Is Masturbation a sin?

[melissajohn718]

No… He didn’t tell me to read Christopher West’s, Theology of the Body as penance. But I might pick it up anyway and read it. Thanks!

 

[jalma]

I think that the CCC explains what I have underlined. If one has done this a lot in early years of life, it can be imbedded in a person and would be a habit that person would be proned to repeating, hence, lessening moral culpability. Some people just have the urge to do this because it’s pyschologically so imbedded in them from doing it over a long period of time. I think no one should judge anyone and be so perfect and hoier than thou as some ar on this site from what I’ve read. Everyone is always judging everyone and putting a false idealistic Catholic persona on here. Give it up. It’s nonsense. This leads to fanaticism and to not being human anymore. My advice, do the Lord’s work by doing something nice for someone and helping people instead of being a “teacher” when you should be all looking in your own backyards. The long litanies of preaching on here are unbelieveable. God alone knows everyone situations.

Wonder no more. It is. And a grave sin. How do we know? The Church has told us. From the Catechism:
2352: By masturbation is to be understood the deliberate stimulation of the genital organs in order to derive sexual pleasure. "Both the Magisterium of the Church, in the course of a constant tradition, and the moral sense of the faithful have been in no doubt and have firmly maintained that masturbation is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action."138 “The deliberate use of the sexual faculty, for whatever reason, outside of marriage is essentially contrary to its purpose.” For here sexual pleasure is sought outside of "the sexual relationship which is demanded by the moral order and in which the total meaning of mutual self-giving and human procreation in the context of true love is achieved."139

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 can lessen, if not even reduce to a minimum, moral culpability.
You don’t have to understand it (that will come with time), you don’t have to agree with it (that will come with maturity and prayer) but you have to follow it to the best of your ability. Why? Look at your profile my bother. You are Catholic and this is what the Chruch teaches.

fbl9 had a great suggestion: Use the search feature and you will find threads where all of your arguments will have been hashed out.

P.S.- if it helps, know that we all, men and women, have struggled, continue to struggle, and will struggle with this.

 

[Joe_5859]

I think no one should judge anyone and be so perfect and hoier than thou as some ar on this site from what I’ve read. Everyone is always judging everyone and putting a false idealistic Catholic persona on here. Give it up. It’s nonsense. This leads to fanaticism and to not being human anymore.

I don’t think anyone here is judging any other person’s particular moral culpability. But that doesn’t mean we don’t try to state and explain the Church’s teaching on this serious sin. Simply because someone (like me) says that masturbation is gravely disordered (as the Church teaches) is not at all intended to be a “finger-pointing” at someone in particular as though to say they are going to hell. Of course no one here can judge the heart of another. I do not believe I have seen anyone attempting to do so.

God alone knows everyone situations.

You are absolutely right. But that doesn’t mean we cannot discuss the issue at all or state the very clear Church teaching that masturbation is gravely disordered. It’s up to the reader of the post to decide how it applies to their situation. Certainly, individual circumstances may change the level of culpability, but that doesn’t somehow make masturbation anything less than a grave sin.

Masturbation is always a grave sin. How culpable any one person is, I will not say. Only God know the answer to that.

 

[Nom_the_Wise]

While it sounds like it hasn;t been proven 100% apparently alot of research points to the fact that [masturbation prevents prostate cancer]. news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3072021.stm And I have read before that apparently it decreases the urinary tract infections in women.

HEY!! We’ve been talking about this over on another thread, and frankly, we were doing a better job. Making real progress, too. I won’t elaborate. Frankly, I’m exhausted.

Read this article that was posted by someone who wasn’t me, in reference to a question I was asking “Does masturbation help prevent prostate cancer.”

Just so you know, we already established the masturbation is evil thing, sin against chastity, mortal sin, hedonistic, so don’t weary my ears with any of that. I’m on board, as it were. I want reactions to the science. And I’m not going to start masturbating again just because of this article. It’s from the BBC. The BBC is better than American media; everyone knows. They don’t sit and chat with each other instead of giving the news. Read it. I’m watching both threads now.

 

[catholicbuckeye]

I have really been wondering if masturbation is a sin. I dont think that it is so much because of the sexual content, but rather because of the fact that the sperm is life giving potential. Masturbation is more of a release of stress and anxiety. We need some nurturing that we are not getting and so we literally stroke ourselves to ease the pain. So how can it be a sin of sexual temptation?

Pax Christi

I guess consider the context of what this sin is. You are imagining using a woman (or man depending on gender/whatever) in a context that is soley for your own gratification. There is no true love involved but rather only selfish reasons driving this act. As an aside, this has a trickle down effect in the way you perceive others and their inherent value as human beings. Definitely a utilitarian/dehumanizing thing going on here. The value attributed to the person in this act is proportional to the pleasure obtained from imagining them in a perverse way. Still nothing beyond the grace and forgiveness of God. Try to meditate on what the nature of the act is, whether it is right or wrong and why, and try not to do it anymore

 

[catholicbuckeye]

The BBC is better than American media; everyone knows. They don’t sit and chat with each other instead of giving the news. Read it. I’m watching both threads now.

You set the bar so high!

 

[Nom_the_Wise]

The BBC is better than American media; everyone knows. They don’t sit and chat with each other instead of giving the news. Read it. I’m watching both threads now.

You set the bar so high!

Yes, yes, yes, but did you read the article?

 

[Primrose]

The BBC is better than American media; everyone knows. They don’t sit and chat with each other instead of giving the news. Read it. I’m watching both threads now.

You set the bar so high!

Journalism is someone’s opinion of a fact. Satan uses the media regardless of who it belongs to. I live in the UK and many a time the BBC has got it wrong.

 

[BRB]

I want reactions to the science. And I’m not going to start masturbating again just because of this article. It’s from the BBC. The BBC is better than American media; everyone knows. They don’t sit and chat with each other instead of giving the news. Read it. I’m watching both threads now.

Ask the Great Scientist who made you, for your answer. He gave us Eucharist on weekly basis … to obtain cleansing/healing.

Whats your best source of info … the BBC or God’s laws ?

I wouldn’t worry so much about ‘possible’ carcinogens in your prostate. It’s all the trash we see/hear in life that enters our brains … that’s what we really need to worry about.

Now, get all confessed … and God will have mercy and find you a better job than that last one.

 

[Nom_the_Wise]

You set the bar so high!

Journalism is someone’s opinion of a fact. Satan uses the media regardless of who it belongs to. I live in the UK and many a time the BBC has got it wrong.

Okay, fair enough. I’m an Anglophile somewhat (Spenser, Tolkien, CS Lewis, Python, Shakespeare, the Beatles, and women with English accents catch my attention), so there’s probably some hero worship going on here. Obviously I know the UK must have its share of dingbats, but in America dingbat media is a matter of course. We get the BBC newscasts on PBS here in America, and they are a far cry from the loads of news-anchors-turned-commentators. As well, BBC gives a wider more detailed view of the world than we get (on regular TV. I’m too broke to have cable or satellite).

And, not to correct you but to elaborate, proper Journalism should not be opinion at all. It should present the facts without commentary, and commentary (opinion) has become a worldwide disease in most media. I’m with you there, Primrose.

No one has yet commented on the article. I was foolish on the other thread where I put out a call for someone to challenge the “Masturbation prevents prostate cancer” thing, as I could have easily googled the matter myself.

But as Catholics/Christians, how do we respond to the science? Is it possible to masturbate “objectively”? Without lust in your heart? I know how goofy that sounds. I’m 40 so I’m out of the 20’s range where the article says is the critical time to be masturbating to prevent prostate cancer. I’m not trying to be irresponsible and give people permission to masturbate. But these threads have gone back and forth with no forward momentum. Masturbation is a sin, an offense against charity, hedonistic, yes. But how do we respond?

Don’t turn me into a thread killer. Please.

 

[Nom_the_Wise]

Whats your best source of info … the BBC or God’s laws ?

I wouldn’t worry so much about ‘possible’ carcinogens in your prostate. It’s all the trash we see/hear in life that enters our brains … that’s what we really need to worry about.

Now, get all confessed … and God will have mercy and find you a better job than that last one.

I was writing my previous post, BRB, while you were writing this one.

I don’t think science and Christianity have to be at odds with each other. There are Christian scientists (not to be confused with the travesty of Scientology) but rather Christians of any denomination who also study science. Isn’t science, in its purest form, a study of God’s creation? God went through the trouble of creating the amoeba, so we might as well take a look at it.

Not to derail the thread, but it wasn’t until the 1800’s that humanity discovered that there was such a thing as an ovum. Our biblical forefathers believed that men impregnated women with their seed, and that women had no part in reproduction but to carry the child–wombs being essentially baby carriages.

The word “Testimony” comes from when men swore oaths on their testicles, as the testicles were the source of life. Science proved that to be wrong, and we now look at it as that they were working with the best knowledge they had.

I cannot accept as refutation “What’s your best source of info … the BBC or God’s laws?” I revere the laws of God. But I also as a matter of history know that God is infinite, and we finite humans have a lot of catching up to do. We don’t know it all. Our brains are still a mystery.

The dietary laws of the Jews were in contention once, but Jesus fulfilling the scriptures allowed that to pass, as well as circumcision (which some medical sources still say is a healthy practice–very contended still). The church only recently got around to forgiving Galileo. But they did it.

This post is “Is Masturbation a Sin?” A resounding yes. But the Catechism itself admits that certain mitigating factors must be considered (I quoted the CCC elsewhere). Is this not one of them? It must be handled responsibly, but can we ignore it? The BBC isn’t the only source for this info. Google/yahoo searches show that it’s very widely accepted (masturbation as prevention of prostate cancer).

I hope my attempts at being responsible and to draw comparisons are evidence that I’m not just trying to through wrenches into the gears, as it were.

 

[blessedtoo]

Okay, fair enough. I’m an Anglophile somewhat (Spenser, Tolkien, CS Lewis, Python, Shakespeare, the Beatles, and women with English accents catch my attention), so there’s probably some hero worship going on here. Obviously I know the UK must have its share of dingbats, but in America dingbat media is a matter of course. We get the BBC newscasts on PBS here in America, and they are a far cry from the loads of news-anchors-turned-commentators. As well, BBC gives a wider more detailed view of the world than we get (on regular TV. I’m too broke to have cable or satellite).

And, not to correct you but to elaborate, proper Journalism should not be opinion at all. It should present the facts without commentary, and commentary (opinion) has become a worldwide disease in most media. I’m with you there, Primrose.

No one has yet commented on the article. I was foolish on the other thread where I put out a call for someone to challenge the “Masturbation prevents prostate cancer” thing, as I could have easily googled the matter myself.

But as Catholics/Christians, how do we respond to the science? Is it possible to masturbate “objectively”? Without lust in your heart? I know how goofy that sounds. I’m 40 so I’m out of the 20’s range where the article says is the critical time to be masturbating to prevent prostate cancer. I’m not trying to be irresponsible and give people permission to masturbate. But these threads have gone back and forth with no forward momentum. Masturbation is a sin, an offense against charity, hedonistic, yes. But how do we respond?

Don’t turn me into a thread killer. Please.

The article does a lot of “suggesting” and postulating but does not advance any serious science.

• The researchers suggest that ejaculating may prevent carcinogens accumulating in the prostate gland.
• Dr Giles said fewer ejaculations may mean the carcinogens build up.
• Another theory put forward by the researchers is that ejaculation may induce prostate glands to mature fully, making them less susceptible to carcinogens
• “This is a plausible theory.”

I also find it interesting that article states this:

“Masturbation is part of people’s sexual repertoire. If these findings hold up, then it’s perfectly reasonable that men should be encouraged to masturbate,” he said.

The authors of this theory already assume that this act is a “part of people’s sexual repertoire”, asserting the concept that there is not, or shouldn’t be, any moral conflict involved. They are clearly advancing their own non-religious beliefs and thus exclude a large number of people who do find this activity in conflict with their belief systems.

There are many, many activities that humans CAN do which may be considered beneficial to one degree or another. As other posters have suggested, there is certainly an argument to be made that having a few drinks each day can lower blood pressure and relieve stress. For some, having a cigarette may do the same. Smoking pot can also provide the relief from stress that the whole world apparently seeks and needs, according to the secular world. Beyond that, we are told that some sexual experience and experimentation is necessary before one settles on a mate, or that co-habitation is the only way to know if you are suited for marriage with a partner. Women are told that taking the pill will help with skin problems, menstrual irregularities, and mental health. Homosexual activity fulfills the “natural law” for those who suffer with SSA. Anti-depressants and tranquilizers can cure everything from situational sadness to dangerous depression and anxiety. Diet pills can make you thin and happy. The new vaccine for HPV will prevent cancer without ever having to curtail promiscuous activity.

Where does it end?
MSM, science, medicine, and psychology have proven themselves to be antagonistic to religious belief systems. We, as Catholics, should be prayerful and discerning in applying such theories to our lifestyles.

 

[fbl9]

bet you all haven’t heard of this excuse for mastrubation…say the husband has a hair trigger issue his wife is not happy with briefness.so in an attempt to please his wife he does the deed sometime before marital relations.due to medical reasons the couple are unable to concieve,so they can only have the intamate union with no chance of child birth…

 

[Primrose]

Okay, fair enough. I’m an Anglophile somewhat (Spenser, Tolkien, CS Lewis, Python, Shakespeare, the Beatles, and women with English accents catch my attention), so there’s probably some hero worship going on here. Obviously I know the UK must have its share of dingbats, but in America dingbat media is a matter of course. We get the BBC newscasts on PBS here in America, and they are a far cry from the loads of news-anchors-turned-commentators. As well, BBC gives a wider more detailed view of the world than we get (on regular TV. I’m too broke to have cable or satellite).

And, not to correct you but to elaborate, proper Journalism should not be opinion at all. It should present the facts without commentary, and commentary (opinion) has become a worldwide disease in most media. I’m with you there, Primrose.

Absolutely, journalism should not be an opinion just a statement of the facts. And yes, the BBC does do ‘World Wide’ coverage very well, but if you saw their News24 they have started to do the banter that the US news readers do.

And back to the original subject. I’m not a Catholic but masturbation is self serving and is a battle for us women too!!! It’s daily seeking the Lord and asking what His will is for the day. Again, very easy to say but hard to do (but I do try:blush: )

 

[Nom_the_Wise]

and no matter how one dresses it up masturbastion is a sin.and a mortal one at that.

Just to remind everyone, **this **was post #2. What number is this?

It should have been the thread killer. That’s why this is such a serious pastoral issue.

 

[gam197]

originally posted** by fb19**
bet you all haven’t heard of this excuse for mastrubation…say the husband has a hair trigger issue his wife is not happy with briefness.so in an attempt to please his wife he does the deed sometime before marital relations.due to medical reasons the couple are unable to concieve,so they can only have the intamate union with no chance of child birth…

This discussion does get a bit edgy.

This sounds like an issue of a medical condition in which they are trying to avoid pregnancy and so they are using this as an alternative yet they have relations but don’t finish.

Men seem to really focus on health especially prostrate cancer. They either have been trained to focus here or it is a male thing. They seem so concerned about prostrate cancer but I never hear them worry about lung cancer, high blood pressure or heart disease when they are young.

From wikipedia…

Prostate cancer is usually a slow-growing cancer, very common among older men. In fact, most prostate cancers never grow to the point where they cause symptoms, and most men with prostate cancer die of other causes before prostate cancer has an impact on their lives.

 

[fbl9]

This discussion does get a bit edgy.

This sounds like an issue of a medical condition in which they are trying to avoid pregnancy and so they are using this as an alternative yet they have relations but don’t finish.

Men seem to really focus on health especially prostrate cancer. They either have been trained to focus here or it is a male thing. They seem so concerned about prostrate cancer but I never hear them worry about lung cancer, high blood pressure or heart disease when they are young.

From wikipedia…

sorry you missed the boat on this one i guess perhaps my post wasn’t clear.i’ll try again in this situation the wife had a hystorectomy(sic) which was due to a medical condition.the husband when in the marital embrac can last for 3 minutes on the best usually less.so the husband takes matters into his on hands(some time prior to the act without the wife’s knowledge) in an attempt to be able to please the wife during the marital embrace.

 

[gam197]

fb19,

I did miss the boat. Can’t they not just have intimate relations twice? I can’t see what the difference would be.The solution they have is deceptive to him and her. Satan is using this.

I’m probably no one to give advice as I have had to deal with issues. It is just sad.

 

[scapularkid8]

Sorry to mix things up if you all were on a roll or if this has already been discussed, but my take on masturbation is this:

I am a healthy 18 year old male.
I do not have a girlfriend (even if I did sex would be out of the question).
I have sexual “anxiety” (to use the words from the Catechism).
I cannot force a nocturnal emission.
I must relieve this “anxiety”.
Therefore,
I will masturbate without lust, simply to facilitate the use of my sexual organs and to relieve sexual “anxiety”.

Now I don’t masturbate because I’m still not 100% sure how I feel about the issue, but that’s where my logic is leading me. I can’t keep all this stress in me for so long. It can’t be healthy. Why can’t I masturbate without lusting then? Would it be a venial sin considering my age, situation, other outside factors? I’m not sure I even see why it’s considered disordered.

I’m not trying to be disrespectful to the Church, I’m really honestly seeking the Truth.

 

[fbl9]

Sorry to mix things up if you all were on a roll or if this has already been discussed, but my take on masturbation is this:

I am a healthy 18 year old male.
I do not have a girlfriend (even if I did sex would be out of the question).
I have sexual “anxiety” (to use the words from the Catechism).
I cannot force a nocturnal emission.
I must relieve this “anxiety”.
Therefore,
I will masturbate without lust, simply to facilitate the use of my sexual organs and to relieve sexual “anxiety”.

Now I don’t masturbate because I’m still not 100% sure how I feel about the issue, but that’s where my logic is leading me. I can’t keep all this stress in me for so long. It can’t be healthy. Why can’t I masturbate without lusting then? Would it be a venial sin considering my age, situation, other outside factors? I’m not sure I even see why it’s considered disordered.

I’m not trying to be disrespectful to the Church, I’m really honestly seeking the Truth.

but there is another piont of view here…to quote another post by memeory…if this act was painful would you still do it??one can’t commit this sin without having some pleasure involved…but it is just relief(stress or.?) you say …i ask but doesn’t that feel good? don’t kid yourself you will eventually end up in that condition sooner than later Lusting in this sin that is.pro-creation is the reason for sexual functions,which takes two, not just one…an elevator in a three story building which only goes to the first floor is said to be out of order.a properly functioning elevator gos to the third floor.just some thoughts from an ex.pro still fighting…there are factors which can affect the graveness of this sin but remeber no matter how one cuts it this act is still a sin.a venail sin is still a sin from the OT “the just man falls little by little”…when done for stress releif this act can very easily become a nasty controlling “girlfriend”