How bad of a sin is masturbation?

[Shakuhachi]

Sexual images, innuendos and reminders are rampant in our culture…both in obvious ways and in subtle ways.

And maybe we do not fully realize that there is an insidious predatory pornography industry. It is no accident that innocent internet searches can return terrible graphics. Young kids are extremely vulnerable.

 

[therese1998]

This is true and, given the nature of endorphin release in human brains, the pornography becomes more and more deviant and more and more violent. It is a scourge on the world.

 

[therese1998]

Are you talking about pornography or masturbation?

The OP referenced masturbation but not pornography.

Either way, they are both a problem in our society and he will find very little secular support to avoid either.

This isn’t helped by making them more nervous.

Amen! I don’t know why we think heaping fear on top of shame and confusion results in avoidance of a particular behavior. It only drives it underground. What is underground is not discussed and what is not discussed does not generally heal on it’s own.

Agreed

It’s as much of a problem among women, and has been for as long as I’ve been aware of the issue, as it is among men. It’s much, much more secretive and shameful a topic, though, in my experience. Women will very rarely admit, even to each other, this issue whereas men tend to be more “don’t discuss it in polite company” but they’re more open with friends and peers about it. That’s what my husband says, anyway

I think when someone asks a question about masturbation, we need to be careful about assuming they use pornography, too.

Yes, good point

 

[TheLittleLady]

Thank you so much, Father.

 

[ZMystiCat]

*How bad of a sin is it? I’ve seen some people say it’s one of the worst sins one can commit, while others encourage it by saying it’s healthy eg. it can prevent cancer

It’s a grave matter and, if committed, should be confessed ASAP.

It should also be noted that the “prevents cancer” argument is incomplete. Evidence indicates that it lowers the risk of prostate cancer in seniors, but it has the opposite effect in younger people, in that it increases the risk of early prostate cancer. But even for the older, it isn’t a reason to do it.

*Can I be forgiven by God if I do it? (I assume I can, but I just want to make sure)

Yes, go to reconciliation with the resolve to not do it again.

*Will I definitely go to Hell if I do it?

We can’t make that final judgement, but masturbation is a grave matter, which sets it up to be a mortal sin. However, reconciliation is more good than it is evil, and God will forgive us through it. We also believe God gives grace to those who desire to and have resolved to go to Confession as soon as they are able.