation is ok:

Ya know, if ya'll stop and think about it, what always happens when you touch?? You end up having sexual thoughts about someone (and don't act like it can't or doesn't happen cuz you know darn good and well it does. Don't be naive)

and why would this be a bad thing?

 

[Yiannis550]

I have a life, and God wants me to live it.

Do you know why God gave you this life? Not to enjoy it of course with pleasures and hedonism. He is giving you a chance to repent and search to find Him and make friends with Him.

I disagree with you. I have instincs which god put in me and i am not ashamed of them, because that would be like being ashamed of how god made us. "I" am not only a soul, i'm also my body. Trying to act as if the second didn't exist doesn't make much sense to me.

These insticts are not your insticts. They are put there by the way our society works misleaded from the devil. If you never had all these behavior and nudity, in movies, magazines, advertisments and discussions with friends you wouldnt develope such "insticts". Satan is trying by all means to stop us from going back to God. He has the ability to plant thoughts in your brain to mislead you. God allows him to do that just as much as you can handle because although Satan things it is harming you, you can benefit from it. As father Paisios of the holly Mountain in Greece said, Satan is like a Soap. God allows him to touch us as much as to cause us to search for the help of God and be cleansed. You can fight his effect on you by lots and lots of prayer and then you will start feeling God working his way in you, cleaning you and bringing you closer to him. Then you will realise what great and magnificent God is and how great is his plan for us! I am talking from personal experience. I was in the same situation with you, and having also the same opinions with you. But my spiritual father helped me to start fighting and now I am in a good way and happier than ever in my life! Every person is given something to struggle with in order to help him and find God. Because He loves us and He wants us all saved.

I hope I helped although i have limited time and didnt develop this as much as i wanted. I have a project to do for my MSc....
May God help you find your way,

 

[Eruliel]

The question isn't to ask "Does It Lead To God" but "Does It Honor God?" Do you think that letting lust control your mind, and just giving into the desires of the old self is pleasing to the one who saved you? And to those who say does playing chess etc lead to God then I would say yes. You can become more Christ like when you loose a game of chess and don't gloat about it, though every instinct in your brain says "Go for the gloat." And in becoming more like Christ you get closer to God.

Question: Does masturbation help you become more like Christ? Does lustful thinking?

"i disagree with you. I have instincs which god put in me and i am not ashamed of them, because that would be like being ashamed of how god made us. "I" am not only a soul, i'm also my body. Trying to act as if the second didn't exist doesn't make much sense to me."

I'm not acting like the body doesn't exsist, and I have no idea where you go the idea I was saying that. Our bodies are on loan to us. We don't own our physical selves. God owns them, and as such we should be serving his desire for our sexual selves, and not the desires of our old natures.
There is a proverb that says "Out of a mans thoughts spring his actions". That is so so so true. The more you think about sex the more you'll be tempted to try the real thing. I urge you,as a concerned sister in Christ, bring your thoughts into captivity under Christ. I'm not saying this because I'm holier than thou, but I'm concerned. If you don't watch out your thoughts will control your life, if they don't already.
Peace in Christ,
Eruliel

 

[invisible trousers]

you're right....but masturbation CAN be potentially harmful, and it CAN lead you AWAY from God. It can open doors to many forms of bondage such as premarital sex, cross-dressing, homosexuality...etc

i don't think you should give advice which is not possible to prove in any way.

Ya know, if ya'll stop and think about it, what always happens when you touch?? You end up having sexual thoughts about someone (and don't act like it can't or doesn't happen cuz you know darn good and well it does. Don't be naive) The fact that we're human and we inevitably struggle with everyday issues in our lives certainly doesn't excuse nor justify immoral behavior/thinking.

there's a problem with sexual thoughts? this is bad advice too because sexual thoughts aren't necessarily immoral. i don't understand how you guys think that repressing sexual thoughts is a good thing.

These insticts are not your insticts.

uhm, yes they are. God gave us sex drives. culture really doesn't have anything to do with it. same with masturbating--i'm sure people have masturbated ever since they've had hands.

i don't know, i'm just a christian who also happens to touch and doesn't really see a problem with it. there are many many more like me that appear to get by ok.