masturbation!!!

[savedsept172004]

Is mastubating considered to be a sin?

 

[Isis-Astoroth]

The bible says a man should not 'spill his seed' (i forget where that is written), though I don't see why as a man would never use all that sperm.

 

[MoonlessNight]

Aquinas calls masturbation a mortal sin, though largely by means of aristolean biology which has since been proven false (i.e. the belief that the man contributes the entire person in his sperm and that the woman is just a vessel for the seed, thus the sperm would essentially be a person and masturbation would then be akin to murder.) It is an interesting question to ask whether it would be a mortal sin given our current understanding of biology. But in any case Aquinas argues that the act is contrary to the nature of sexual intercourse, which is to produce life and in masturbation life is never produced, and this reasoning is still valid. So it would seem that given a virtue based morality system and a christian perspective masturbation would still be a sin, if only venial.

 

[MoonlessNight]

The bible says a man should not 'spill his seed' (i forget where that is written), though I don't see why as a man would never use all that sperm.

Though the question arises, is masturbation really using the sperm, or merely expelling it?

 

[dkara]

It is an interesting question to ask whether it would be a mortal sin given our current understanding of biology. But in any case Aquinas argues that the act is contrary to the nature of sexual intercourse, which is to produce life and in masturbation life is never produced, and this reasoning is still valid.

Jewish laws and rules about sexuality were ALL about producing life---so naturally expelling sperm without an egg in sight was a no-no.

But sexuality isn't all about producing life--not now [probably not then either]. Now we have birth control--and continue to have intercourse. Now women with hysterectomys and men with vascectomys continue to have intercourse and it's not to produce children.

Mastrabation is hurting no one---[especially since men have a never ending supply of little swimmers] so I don't see how it can be wrong or a sin.

Go forth and ....be careful.

 

[12volt_man]

I don't believe that the Bible says that masturbation is a sin, in and of itself, but how does one touch without engaging in lust, which is a sin?

 

[snowwhite_jaz]

Ahhhh, theres only one way to answer a question like that. The fact that your questioning whether it is wrong is a sign that the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you something and in moments like that, you need to go to God for answers.

Is masturbation a sin?

Instead of people giving their own take on the subject and their own opinions, we should be looking to the bible for the answers. It is hard to find a verse that directly says "Masturbation is wrong!" like verses we see that directly say sex before marriage is wrong etc. The reason for this is, back in the time when the bible was written, masturbation wasnt an issue. Why? Because people married very young and it didnt need to be discussed. It wasnt an issue! Just as the bible never tries to prove God's existence, it is simply because it is a fact that He exists.

But you can find verses that mention how the act of masturbation is sinful. Lets be truthful here, its bringing yourself to lust to put i lightly. So masturbation is all about lust. And if you want to get into it even more, it is viewed as self-abuse.
In fact, an older definition of masturbation is "self-abuse." Although more modern dictionaries may no longer carry this definition, they are still linked together under self-abuse:
Self-abuse noun¹

1. Abuse of oneself or one's abilities.

2. Masturbation.


​

Here are some verses about masturbation:


1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV)"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body."

"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" (Matthew 5:28).


You can find much more if you look into the bible.
Or here is a site that can help you:

 

[GreenDragon]

Masturbation is natural and healthy; there has been evidence of monkeys and other primates engaging in masturbation and even [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] and [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]. It's not a pervesion by humans.

I don't know if that makes it not a sin, but I wonder what a "sin" actually is.

 

[GreyWolf]

Just because monkeys do it doesn't make it moral. We aren't animals. Hopefully, we are people with a knowledge of right and wrong, and a will that can choose to obey or disobey God. The belief of masturbation being sinful is related to the way a Christian looks at sex. I believe, and I believe the bible teaches, that sex is a gift from God given to two people who are married, consecrated together in the sacrament of marriage, and who love each other. It fulfills four purposes: Creating children, expressing love within the bonds of marriage, reaffirming the bond between man and wife, and giving pleasure. Pleasure is not its only purpose. When one masturbates, he or she takes this gift of sex, that God has given, and squanders it, using it selfishly for his or her own gain. there is no concern about pleasuring the other person with masturbation, only a selfish desire to pleasure oneself. Christianity urges people to view sex as in a nobler fashion and save it for the situations which God originally intended it for. Some of us feel its better that way

 

[Antoninus Verus]

Is mastubating considered to be a sin?

Heres a reference tip, if it feels good, its probably a sin.

 

[SuperMama]

And this selfish ungoldy squandering does it extend to wet dreams?

What a nonsence - masturbation is a release and while we are talking sex, lets not be sexist, women touch too for release. And I would far rather my sons and daughters were sorting things out for themselves (with privacy and discretion) than they were finding pre marital sex partners.

You cant get STD's from masturbation.
You cant get her pregnant.
You maintain your virginity status (providing you havent already given this away already).
You get to know what your body is and what it does without fornication.

And further, your teens and especially your teen sons are likely almost certainly discovering this for themselves. And you want to add guilt to their shoulders for being selfish, dirty and wicked?

Are we to really suggest that a man should get to marriage at lets say an average age of 25ish without experiencing a single ejeculation? Legs crossed, eyes crossed waiting patiently for his bride being a good Christian lad that he is determined not to sin.

My husband had to store sperm at a fertility clinic - was this sinful given that he had to shut himself into a room with a jar for the process?? On another occassion he needed to have two clear tests after his vasectomy - tests that didnt involve me at the clinic. All wicked sin??

The next thing to be suggested will be female circumcision where little girls have their cliterous cut off at about age twelve to ensure she is sexually pure at marriage. We wouldn't want her discovering her goodie bits and sinning before she meets her husband. This is what several third world countries still sanction (unofficially) and millions of girls are subjected to this horror due to ignorance, and to make sure she avoid masturbation and wont be tempted into extra marital affairs if she doesnt enjoy sex.

 

[Bonhoffer]

Masturbation is natural and healthy; there has been evidence of monkeys and other primates engaging in masturbation and even [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] and [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]. It's not a pervesion by humans.

I don't know if that makes it not a sin, but I wonder what a "sin" actually is.

We must go to the Bible, not science for our moral veiws. Naturalism is often an arguement used to justify things like sex before marriage and homosexuality. However it can be argued that violence, anger and racism are all natural.

 

[Sanguine]

We must go to the Bible, not science for our moral veiws. Naturalism is often an arguement used to justify things like sex before marriage and homosexuality. However it can be argued that violence, anger and racism are all natural.

While I agree that naturalism is a bad argument for anything to do with morality, you've concluded this for the wrong reasons. Naturalism simply doesn't comment on moral issues, it is inherently amoral. Moral standards need to be determined by society. Therefore a moral precept can only be judged on how in contributes to the functioning of a peaceful and prosperous society. So if you're going to oppose things like masturbation, premarital sex and homosexuality, you're going to need a better argument than the bible. That is not to say that you cannot get your moral precepts from the bible, just that they cannot be justified by their source.

 

[Samsara]

I don't use the Bible for my morality. Objective morality is not true morality is it? Then isn't it just a fear-based submission? [ie...What's the point of *doing good moral things* if I *don't* have the threat of Hell when it's all over with?] Isn't "Hell" in Christianity often the tool for beating people over the head with a morality stick? Scared straight so to speak? [Except I did have some really kind and Good News sharing Lutherans as neighbors once. I quite dug their religion.]

I don't believe in an afterlife netherworld called Hell so threats don't scare me and objective morality doesn't work with me in any form whatever. I've been to the real Hell in this life and came out on the other side so very little, if anything, can scare or frighten me into submission...

My morality, therefore, comes from no book but rather comes from the Spirit:

Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Jhn 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Jhn 14:17 [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Jhn 14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being [yet] present with you. Jhn 14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Mar 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

Mar 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

If the Holy Ghost dwells within, which is my particular philosophy, I do not need to check it against the Bible though I believe the Bible to be a nice teaching tool for those who struggle with their *still quiet voice.* Still has some really good Bible stories for children [ie, Why rainbows exist, etc.] but as my authoritative source for morality...Why would Jesus have to die then? Why not then simply continue with the God of the Old Testament in following the *rules* and *scripture*?

Did Jesus come, according to Christians, to set them free or to add another aspect to the story? BC: Old Testament AD: Old Testament PLUS grace?

Jhn 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Here's some OT stuff regarding *the issue*:

Lev 15:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying,

Lev 15:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man hath a running issue out of his flesh, [because of] his issue he [is] unclean.

Lev 15:3 And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it [is] his uncleanness.

Lev 15:4 Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean: and every thing, whereon he sitteth, shall be unclean.

Lev 15:5 And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even.

Lev 15:6 And he that sitteth on [any] thing whereon he sat that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even.

Lev 15:7 And he that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even.

Lev 15:8 And if he that hath the issue spit upon him that is clean; then he shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even.

Lev 15:9 And what saddle soever he rideth upon that hath the issue shall be unclean.

Lev 15:10 And whosoever toucheth any thing that was under him shall be unclean until the even: and he that beareth [any of] those things shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even.

Lev 15:11 And whomsoever he toucheth that hath the issue, and hath not rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe [himself] in water, and be unclean until the even.

Lev 15:12 And the vessel of earth, that he toucheth which hath the issue, shall be broken: and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.

Lev 15:13 And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.

Lev 15:14 And on the eighth day he shall take to him two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before the LORD unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and give them unto the priest:

...etc...

Accordingly, if one follows the OT teachings on this, you're dirty and have to sacrifice some animals due to your filth and take many baths and wash many things and consider anything you apparently touch unclean. So there's the Bible's *morality* on the issue.

Or maybe I have it all wrong regarding what Christianity is about. Or maybe Jesus does have an opinion on "this issue" [pun intended ] and I just haven't found it yet by way of direct Biblical *quotation* or Biblical logical extension [ie. Moses said God said so and Jesus said everything Moses said is true and that Jesus was just here to offer another condition for salvation to meet].

Peace, Love, and Light,
Samsara

 

[xtxArchxAngelxtx]

Mama:

That is VERY interesting and makes sense. The only problem that you seem to forget about is the fact that masturbation IS addictive, just like any other sexual or fleshly act. It is very possible to stop the addiction, but doing so can be very impossible.

I know that my sex drive and fleshly need/want for sex has increased 10 fold because of my past with masturbation. Because of this, it puts a problem infront of me and my girlfriend. WHY? Well for one, I shouldn't lust after her nor anyone else.
I am sure you of all people realize that we sin with our minds as well.
With that said, if masturbation is not stopped, my bodily will need another release: Wanting to have sexual with my girlfriend. This, however, suffers even more consequences of sin. Still the same sin, but the consequences will be greater.

Not to mention that my girlfriend DOESNOT want me masturbating, but all together wanted me to stop, because it is sin, and it is disrespectful to her and God.

We are to worship God constantly and pray without ceasing. Sorry, but masturbation IS self gradification and a very selfish and sinful act. Men and women can live without it, and thier spirit will be much healthier. I for one can say that and mean it... Granted it is always a struggle, but the temptation is beatable.

To say that masturbation is not a sin is to simply rationalize Gods level of righteousness He wants in our Lives.

Heres an interesting fact: If everyone did not habitually desire the sexual feeling that one recieves with masturbation, there would be almost no rape.

Peace

 

[robot23]

We must go to the Bible, not science for our moral veiws

i use my common sense
which serves me just fine

 

[SparkleDazzle]

I have one word "eww!"

Is mastubating considered to be a sin?

 

[SparkleDazzle]

______________________

 

[stray bullet]

Aquinas calls masturbation a mortal sin, though largely by means of aristolean biology which has since been proven false (i.e. the belief that the man contributes the entire person in his sperm and that the woman is just a vessel for the seed, thus the sperm would essentially be a person and masturbation would then be akin to murder.) It is an interesting question to ask whether it would be a mortal sin given our current understanding of biology. But in any case Aquinas argues that the act is contrary to the nature of sexual intercourse, which is to produce life and in masturbation life is never produced, and this reasoning is still valid. So it would seem that given a virtue based morality system and a christian perspective masturbation would still be a sin, if only venial.

Yes, in much the same way that birth control is considered a mortal sin, even though we knew at the time of informing people of the grave sin of using the pill, the nature of sperm.

I don't think the sin is in spilling the seed, so much as it is a attempting to a extract part of our nature (the pleasure of sex) without the other aspect that comes with it (procreation).

 

[revrobor]

The Bible does not address the issue.

Should one lust after one who is not their spouse in the process the lusting would be sinful.