A Book And Masturbation

[anonymousgal]

Hi, everyone. I know, so far most of my posts have dealt with books. sheepish But it’s because I worry if what they contain is good or not, whether I should keep the book or whether if something in it, I dunno, automatically makes the whole book bad ( I can be thick in the head, so if this sounds familiar, if i’m repeating something from before, please forgive me ).

The book I’m referring to right now would be “Understanding Scrupulosity” by Thomas M. Santa. I’ve been reading a recent thread here about masturbation, and it looks like probably 99.9% of the time, masturbation is a mortal sin.

But in this book, well, for example, one line says. “Masturbation can be serious, but often is not because of lack of full deliberation or consent”. Another part says, “Many people began this practice while very young and have it so ingrained in their life that they instinctively do this whenever they become pressured. In that case they would surely be lacking in sufficient reflection or full freedom. Changing a habit is very difficult, especially if the habit is longstanding and tied in with one’s feelings. That’s why I recommend that you try to find a confessor you can consult with.”

Usually when a book seems kinda off to me, I’ll tear it up and shred it. What do you think? Maybe I’m just not seeing things clearly here. Maybe I’m overreacting?

 

[baltobetsy]

The book you mention is an excellent one for people with a scrupulous conscience. What you have quoted from Fr. Santa is completely true, most especially the part about consulting with one’s confessor about this sin.

Sins are mortal when they involve serious matter, sufficient reflection and full consent of the will. The things the author mentions are things that diminish consent and therefore the culpability of the sinner.

If this sin is a problem for you, you should consult your confessor about its seriousness for you, as each soul is different. Masturbation is always grave (serious) matter, but not always a mortal sin, because of the differences in culpability between sinners.

Betsy

(Don’t shred the book!)

 

[anonymousgal]

The book you mention is an excellent one for people with a scrupulous conscience. What you have quoted from Fr. Santa is completely true, most especially the part about consulting with one’s confessor about this sin.

Sins are mortal when they involve serious matter, sufficient reflection and full consent of the will. The things the author mentions are things that diminish consent and therefore the culpability of the sinner.

If this sin is a problem for you, you should consult your confessor about its seriousness for you, as each soul is different. Masturbation is always grave (serious) matter, but not always a mortal sin, because of the differences in culpability between sinners.

Betsy

(Don’t shred the book!)

Thank you for your quick reply! I won’t shred it! I was sort of hesitant to in any case, because it just seems like the book has good advice in it ( I mean, I actually ordered it in a fit of scrupulosity years ago ), but then I had doubts…and also I have to admit that the sort of ambiguous-ness (or what I perceived as ambiguous-ness) of the answer has given rise to excuses…as if masturbation could be excused somehow. I know, don’t kill me, that’s wrong, very wrong, I know, and not the fault of the book. headslam So that was another reason why I was thinking of shredding the book (though as I said, the book isn’t at fault), but was kind of embarassed to put my personal stuff out there…then again, I’m anonymous.

Umm…yes, the above sounds really crazy, don’t kill me, people! x_x; Don’t worry, I’m not some kind of freak who’s here just to post weird stuff.

 

[anonymousgal]

And umm…hopefully no one here gets influenced by me. Not that you guys are like influenciable…it’s just a fear and worry of mine.

 

[baltobetsy]

To put your mind at ease, the decision that you are not culpable for this sin because of habit, addiction, or whatever, is for the confessor (priest) to make, not you. That eliminates the excuses. Of course, there are people who will try to make their own determination, but it’s not right to do so.

Betsy