the 'M' Word

[invisible trousers]

if you saw my previous comment, disregard it. i thought this was in a different forum.

the more pleasure you get from something, the more you come to crave that thing and the more extreme the 'high' you need to satisfy that urge. Some people say that M is harmless and stops them from wanting premarital sex but IMHO the reverse is the case, they're more likely to be tempted into that kind of thing if they're weak enough to get involved in pleasuring themselves in this way.

I think this isn't a good argument; there really isn't much you can prove from that. Actually, I don't think you can prove it at all. To be honest, I'm not a fan of a lot of the advice given in this forum, but whatever.

Some people have problems with masturbation and probably shouldn't. Others seem to be able to live normally whilst masturbating every day. I don't think it's good advice to say nobody should touch ever, just like it's not good advice to say everyone should touch all the time. The bible is pretty quiet on it, so we kind of have to use our minds and figure out what is best for each of us.

As for myself, I place masturbation on the same moral level as say, picking your nose. Maybe not as bad though.

 

[Aalbiel]

What are they?

In addition, one need not be ashamed as long as they desire forgiveness, but it my opinion it is a sin. Only because it violates the intension for sexual behavior that God set: that sex be productive (procreation) and unitive (relationship-building). Masturbation is neither of these, and it does harm someone: the person that did it, as any other sin would. Not that mean any offense by this, but it, like fornication or theft or ny type of sin, does require reconciliation.

does sex really have to be so practical?
to make a connection here between gluttony and lust....
We don't have to eat three meals a day consisting of only what is essential for the body, like clockwork. That's unnecessary. But it is prudent not to overeat all the time, every day, because that is unhealthy, and can lead to health problems.

 

[alivenchrist]

In my opinion it is wrong. Jesus said in Matthew 5:28"I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." and if it is the same as sex for a married person then it is the same as sex to a single person.

 

[Leah]

IMHO Masturbation is not a sin. The word "Masturbation" is not present in the Bible. Neither is there an account of any person committing the act of masturbation in the Bible Nor is there any person in the Bible being condemned for committing the act of Masturbation.

Sometimes it happens unknowingly due to excessive sexual hormones or sexual tension which cannot be controlled.

Religious people and religious leaders who consider it as a sin, condemn it and thereby making guilty everyone who indulge in it. It is high time people learn to understand the Truth about Masturbation. There is no need to feel depressed and guilty about it.

I think it is a harmless personal act which harms no one in particular.

I feel you on what you're sayin. But I think the ones that consider it a sin is because with masturbation comes sexual, and/or possible adulterous thoughts during the act. So I can understand why some may think of it as a sin and a hinderance to their spirituality.

 

[Leah]

To the person who said it wasnt a sin- If you are lusting after someone in your mind to help you touch then you are sinning. Plain and simple.

I am not condemming any one becuase I also struggle with all the things associated with lust...but the facts are facts...

Well said.

 

[apologia25]

But really can you do it without lust in your heart? What about lusting after yourself?
isn't the Big "m" just our own attempt at what God promised in marriage. Much like Abraham with Isaac and Ishmael. God had given him a promise and we have that promise when we get married. Shouldn't we wait for what God has promised? and doesn't our body take care of excess through Nocturnal emissions? I have been in your position wondering if maybe it is okay. But how did satan fall by worshiping himself. Isn't the big M a form of self worship? Just some questions you should ask yourself

 

[silverwings_88]

Masturbation is indeed a mortal sin in the Catholic church. However in my own opinion, this perception is quite correct and makes sense ot me. I myself have been subject to this sin at least two years ago, before I became a Catholic.

To Catholicism and many other Christian groups, sex is a loving act and should glorify God. Sex is to give more than to receive, to show love rather than conceal it. To do masturbation is to glorify the self and be selfish, being subject to one's own pleasures.

Prayer is a good key in overcoming it. Whenever I had that urge, I would attempt to pray the rosary to keep my thoughts holy and pure. You can be sure that prayer is effete for such!!

 

[JosephD3000]

In my opinion it is wrong. Jesus said in Matthew 5:28"I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." and if it is the same as sex for a married person then it is the same as sex to a single person.

ok about what jesus said there it's not very clear, but amplifed makes it more clear, the aplified instead of lust it says evil desire , what jesus said kinda gives you the wrong interpretation, for instance your a guy thats single and you see a pretty girls, you desire for her, thats lust, if jesus said do not lust in this way, none of us would be married, but the amplified makes it much more clear on what he meant, evil desire, i guess it means picturing you having sex with her i guess, i dont know
but either way masturbation is a sin!