Masturbation...yet again

[Robert_Sock]

CHAPTER 13 – On Resisting Temptations [The Imitation of Christ]

So long as we live in this world, we cannot remain without trial and temptation: as Job says, “Man’s life on earth is a warfare.” We must therefore be on guard against temptations, and watchful in prayer, that the Devil find no means of deceiving us; for he never rests, but prowls around seeking whom he may devour. No one is so perfect and holy that he is never tempted, and we can never be secure from temptation.

Although temptations are so troublesome and grievous, yet they are often profitable to us, for by them we are humbled, cleansed, and instructed. All the Saints endured many trials and temptations, and profited by them; but those who could not resist temptations became reprobate, and fell away. There is no Order so holy, nor place so secluded, where there are no troubles and temptations.

No man can be entirely free from temptation so long as he lives; for the source of temptation lies within our own nature, since we are born with an inclination towards evil. When one temptation or trial draws to a close, another takes its place; and we shall always have something to fight, for man has lost the blessing of original happiness. Many try to escape temptations, only to encounter them more fiercely, for no one can win victory by flight alone; it is only by patience and true humility that we can grow stronger than all our foes.

The man who only avoids the outward occasions of evil, but fails to uproot it in himself, will gain little advantage. Indeed, temptations will return upon him the sooner, and he will find himself in a worse state than before. Little by little and by patient endurance you will overcome them by God’s help, better than by your own violence and importunity. Seek regular advice in temptation, and never deal harshly with those who are tempted, but give them such encouragement as you would value yourself.

The beginning of all evil temptation is an unstable mind and lack of trust in God. Just as a ship without a helm is driven to and fro by the waves, so a careless man, who abandons his proper course, is tempted in countless ways. Fire tempers steel, and temptation the just man. We often do not know what we can bear, but temptation reveals our true nature. We need especially to be on our guard at the very onset of temptation, for then the Enemy may be more easily overcome, if he is not allowed to enter the gates of the mind: he must be repulsed at the threshold, as soon as he knocks. Thus the poet Ovid writes, “Resist at the beginning; the remedy may come too late.” For first there comes into the mind an evil thought: next, a vivid picture: then delight, and urge to evil, and finally consent. In this way the Enemy gradually gains complete mastery, when he is not resisted at first. And the longer a slothful man delays resistance, the weaker he becomes, and the stronger his enemy grows against him.

Some people undergo their heaviest temptations at the beginning of their conversion; some towards the end of their course; others are greatly troubled all their lives; while there are some whose temptations are but light. This is in accordance with the wisdom and justice of God’s ordinance, who weighs the condition and merits of every man, and disposes all things for the salvation of those whom He chooses.

We must not despair, therefore, when we are tempted, but earnestly pray God to grant us his help in every need. For, as Saint Paul says, “With the temptation, God will provide a way to overcome it, that we may be able to bear bear it.” So, let us humble ourselves under the hand of God, in every trial and trouble, for He will save and raise up the humble in Spirit. In all these trials, our progress is tested; in them great merit may be secured, and our virtue become evident. It is no great matter if we are devout and fervent when we have no troubles; but if we show patience in adversity, we can make great progress in virtue. Some are spared severe temptations, but are overcome in the lesser ones of every day, in order that they may be humble, and learn not to trust in themselves, but to recognize their frailty.

 

[aprilfloyd]

I posted elsewhere on this topic.

Stop stressing out about masturbation, it is normal, healthy and natural - supernatural stories are not applicable here - catholics mastrurbate as much as anyone - the only different is they are persuaded to feel guilty. Get on with your life and worry about more important matters - ignore a lot of these posts. if you have any questions they should be directed to your doctor and not your religion

 

[davidv]

I posted elsewhere on this topic.

Stop stressing out about masturbation, it is normal, healthy and natural - supernatural stories are not applicable here - catholics mastrurbate as much as anyone - the only different is they are persuaded to feel guilty. Get on with your life and worry about more important matters - ignore a lot of these posts. if you have any questions they should be directed to your doctor and not your religion

Not so. Masturbation is a serious abnormality and grave sin against the true nature of our sexuality. So, kindly stop spreading lies.

 

[aprilfloyd]

David
Are you having fun at someone else’s expense, go read any beginners medical book and treat the question seriously

 

[MichaelHowling]

No. Masterbation is no small thing! It is incredibly dangerous. You objectify what you are mentally viewing, you distort the natural order of things …including your view of the world. It freezes your heart, clouds your mind and worse…you can become enslaved into these things!

Remember what Christ said " whoever LOOKS at another woman lustfully commits adultry in his heart".

Adultry is no small thing. We as humans are called to marriage…a total self giving to the point where it can bring life! …Any form of adultry…with your self or with someone else IS DANGEROUS!

Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.

I refer you to one of my older posts to someone:

 

[MichaelHowling]

It’s a very common sin …any priest will tell you.

Our society is so highly sexed and offers us ways to tap into lust on tv, movies, internet, our phones secretly and has become a breeding ground perfect for someone to fall into these types of sins and persist in them until they become habit forming and leaving the victim wondering “what the heck happend! I’m in chains!”

Know its a very common sin…and a very EASY sin to fall into slavery for because it’s so connected with our physical bodies workings.

You fall into it over and over because a few reasons:

1. It may take some time…but if you are serious, you should see the time range between sins getting farther apart.

2.you have not made a sincere act of willing to change your life…meaning u are willing to maintain some changes:

a, staying away from pornographic sources ( you know where they are ! …if that means putting content blockers on tv or internet…or even being willing to get rid of them altogether…then that’s what it will take or you should not be willing to go to confession until you are willing to do so.

1. You are probably supressing your pent up energy and feelings and desires and not redeeming them. You need to understand why your body acts the way it does. I suggest looking into “Theology of the body” …there is a reason God made us the way He did and why we have the desires we do! The devil has twisted a beautiful thing within you! Here’s the good news…if you permit God to untwist it…you can focus and direct this great power within you and your spirituality will soar! You will have an amazing spiritual growth spurt fighting and overcoming this!

christopherwest.com/

Christopher west teaches about theology of the body…HES AWSOME! This website has LOADS of info on it. There is a 20$ DVD called “winning the battle for sexual purity” BUY IT! I’ve also found a 10 CD set breaking down the popes teaching on theology of the body for like 3$…it’s amazing… if its something that interests you…I suggest finding it.

Some suggestions:

a GOOD confession…one at which you are willing to rework your entire life. When you get home…you get rid of everything that tempts you (because this sin begins at the level of thought).

This is going to sound silly …but trust me. How you live your daily life needs to change: If you have a messy room/ home…clean and organize it, start keeping track of appointments on a planner, plan out your day and plan a day in which you can keep busy (lazy, sloppy and unorganized life sets u up to fall especially when you have lots of time on your hands ) .

Exercise! believe it or not…exercise burns off lots of our pent up energies

Lastly…start to practice fasting. If you can begin to permit your will to tell the body what to do…your will will get stronger and your body will listen to you more.

If you can start studying theology of the body so you understand why we have the urges and what they mean…the untwisting can begin (along with the sacraments and DAILY praying about this) and use my above suggestions… I can gurantee results.

Remember this is going to be a process…AND it’s a process that will allow you to come closer to God through all of it. Every day at the begining of your day say a little prayer asking God to give you strength and to conqure your temptations and to not treat his daughters in such a demeaning way and to help purify your heart. And thank him every night and rededicate your entire body , and feelings, thoughts to His service.

Oh, also…when temptations come… try saying a prayer like this: "Lord I offer this temptation to you and I’m willing to suffer it in atonement for my sins and for the conversion of all my brothers and sister caught in this trap of slavery "

lol, its spiritual jujitsu…you’re taking the devils temptation and causing him to lose souls!

Good luck to you . If you need to talk…don’t hesitate!

 

[MichaelHowling]

April, let the medical people teach the medical stuff and let the church teach the spiritual stuff. Sexual tendencies may be natural for corporal beings…including animals . …be we have a higher calling than animals. And we are to have our bodies under control UNLIKE animals. That’s why humans don’t hump a leg when someone walks in a door. We’re Gods adopted sons and daughters and should act accordingly.

 

[aprilfloyd]

If you are refering to dogs, female dogs hump too, it’s a show o of power and attempt at dominance, it is not sexual. Catholics masturbate as much as any religion. It is not a question of spirituality, it’s part of the human condition and how we evolved. Some of these posts are very judgemental

 

[MichaelHowling]

no… it is very spiritual.

The body is animated by the soul.

 

[aprilfloyd]

You will confuse the poster, there are no souls involved in masturbation
Religion is too interested in masturbation,male or female

 

[davidv]

David
Are you having fun at someone else’s expense, go read any beginners medical book and treat the question seriously

I did take in seriously. You would do well to consider my answer likewise. I don’t need a medical book to tell what disordered sexuality looks like.

 

[davidv]

You will confuse the poster, there are no souls involved in masturbation
Religion is too interested in masturbation,male or female

And you know this how?
It appears that you know as little about religion as you do masturbation.

 

[aprilfloyd]

And you know this how?
It appears that you know as little about religion as you do masturbation.

Not sure which to practise more, but seriously, the position on masturbation has moved on and no one seriously believes it’s wrong, it’s normal

 

[fred_conty]

Mt. 5:28
“But I say to you that anyone who so much as looks with lust at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Sounds like a good definition of what we are talking about.

Just a thought.

 

[heresiarch]

If you figure out to beat this sin, then tell me. I have no idea.

 

[MichaelHowling]

April, why are you here ? Are you attempting to take people away from the catholic faith ? Every one of your posts is anti-catholic.

I’m just wondering.noticed your religion is “raised catholic” So what’s up ?

 

[davidv]

Not sure which to practise more, but seriously, the position on masturbation has moved on and no one seriously believes it’s wrong, it’s normal

Does normal equal right? No it does not.

You are not making a case for your position.

 

[aprilfloyd]

The forum is catholic answers, I am not anti catholic
My catholicism is real, but my desire for truth greater, I have seenso
Many people do strange things and say strang things in the nameof religion
If Jesus could cope with a doubting Thomas then this forum can too

I see how Catholicism has twisted my father into a horrible manand I have lots of questions

 

[aprilfloyd]

Does normal equal right? No it does not.

You are not making a case for your position.

Masturbation is no more wrong than brushing your teeth, it’s not a moral question

 

[MichaelHowling]

No, don’t misunderstand me…

I’ve got NO problem with questions! I’ve got NO problem with doubt…I think that’s very truthful, healthy, and if a searcher is sincere…there’s no limits to the amount of knowledge and holiness one can obtain.

But I’ve been watching your posts all over the place and I see you going from post to post saying that “the church is wrong and dilluded…live your life “X” way instead!”