Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Just say it: Masturbation!

… I had an interesting conversation with a young man concerning self-gratification (and you know what I mean) as it pertains to being a Christian. I could not speak expertly on the subject nor could I find any reference in the Bible. I did however remember a Pastor/Psychologist who spoke briefly on the topic. In a nutshell, he did not say it was sinful and wicked. He did say it would be adulterous if the individual was married and envisioned someone other than the spouse while accomplishing the act. Can someone shed some light on this topic? -- TF

This comment was made by a friend of mine and I’d like to bring the topic to the forefront for a minute, which will hopefully result in a conversation on your thoughts and teachings. Let’s talk about “self-gratification” in detail.

Self-gratification, or masturbation, is a very hot topic among singles. For most individuals who engage, or indulge, in this behavior they find themselves somewhat addicted and are doing it on a regular basis. In all honesty, if you’re spending a lot of time – or any time for that matter – masturbating then your mind is not on God.

Some people believe that it’s impossible to masturbate without picturing someone or something sexual, which is committing adultery. Others believe an occasional sexual release is okay. But there is no biblical basis for masturbating.

In fact, God shows in His word that man (including woman) is able to withstand until marriage without having a “release.” Check out 2 Peter 2:7-9 where Lot was surrounded by sexual sin and wickedness. Lot didn’t succumb.

Really you should let Jesus be your ultimate example: He was a 33-year-old virgin who never gave into temptation.

Many people interpret Genesis 38:8-10, where it talks about Onan spilling his seed on the ground, as God’s message against masturbation because what Onan did displeased the Lord.

Despite the rumors that men spread about it being harmful or some scientific basis arguing the necessity for sexual release, single individuals must turn to God when faced with temptation and stand on His word for support.

I like what God says in Psalm 119:9-11, which was revealed to me by Ty Adams in her book “Single, Saved and Having Sex” – taken from the New King James Version:

"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You."


"Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them; but do not let them master you. Let them teach you patience, sweetness, insight." – Helen Keller

46 comments:

Mike Stewart said...

What a bunch of nonsense! Masturbation is normal, healthy and fun, one of the joys of life in fact. If the Catholic Church allowed priests to have sex, at least masturbate, it wouldn't be in the moral and financial ruin it is today. Some people are truly living in the dark ages and I truly feel sorry for them...and you! I'm sure you won't allow this comment to be published but it's something I had to say! God bless us all, including the masturbators (and that definitely includes me!!!)

Petula said...

Dear, Horny Old Guy! Not only are you mistaken about my not posting your comment, but you are mistaken in my perception of the subject. From a biblical standpoint, if one is keeping one's mind on God (as it says in scripture) then masturbation is not an issue. From a biblical standpoint, it is not acceptable. This has nothing to do with living in the dark ages.

If one has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior then He (Jesus) will be their moral indicator. Thusly, no one will have to tell them if it's right and wrong. They will know whether it is right -- or wrong -- for them.

Thanks for your comment.

A note on commenting: Please keep all comments respectful.

Tony and Kim said...

Although, the Bible does not seem to address and take a position on masturbation, it is found in a broader category that scripture is definitive about: Taking Matters into Your on Hands! The bible never endorses us serving or pleasuring ourselves! In fact, when Jesus had an opportunity to serve Himself, He declined. Perhaps we need to think about masturbation along these lines.

Anonymous said...

Petula is correct, masturbation is an affront to the value of relationships and a drain on spiritual thoughts. Fortunately there is a simple answer - modern chastity belts are comfortable and hygenic. With the key kept safe by a responsible person, there is no possibility of engaging in this pernicious habit, or indeed in sinful sexual relations outside marriage. Wonderful friendships with the opposite sex are possible with the knowledge that lustful thoughts will not be able to be fulfilled.

Anonymous said...

Anyone who would resort to a chastity belt is insane. Leviticus clearly says that ejaculation simply leaves on ritually unclean for the evening, the same as marital sex The Bible is otherwise silent on the issue, and the Onan story can only be interpreted as being about masturbation by someone with eithr an agenda or very poor reading comprehension skills.

This guy is sensible about Christians who masturbate...
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/religion/article_751.shtml

Masturbation is an important skill for understanding one's body. Too many women don't enjoy sex because they're not ebcourged to masturbate and learn about they like. I am a male virgin, and I would be hesitant to consider marriage with a woman who does not enjoy maturbating. It indicates someone who is going to consider sex a chore and want it only as many times as she wants children, rather than the holy communion of marital love that it is.

The fact that God provides women with a clitoris is proof that God wants women to enjoy sexuality, and the berst way to do that is for her tp educate herself by masturbating.

Jesus never said anything about masturbating, since he obviously didn't care about it. The abuse of the Onan passage is clearly about giving the cuhurch power over people by keeping them feeling guilty, comparing them to wholly different activities.

Of course the mainstream Christian interpretation of Jesus as a sacrficial lamb is antithetical to the Bible, anyway, because God ordered the Hebrews to stop blood sacrifices, saying that they no longer please him. Jesus needed to die so that He could show us ressurrection!

Anonymous said...

http://www.internetchurchofchrist.org/pearl-masturbation.html

Here is a great article. This minister says calling masturbation a sin is elevating man's law to God's law, and therefore you are sinning by calling masturbation a sin.

Anonymous said...

I think masturbation is difficult to figure out these days. I don't think the Bible clearly prescribes or denounces masturbation, but it does lay some groundwork for consideration, especially as regards lust. From my experience with positive psychology, I realize that pleasure does not lead to happiness, and that has been a motivation for me to become totally abstinent. It seems senseless though to give up masturbating, which is seen in American culture as a healthy thing that feels good and prevents diseases. I think that the main reason people don't quit masturbating is because they cannot defeat those arguments. But I have finally realized that there are reasons to not masturbate or indulge in sex. Sex feels good, but that's no reason to engage in it; I try to only do things that are healthy, and I don't simply eat food because it tastes good. One can also challenge the health benefits - prostate cancer can be prevented for men through proper diet and exercise, and plenty of antioxidants. Heart disease can also be prevented with the aforementioned. Thus, there is no biological necessity as some purport to show. Indeed, at least for guys, plenty of vital minerals, vitamins, and protein, etc. are lost in sex; how can sexologists be recommending sex with no limit to how often one can engage in it? There is a limit to how many times I lift weights per week (three), so how responsible is it to recommend unlimited sex as being healthy? I think our post-Sexual Revolution culture is influencing our science, because it has not been shown that sex is necessary, and thus there are probably other reasons why it is encouraged and recommended: it is profitable, difficult to control, probably has less negative health effects than most habits, addictive and therefore easier to justify than fight, etc. I'm just surprised that there is such a total lack of dissent as to sex's role in our lives these days.

Tanya said...

The Bible is quite clear that we are here on this Earth to suffer. This is why the Lord gave us such powerful and involuntary hormonal influences leading to libido - in order for us to struggle with them. Righteousness is to be found only in pain and as such, pleasure or even "relief" is therefore evil!
Jesus said "come to me and I will give you rest - however if you are not willing to comply - I will burn you in Hell - FOREVER - because I love you UNCONDITIONALLY."
So you see, "love" is actually a euphamism for "suffering." As soon as you understand that, you will be able to comprehend the faith more clearly.
Sexuality exists only for bringing children into the World, independent of their own request so that we can subject them to the same agonizing struggles, for the pleasure of our loving God.
Embrace sadism and you will be a good Christian.
God bless you all!

Anonymous said...

I am 68, single and live alone, still feel guilty about masturbation, I want to masturbate to relieve the tension that builds up in me so much I get a head ache with the desire for the release. I do not believe it is a sin, I will never get married or have any more kids so what in God's name is wrong with it? I just does not make sense to me!

J. said...

keeping your semen helps you attain a spiritual enlightenment.

Controlling your sexual desires makes you over power the mind's worst enemy "lust".

Sexual desires is a perverted version for our love for God (use your sexual energy to make God Conscious children)

Semen has great vitamins that nourishes your whole body when you keep with in.

A drop off semen is equal to 64 drops of blood.

Anonymous said...

Show me a guy who says he never masturbated and I will show you a liar.

Anonymous said...

Some Interesting but perhaps not all are very informed comments I don't think.

For a start it is perfectly and totally possible to masturbate while keeping ones mind on God, and in a place of worship too Him, while loving in a 'pure' way on one's physical body. I do that regularly as I feel the need to. WHY? Because masturbation is a way to lovingly connect with your physical self and is in no place in Scripture ever even addressed.

Some of us who have suffered abuse have rejected out bodies, and lived with the need to punish ourselves and our physical bodies. We felt we needed punishment and that our physical/sexual bodies were evil, sensual and sinful, so that it was wrong for our bodies to feel pleasure or comfort especially sexually!

For years I suffered like this and heard some wrong teaching about masturbation that reinforced that, so I always sort to not personally fulfill that need and tried to live in denial of my physical, sexual needs. As I have never married, it meant many long years often of struggle and guilt if I did not succeed and gave in to the urge to release the sexual tension I was experiencing.

In only the past few years have I come to understand that as a NEW CREATION born again from the very DNA of my Creator God, that my whole Being, including my physical body is Redeemed, including my sexual feelings and desires. So to release these God given tensions and desires in a pure way IN HIS PRESENCE has bought me into a whole new freedom of both His Love to me and in my ability to love myself in a righteous way!
I no longer live in guilt and shame fighting off desires to punish myself, rather I feel a deep acceptance and Love from God and like wise for the first time towards myself.
Praise God!:)
I hope my sharing this will help some who struggle as I used to do.

Maurd

Anonymous said...

keeping your semen helps you attain a spiritual enlightenment.

Controlling your sexual desires makes you over power the mind's worst enemy "lust".

Sexual desires is a perverted version for our love for God (use your sexual energy to make God Conscious children)

Semen has great vitamins that nourishes your whole body when you keep with in.

A drop off semen is equal to 64 drops of blood.'
hello there j.
where in medical literature did you find this. please give me the reference. semen has no vitamins and our body does not derive nourishment from it. it is always produced whether one has sex or not and it is always relesed (even if u don't masturbate) in the form of nightfall. in today's era of hiv it is much safer to masturbate and fulfil desires than resort to unsafe sex.

Melvin said...

I can't picture Jesus masturbating. Unless it is integrated into sex, a gift of each spouse to the other, it's done out of purely selfish motives.

I learned from personal experience just how badly masturbation can affect one's life, along with its sister sin, porn. In the past I've stayed awake until 4 AM trying to satisfy my lusts and have my fill of noxious images. (Proverbs 27:20; see also vv. 16 and 18). The two sins of porn and masturbation always seem to go together. Am I right?

To Horny Old Guy, every time I feel my body react to sexual stimuli, I remember that I've only to wait for the hormones in my blood to subside without fixating on my present thoughts. Fixating only prolongs the bodily response. If I occupy my mind with something else, after ten or fifteen minutes all is well.

To the poster with headaches, there is help for that. See a physician.

The Apostle says in 1 Corinthians 9:27 ". . . I drive my body and train it . . . ." The Amplified reads, ". . . I buffet my body . . . ." Masturbation seems more like indulging than buffeting. Where is the discipline in that? St. Paul disciplines his body not because he hates it. How can we hate the flesh? It's part of us! No, St. Paul disciplines his body so he will not lose it in the 2nd death but get it back glorified in the resurrection.

If we really love ourselves, we won't mistreat our flesh, exploiting it. We will, rather, respect our own bodies and those of others, regarding them as the temple of the Holy Spirit, which we are! Which of us would break a temple window to use its glass to cut out coupons? Don't we act similarly when we express semen simply to flush it into the sewer? It's not respectful. Those are living cells from your body being thrown away!

Let's not forget that our 2 most powerful weapons against the temptation to masturbate are prayer for grace in the midst of the struggle (Matthew 26:40-41; Philippians 4:13) and consideration of the consequences to self and others. (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 re: faith and love)

How many have been late to work because we couldn't focus on the task of showering without unnecessary interruption? How many of us have objectified others and surprise(!) ourselves, by reducing us and others to mere body parts? No other activity I can imagine narrows focus from the whole person, to just a penis and a hand. All other thoughts fly out the window, so to speak.

FYI, I am posting this response after resisting a temptation to masturbate. Rather than give in, I did the second worst thing, seek to justify my sin by searching for "can celibate masturbate". My search led me here. Clearly, I have an answer for myself, but that didn't stop me from seeking a way around that answer. Thanks to God's grace, I am no longer tempted, today, and have not given in to sin. I have NOT masturbated. I'm approaching a month of freedom from masturbation, but I don't count days, as that would make me want to violate chastity once I pass a milestone. I should say about a month, which is pretty good for me. Not bragging; just grateful!

Tanya, quit playing around! Joking about matters of faith in the spirit of ridicule is most unwise!

To the anonymous poster who said that he or she masturbates in a place of worship, I ask you, rhetorically, where is this place of worship? I cannot imagine fellow worshippers approving and not saying something to you! What you describe sounds a bit, shall we say, LaVeyan? I've been on the Devil's side, and his worship changes one quickly and profoundly! It's really shocking how quickly it changed me! Please, test the spirits! (1 John 4:1) This is just a friendly warning from one who cares for you!

Peace to you all!

Petula said...

Melvin, Thanks for adding your thoughts/comments to this post. I'm glad your search led you to something that would reaffirm your commitment to your choice. God bless you on your path.

Thanks for everyone who continues to wonder by Single and Celibate. In fact, Melvin's comment may have me begin updating here again.

:-)

servant1 said...

I'm 26 years old, and un married so I do not have sex. I believe God wants me to be single for service to Him. Celibacy is A GIFT! U can't force people to be single no more u can force people to be a preacher. If the catholic church could grasp that well they'd have better leaders. But, if I do marry, to keep from masterbating, then I'm out of Gods will, and hurting a person for sexual desire. So ill keep single, and try my hardest not to masterbate. Unsuccessfully.

Anonymous said...

I came across this site on a random search about masturbation. I'm 26 years old and unmarried. I've learned to be a selfish guy after being rejected by girls for most of my life. Naturally, I've gotten onto masturbating. It's easy, cheap and I don't have to worry about getting a girl pregnant. Even though I feel even more lonely when I do it, masturbation is all I got. God alone can't satisfy my phyiscal needs. He can't hold my hand on a Friday or Saturday night. God hasn't struck me down with lightening for masturbating.

Anonymous said...

I'm a 26 year old christian male. Tanya on here made a lot of sense about struggling in life. I struggle everyday being a single male. I've been single all of my life and it sucks. All I have to keep me sane is masturbation. As long as God has not "struck" me I will continue to do it. What's the big deal? I'm not bothering anyone by doing it. I've been rejected by girls all of my life so naturally I've become selfish.

dubz said...

masturbation is totally normal, acceptable behavior, if not a phase. just don't go overboard with it; that it is equal to ten drops of blood is a chinese proverb, i believe. i think it does contain quite a bit of nutrients, as a matter of fact, not to mention it symbolizes your essence. it is not impossible to go without masturbation, if you put your mind to it. ever hear of mind over matter? have faith.

Anonymous said...

Dear Petula,

Your reference to Onan's sin is a popular but incorrect interpretation of Bible. Onan was not masturbating, but practicing coitus interruptus.

Petula said...

Thank you everyone for your continued comments. I appreciate you added your prospective on a subject that is a continued topic of singles' conversations worldwide. It's also a subject that most married folks have as well. Don't be discouraged, however. I would say to have some type of control when it comes to masturbating. It can become very addicting and as you go through different phases in life the urge can be overbearing and overwhelming. Good luck and take care.

Anonymous said...

What about wet dreams?

Bravo2uniform said...

I can't believe this post is 7 years old. I just found this researching celibacy, abstinence and masturbation. Great post and great comments.

Anonymous said...

Thanks everyone for your heart felt convictions on this subject. I Have been struggling with pornography and masturbation for years and after indulging my flesh I am always convicted by the Holy Spirit. I know in my heart it is wrong. When I was dead in sins and an enemy of God, when my spirit was not ruling over my mind and flesh I was a slave to sin. I did that which I felt was right in my own mind with no conviction. I was spiritually DEAD! Through Gods love and grace for me he gave me the gift of eternal life through his son Jesus. I am born again of t he spirit now! I have been purchased by God through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. My body is not mine anymore, my body is the temple of God. The word of God says, So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Gal 5:16. The spirit must rule over the mind and the flesh. Easier said then done! Thank God we are saved by grace! Or no one would make it to heaven. How then do we walk in the spirit? Read the word of God! Everyday! Memorize the scripture so you can fight off the devil. The word says, " I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psa 119:11. Its warfare, the flesh and the spirit. Satan and temptation. Gods grace is sufficient for me! I will stumble and fall, but God will sustain me. Fight the good fight brothers and sisters! If you haven't asked Jesus into your heart today, he is just a prayer away...cry out to him and he will save you! God bless all



Anonymous said...

Being a human being brings with it a lot of challenges and no easy answers and I respect anyone thinking about the issue of masturbation. As I am aging I don't do it much anymore but its a strong urge for people and we have to be okay with it either way. It might take a person a long time to work it out with themselves. Life is a process and a journey and I believe god loves us regardless.

Keli said...

Loneliness and rejection from girls, and rejection from guys, on my end, a lot of times leads to people being upper 20's, I'm 27, and haven't married, nor do I have any possible people to get to know/marry. It takes time, and it takes a job and life skills to move out... I haven't developed social skills nor life-skills, but I do try to.

In the mean-time, I have occasionally masturbated because it is something to release some frustrations and it produces some euphoria to get through intense loneliness and empathy/emotional ties to people tends to be a burden and the spiritual gift of mercy sometimes requires God's mercy and encouragement. Being there for others and not receiving encouragement in return is harder than it looks.

I agree that it is not good to be addicted or for it to be all you do, but when there's so much you do, and then to not have companionship with a physical person, it's hard.

And I finally understand what a friend meant by fellowship/ needing it.

I believe I should marry, but in absence of arranged marriage, it's not likely without real help. The Holy Spirit is powerful in my life, I've seen friends come to Christ due to the friendship I have with them. I am very loyal to multiple people, guys and girls. Is it wrong to expect even one of them to be loyal to me? I have absolute loyalty and love for people.. But it's harder to not give something back to myself for my own time and take care of myself in Christian service. Yes, Christ didn't serve Himself. I put others first all the time, but I believe that we as Christians, particularly now in the last days, we need to seek strength from God, we need strength and mercy and grace and we need to be strengthening ourselves for the battle in the Spirit. The flesh body isn't going to matter, but the battle is the mind and Spirit and heart. If we are emotionally drained, and if it is emotionally draining to masturbate, we shouldn't do it, but if it is something fulfilling, then do it. We are arguing over debatable matters.

Petula said...

There are a couple of anonymous commenters here since the last time I came by. Again, I'm so happy you guys have found this blog and are able to talk about this important subject.

Bravo2uniform, I'm glad your research brought you here. In the past I've done a lot of writing on the subject and I decided to start this blog. The celibate and single topic just became too narrow for me.

One commenter asked about wet dreams. Wet dreams are a natural release for a young man... actually women have them also, but may not realize it as there is no ejaculation. If you'd like more details or a better understand please check WebMD.

Keli, I'm glad you're aware of what's going on with yourself and have found a "happy medium" so to speak. When I come back here to comment and see who has been by I have to be careful of my wording because when I began this blog it was basically from a strict Christian perspective. My viewpoint has changed somewhat, but I still believe in this principle for those who are and chose to live this lifestyle.

Talk amongst yourselves. :-)

Anonymous said...

Why do you say Jesus was a virgin and that he never masturbated? No where in the Bible does it say Jesus never married, and no where does it say he never masturbated.

Anonymous said...

So glad to see some of the young people on here have such healthy attitudes. It is a good thing our culture has made progress on this, but sad there are stil so many people either 'born too soon' to enjoy the benefits of that, and still so many harmful beliefs among others. Not to mention the barbaric practices against women- such as 6,000 girls and even infants every single day who have their genitals mutilated, usually without anesthesia, her clitoris is cut off in a way that is comparable only to cutting the penis completely off- seriously if you want to see some progress on sexuality the best thing you can do is work to BAN FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION AND TORTURE GLOBALLY, all African nations must be obliged to enforce such a ban, under threat of sanctions, because global human rights must be the priority for Christians. This horrendous practice is currently done to most women in Africa so we have a long way to go.

Anonymous said...

You write: Really you should let Jesus be your ultimate example: He was a 33-year-old virgin who never gave into temptation.- Why do you leave the obvious unspoken. In the context of what we are talking about would you not include the fact that Jesus did masturbate. OH My! what a sin to say that! Nonsense. Jesus ate food, slept,drank water, urinated, made a poop, right? He had a body just like anyone else, why then will people not just admit, that by 33 he also had masturbated, be it with a clean sinless mind. What is wrong with that? It is just a body function, people. It is your thoughts and other junk associated with it that will get you in trouble with God.

Anonymous said...

Sometimes its hard to face reality even though I love God with all my Heart , soul, mind & strenght. Im 24yrs & used to masturbate a lot but realised its not solving anything. I feel lonely most of the time.. especially when its summer cuz all i see is beautifull God created girls & couples enjoying the sun. God saw Adam feeling Lonely thats why He gave him Eve. so why me Lord? Every man needs MOTIVATION!!! cuz life is hard
To me masturbation is like drinking alcohol or smoking weed to solve your problems. it makes it worse. We are all sinners but only human & can neva compare ourselves to Jesus. Read & understand the Bible. In Anything u do pray & ask The Lord to have mercy on you & let him know how u feel. its not somethin u want but.. Even though is hard u still gotta be able to smile in Jesus name Amen!

Unknown said...

Wow..that is beautiful, may you continue to be blessed in all your doings in life.

Anonymous said...

I'm 49 single woman & I feel it's a natural thing to do & there's nothing wrong with it. It's not stated in the Bible. Everyone has different opinions on this topic. I feel it's up to the individual person if they feel guilty or not.




Anonymous said...

Look, I'm really really sorry but the idea of masterbation being unhealthy is very much outdated. And depending on factorial information from a book that was created (it was written and publish so hush on religious debates) however long ago it was is not a logical idea. And personally, I think not dating/having sex with another being is trying enough without taking care of a healthy bodily function. I think that the point of the Bible was to teach people how to be good, and going off that, to not over do things like masterbation.

Anonymous said...

Petula I have a question. I am a 62 yr old married male who's wife is physically unable to have intercourse. We love each other and are okay with the circumstance. (42 yrs married) We are both born again christians.
I have read in a few medical forums that an older male who ejaculates at least once a week is much less likely to have an enlarged prostate. What are your thought on this.

Larry

Dyplorus said...

What mannie amp and keli said speak volumes to me, I find myself trapped...All I have ever wanted is that one special person in my life...I don't need much more than that...I see many other people who need more than that...they have a partner but they cheat or aren't grateful and want more...But I only want to...no...I NEED to have that special loving relationship that is the essence of a true, unbreakable, lifelong partnership that is the definition of a united couple who will always be there for each other...I pray to god for a spouse...I ask him what to do because I feel so lost...as keli says, i'm extremely loyal and always want everyone to be happy...but when I come home every night, all I can manage to do is lay here in my bed and try to find answers after another day gone by with no results...and I know its wrong complain against god and that you're supposed to feel his love first...but I'm not feeling very much...why did god give us physical needs when he cannot be there to physically help us? Am I supposed to just accept my misery not being able to hold that special soulmate and not being able to be held myself, while he reserves the privilege of sexual gratification--which is the only way I can feel any bit of happiness at the moment and only a small part of the true soul-binding partnership I seek--and reserves all the fruits of a loving caring relationship and love for those who have already found it? I don't feel any love and yet I cannot complain to god about my miserable circumstances and I cannot masturbate to cope...it's already a hellish existance, and I need God's help now more than ever, yet, according to the bible, God will not help me until I feel his love which isn't physical and which I can hardly feel spiritually no matter how hard I try and I can't even grumble about it because "God's love is most important" and "what God wants is most important." Well, is this supposed to be at our expense? What kind of love is this that God has for me if I can't even ask him why he's subjecting me to this existence full of despair without fear of retribution? What kind of love is this that God has for me if I feel more dead inside than alive? I know I have much to be thankful to God for...and maybe this is how it's supposed to be...I really don't want to come off to him as ingrateful for everything he's done for me...but why do I feel so heartbroken when I've never even been in a relationship that could break my heart? Do I not matter in his eyes when it comes to his needs? I try so hard to follow his will...but masturbation seems like the only way for me to feel even the most brief moment of happiness...i remember some verse in the NIV version of the bible mentioning the (was it in exodus? Cant remember) jews migration from egypt and how they complain about their terrible food was and how god responded by sending snakes to kill them...I try my best not to make the same mistakes they made in not being greatful...but it's very hard to not grumble and complain when you don't have any of the food at all!...whether that food be terrible or not...I have none...and one can only go so long without any food at all...masturbation has at least been a mostly dried oasis...and now I can't do that either?! Is this God's love? My last hope is that God has a plan for me that will find happiness in my life...if that is the case...I cannot take much more of this despair and hope that he enacts it soon....

Ohm said...

Fair enough

Anonymous said...

Just do it. Too much is not too good. Please enjoy your life

Yusuf said...

I don't care about None of u in here . I want to share my life story . what has masturbing done to my life . u know I masturbed enough and now I am miserable . god forgive me . masturbation is not normal the one thing I know for sure in my life . masturbation ruined my entire youthood. if u want god to be with u then stop it for god sake .

Anonymous said...

As can be seen in the diversity of comments above, going by the Bible alone leads to conflicting opinions about morals -- all claiming to be guided by the Holy Spirit.

But God is the Author of reason as well as revelation. Right reason shows us clearly that masturbation is morally wrong in itself.

As Sigmund Freud himself admitted, any use of sexual power that deliberately prevents it from reaching the end of procreation is a perversion. Masturbation is such an act. If nature fails to produce a child, that is one thing. But for us to exercise the sex act, and yet, do so in such a way that procreation is impossible is quite another -- since it is then becomes a deliberate act that is placed in a manner we know cannot possibly lead to the life of a child.

No honest argument is needed to see that the opposing sexes are complementary by nature, and that same-sex "marriage" is thus an absurdity. So, too, everyone immediately sees that the sexual powers are aimed at procreation -- otherwise why are so many people using contraceptives like mad to make sure that conception cannot occur. Everyone also knows that solo masturbation involves using the sexual powers in such a way that conception cannot possibly occur.

Such acts are intrinsically irrational, since we all well know the aim of the act, but place it in such a way as to assure that it cannot fulfill that aim. It is a contradiction in terms: an anti-procreative procreative act. Its evil consists in the utterly irrational way we are using our sex powers -- a way totally foreign to the purpose God put into them. It is a perverse misuse of the natural power.

But, one might object, we are merely seeking pleasure. The problem is that in nature pleasure is given as a reward for performing an act good for the individual or the species. We may eat food for pleasure, but the natural end of the act itself is nutrition for the body. That is why when the Romans ate, and then vomited to allow themselves to eat more, they committed the sin of gluttony -- since they sought the pleasure, but rejected nature's end of nutrition. So too, nature rewards sex acts with pleasure, but primarily to induce actions that perpetuate the species. Seeking the pleasure alone, while rejecting the procreation of the species, is both irrational and perverse.

These are some of the natural reasons -- reasons that even non-Christians can grasp -- as to why masturbation is morally wrong and sinful.

Petula said...

Please forgive my slow response to this blog and your comments.

Larry, my personal opinion is to do what you feel led to do. I'm wondering, will it make you "feel better" about the act if your wife is present? Just a thought. Either way, I believe there is truth to that medical claim.

Petula said...

To the individual of the last Anonymous comment at 12:47, I appreciate your well-though-out comment and response to this post. You make valid points and I'm sure your words are encouraging to others reading this.

Anonymous said...

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

To Larry and others that have wives who are no longer able to have sex.
I understand your issue. My wife has stage 4 breast cancer which has left her back fractured and other bones (like her hips) very weak. This has been true for more than 5 years now. To have sex with her would likely cause her to be paralyzed or possibly kill her. The cancer treatment makes her sick or suppresses her hormones, so she is not at all interested in sex. I love her and can’t do something so selfish with her. She finds it difficult to believe that I am not looking for another sexual partner, but it’s true. I can only say that God has not allowed the temptation to physically cheat, so I have no issues with staying faithful. Still, being a man that has desires building up without relief does point me in the wrong direction of looking lustfully at women more and more often. I turn away when tempted visually. It’s not a sin to be tempted, it is a sin to succumb to temptation.
The question would be if I only think of my wife in a previous healthy state when masterbating is this a sin? I am hoping not, because it keeps the other sexual temptations in check.
Scott

Anonymous said...

I Fought this for years until I excepted this is Healthy & Normal to masturbate, I'm 57, God Would have never given this HONEST Feeling to have Healthy for a Male to ejaculate OFF OFTEN Fluids out of the Body, I'm circumcised HERE & Masturbate without Guilt, I'm a Catholic raised go to Church Weekly basis, No worries, God blessed me& I accept

Unknown said...

The only people whose lives are cut short are the lives of the *especially* wicked