Masturbation website or book

[swimstud]

I read in one thread that most people here are sick of helping people with this sin so all that I am asking is if you know of any websites or books that can help people trying to break the sin of masturbation.

I have heard time and time again that it is a mortal sin but need answers as to why. I even have a book saying that it could not be a mortal sin in some cases.

*Outlines of the Catholic Faith *
published by the leaflet missal company
Imprimatur bu Harry J. Flynn, D.D. - Archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
It is listed as a sin(mortal or venial I do not know): a. At least in some cases, the moral guilt associate with this sin is lessened by various factors.
b. The priest-confessor makes such an evaluation when the penitent confesses this sin.

Does this mean that the priest can decide if masturbation is mortal or venial under the circumstances?

 

[Edwin1961]

www.dads.org
Steve Wood’s website helps Catholic/Christian men of all incidents of sexual-type addictions.

go with God!
Edwin

 

[Seven_Sorrows]

It is a SERIOUS sin and it could be mortal, but for something to be mortal it has to meet the 3 criteria
1)serious (yes)
2) you had to know it was wrong (maybe the person does)
3) you have to have full consent (yes)

so if a person doesn’t know it is a serious sin and why, they might not be held accountalbe in that sense (mortal). it would still be a serious sin, but it would not be mortal for that person. Each person is different. So a priest could help discern if you knew all 3 things things to see if it was mortal for you.

I don’t know why people have a problem stopping, I used to all the time until I understood why it was wrong, then just stopped. If you love God how could you do something that shameful and hurtful to you. Are you really willing to do that to god and go to hell? It makes it easy to stop when you think about you losing salvation and being mean to God.

 

[Timidity]

Seven Sorrows:

1. you have to have full consent (yes)

Maybe not. This is where the “addiction” part comes in. Addiction robs the addicted of consent.
Seven Sorrows:

I don’t know why people have a problem stopping, I used to all the time until I understood why it was wrong, then just stopped.

For the same reason that some people can’t seem to stop smoking, or drinking, or taking opium, or whatever. There are physical additions, and there are psychological addictions. I’m very happy that you hadn’t developed an addiction, but not everyone is as blessed.

 

[StephiePea]

Timidity:

Maybe not. This is where the “addiction” part comes in. Addiction robs the addicted of consent.

For the same reason that some people can’t seem to stop smoking, or drinking, or taking opium, or whatever. There are physical additions, and there are psychological addictions. I’m very happy that you hadn’t developed an addiction, but not everyone is as blessed.

I think there is a big difference between a chemical dependence and a bad habit. Smoking and drug use can and often are addictive. But self-pleasure is more of a bad habit that has been reinforced over and over. Maybe the euphoric high afterwards can seem addictive, but you can get the same high from excersize or a daring activity like rollercoaster riding.

 

[GaryScott]

Seven Sorrows:

It is a SERIOUS sin and it could be mortal, but for something to be mortal it has to meet the 3 criteria
1)serious (yes)
2) you had to know it was wrong (maybe the person does)
3) you have to have full consent (yes)

Yes, it’s very serious and it causes hair to grow on your palms and makes you go blind.

EVEN IN THE 21st CENTURY!!!

 

[Luke1_48]

W8, God made man in his image. Sex is a gift, but with a gift, there is responsibility. Do not see sexuality in itself a sin, but see that certain things are not appropriate for God’s plan.

 

[Timidity]

StephiePea:

I think there is a big difference between a chemical dependence and a bad habit.

You’re not alone. A lot of people think that mental illnesses aren’t real.

Nonetheless, psychological addictions are real. Ones with sexual components are not infrequent amongst survivors of childhood sexual abuse, for example.

 

[Scout]

StephiePea:

I think there is a big difference between a chemical dependence and a bad habit. Smoking and drug use can and often are addictive. But self-pleasure is more of a bad habit that has been reinforced over and over. Maybe the euphoric high afterwards can seem addictive, but you can get the same high from excersize or a daring activity like rollercoaster riding.

If the euphoric high was the same, there’d be a bigger emphasis in our culture for exercise and rollercoaster riding then for sex. It’s not the same.

I’m not saying that this is addictive for everyone, but for some it can be. People are different and get addicted to different things. People’s bodies and minds work differently depending on the environment around them. That’s why some people become alcoholics and others don’t. Yes, for most it is probably just a bad habit, but I don’t think we should rule out the possibility of addiction for everyone.

Scout :tiphat:

 

[StephiePea]

Timidity:

You’re not alone. A lot of people think that mental illnesses aren’t real.

Nonetheless, psychological addictions are real. Ones with sexual components are not infrequent amongst survivors of childhood sexual abuse, for example.

Now hold on. I work with the mentally and physically disabled for a living, and this is not a mental or psychological illness. It is a product of a sinful nature we all have. And the same endorphines that are released during sex are the same as in excercise and other exciteful activities.

Sexual abuse causes many problems, but it does not cause an “addiction” to sex. It may cause poor self esteem and image that leads to distructive behaviors and habits, such as masturbation.

The point is, that with self control (or God control) you can conquer the desire to self-pleasure. Self-control is what keeps us from being animals like dogs or monkeys. It is one of the things we inherit from being “made in the image of God.”

 

[chicago]

StephiePea:

I think there is a big difference between a chemical dependence and a bad habit. Smoking and drug use can and often are addictive. But self-pleasure is more of a bad habit that has been reinforced over and over. Maybe the euphoric high afterwards can seem addictive, but you can get the same high from excersize or a daring activity like rollercoaster riding.

Actually, there is a chemical component to sexuality which can be similar in it’s addictive properties. It is just that it is internally generated by the body rather than brought in artificially.

 

[StephiePea]

chicago:

Actually, there is a chemical component to sexuality which can be similar in it’s addictive properties. It is just that it is internally generated by the body rather than brought in artificially.

So if the euphoria after masturbation has addictive chemical properties. And you can get the same addictive chemical properties from thrill seeking or excercise, than why not excercise every time you are tempted to masturbate instead of indulging yourself. You would break you bad habit, and become more physically health at the same time.

 

[Pinklady]

Is it possible to … um … pleasure yourself (I’m sorry, the word “masturbate” embarasses me) WITHOUT your full consent?

 

[StephiePea]

Pinklady:

Is it possible to … um … pleasure yourself (I’m sorry, the word “masturbate” embarasses me) WITHOUT your full consent?

No, and that is a good point.

 

[Mijoy2]

Swimstud, a good start in the right direction might be to change your username. Learn to look at the world through eyes that are not clouded with lustful lenses. It’s NOT easy, but rewarding.

Your ‘habit’ can most certainly be broken. I am in the camp of believing it is a habit. Much like hitting the vending machine an hour after lunch but (hopefully) a little more private.

It CAN be broken. Not that I’d know anything of this sort of thing.

 

[Scout]

StephiePea:

Now hold on. I work with the mentally and physically disabled for a living, and this is not a mental or psychological illness. It is a product of a sinful nature we all have.

The point is, that with self control (or God control) you can conquer the desire to self-pleasure. Self-control is what keeps us from being animals like dogs or monkeys. It is one of the things we inherit from being “made in the image of God.”

You may work with the mentally and physically disabled, but you have no idea what it’s like to be one of them. You can’t just lump everyone together in the same group and say “You’re not self-controlled.” That’s like telling people with depressing, “You just need to buck-up and get over whatever it is that’s bothering you.” Some people can, some can’t. That doesn’t make them weak or undisciplined, it makes them human. Some people need more help in certain areas than others.

Please don’t misunderstand me. I think that most people can conquer the desire to self-pleasure with self-control. I just don’t think everyone can. There are exceptions to the rule. And please remember that 50 years ago alcoholism and bipolar weren’t recognized diseases, either.

Scout :tiphat:

 

[Timidity]

Pinklady:

Is it possible to pleasure yourself WITHOUT your full consent?

YES… that’s my whole point. Addiction robs you of the consent.

 

[StephiePea]

Timidity:

YES… that’s my whole point. Addiction robs you of the consent.

No way. You cannot honestly say that someone who is a chronic masturbater doesn’t consent and make an active choice to do it. It isn’t like you are going to go through some harmful withdraws if you stop cold-turkey!

 

[Scout]

StephiePea:

No way. You cannot honestly say that someone who is a chronic masturbater doesn’t consent and make an active choice to do it. It isn’t like you are going to go through some harmful withdraws if you stop cold-turkey!

I think what Timidity is trying to say is that there comes a point at which that the addiction takes over and people stop thinking rationally and clearly. An alcoholic knows that he shouldn’t drink and all the consequences that come with it if he does, but the desire becomes so strong that the addiction takes over and the mind stops working rationally.

And not everything that is addictive has withdrawl symptoms. Some people are addicted to food, but don’t go through harmful side affects when they go on a diet-except for maybe hunger.

I just think everyone is different. Just because one person can stop something “cold turkey” doesn’t mean everyone can. I think we should just be open to the possibility that for some, masturbation may be an addiction.

Scout :tiphat:

 

[chicago]

StephiePea:

So if the euphoria after masturbation has addictive chemical properties. And you can get the same addictive chemical properties from thrill seeking or excercise, than why not excercise every time you are tempted to masturbate instead of indulging yourself. You would break you bad habit, and become more physically health at the same time.

Well, I don’t agree with your argument that such things are as equal and easy as you would suggest, nor equal in their effect for every individual, but let me entertain the argument for a moment. Could not someone also develop an addiction to endorphines through exercize which would be in some way equally harmful? Even that which is good can be overdone and if there is a true addictiveness, then it is not healthy no matter what the habit is.