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idkguy

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I need some help/advice about masturbation.

I am 14 and have been doing it since I was 6-7(before I knew it was a sin) and after reading CCC 2352

“To form an equitable judgment about the subjects’ moral responsibility and to guide pastoral action, one must take into account the affective immaturity, force of acquired habit, conditions of anxiety or other psychological or social factors that lessen, if not even reduce to a minimum, moral culpability.”

I am trying to find out if this means that because I got into the “habit” of it since before I knew it was a sin that it is not a sin to do it now?:confused: :confused:

I am trying to quit but mostly likely will “need” to do it again.

Thanks for any info.
Mike.

p.s. not sure if I have this in the right place so feel free to move it.
 
It is a sin and normally it is considered a mortal sin. However, given your age, it is difficult to tell if you meet the conditions set forth for it to be a mortal sin. Since you don’t know for sure, you should treat it as a mortal sin. That you got into the habit before you knew it was a sin does not make it any less of a sin now that you know. What you need to do now is start controlling yourself. Avoid occasions of sin as often as possible. That means avoiding internet porn, off-line porn, sexually graphic movies (which really porn in my opinion), etc. You should also frequent the sacrament of confession as often as possible. Always confess this sin before you receive the Eucharist. And try to receive Him as often as possible, it will help you grow and fight off the temptation to commit this sin. You might also consider praying the Rosary on a daily basis. With the Mother of God praying on your behalf, you’ll get extra strength to resist sin. I know this is a hard and confusing time for you. I was 14 only 6 years ago, but I can tell you that with the help of God, you can and will kick this habit. God Bless, I’ll pray you.
 
idkguy said:
I need some help/advice about masturbation.

I am 14 and have been doing it since I was 6-7(before I knew it was a sin) and after reading CCC 2352

“To form an equitable judgment about the subjects’ moral responsibility and to guide pastoral action, one must take into account the affective immaturity, force of acquired habit, conditions of anxiety or other psychological or social factors that lessen, if not even reduce to a minimum, moral culpability.”

I am trying to find out if this means that because I got into the “habit” of it since before I knew it was a sin that it is not a sin to do it now?:confused: :confused:

I am trying to quit but mostly likely will “need” to do it again.

Thanks for any info.
Mike.

p.s. not sure if I have this in the right place so feel free to move it.
Click to expand...
Masturbation isn’t wrong. Don’t worry about it.
 
Exalt said:
Masturbation isn’t wrong. Don’t worry about it.
Click to expand...
I don’t think this young man asked for liberal views on sex. He came to a Catholic forum for Catholic advice. Same with the other thread on SSA.
 
ChristIsTheWay said:
It is a sin and normally it is considered a mortal sin. However, given your age, it is difficult to tell if you meet the conditions set forth for it to be a mortal sin. Since you don’t know for sure, you should treat it as a mortal sin. That you got into the habit before you knew it was a sin does not make it any less of a sin now that you know. What you need to do now is start controlling yourself. Avoid occasions of sin as often as possible. That means avoiding internet porn, off-line porn, sexually graphic movies (which really porn in my opinion), etc. You should also frequent the sacrament of confession as often as possible. Always confess this sin before you receive the Eucharist. And try to receive Him as often as possible, it will help you grow and fight off the temptation to commit this sin. You might also consider praying the Rosary on a daily basis. With the Mother of God praying on your behalf, you’ll get extra strength to resist sin. I know this is a hard and confusing time for you. I was 14 only 6 years ago, but I can tell you that with the help of God, you can and will kick this habit. God Bless, I’ll pray you.
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Very good advice. I would add to this one suggestion. Try to start practicing a corporal work of mercy. Masturbation is at its root a selfish act or a coping mechanism. If it is a selfish act then the building of a selfless habit will help eliminate the bad habit. If it is a coping mechanism the the act of charity coupled with regular confession will help you cope with life issues in a more healthy way.
 
I know it’s tough to have people just say - you need to quit, but if you work at disciplining yourself in this area, it will help you greatly as you grow older. Self discipline is the most difficult virtue to aspire to in my opinion.

The advice on staying away from things that tempt you is solid advice. It’s very simple to see pornography with the internet and the explicit sexuality in movies these days, but if you really want to live a life of holiness for Christ, He will give you the grace to get through these struggles.

Regardless of what happens, though, continue to go to confession and don’t give up hope if you fall often. Satan uses the temptation to habitual sin to discourage Christians and to keep Catholics from the life-giving power of the sacraments.

Are you comfortable enough to talk with either of your parents about this? If so, try to get over the initial embarassment and talk to your Mom or Dad. Also, don’t let embarassment keep you from confession. If necessary, just tell the priest that you were impure with yourself and leave it at that. He’ll likely know what you mean.

God bless you for your courage in facing this. It’s dealing with tough issues like this that will make you a solid Catholic man.
 
Exalt said:
shrug

This is the apologetics section, right?

Maybe it should be moved to the Catholic Living section.
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If you had bothered to read the OP’s post, you’d see he wasn’t sure where to put it. But, shrugs, you don’t seem to care about those kind of things, do you?
 
Force of habit can lower your responsibility for your sin, but there is no denying that you know masturbation is wrong and freely choose to do it anyway; unless you have some kind of serious medical condition that actually denys you control over your body, it is a free choice no matter how strong the influence to do it is. Remember also that even if you arn’t fully responsible for your actions, they are just as evil: simply because it isn’t all your fault doesn’t make it any less abusive and destructive. I very much recommend stopping.

As someone who has kicked the habit, I can tell you that it helps to quit if you know why masturbation is wrong. It doesn’t sound like you do, and that isn’t your fault: Most religious educators arn’t prepared to answer questions like this, unfortunately. Try the explanation on www.pureloveclub.com. Also, believe me when I say it’s worth quitting, and it is very possible. In fact, once your stop for a while, it will no longer seem to be a “need” and it will become much, much easier not to do it. God bless!
 
Thanks for the info and the prayers I have a good feeling about being able to quit for good.

Thanks again.
 
idkguy said:
Thanks for the info and the prayers I have a good feeling about being able to quit for good.

Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Do not try to repress your instincts but try to understand them in the proper context. We are sexual beings and it is fine to have urges. However, you must know when they can be satisfied in a proper manner. There is a nice book (I cannot remember the title but you could find it browsing the Relevant Radio website) that has a nice and simple discussion on how to do it. The book is an analysis and layman explanation of the “Theology of the body” that was written by JPII.
 
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