Yes. Do your research on the spiritual and physical consequences that masturbation can have, do your research on the criteria that the Church applies to mortal sin, do your research on the Mercy of God, then come back with a more educated frame of mind, so that you avoid silly posts like the one above, that contribute nothing and serve only to stir the pot.
My most insincere apologies for being ‘silly’ and actually asking a question. I must have misread what I saw as hundreds of other posts apparently also asking questions or maybe they were simply not ‘silly’. Almost everyone else on this site has treated me with the utmost respect as a visitor and a guest. I now know that not everyone has that same grace.
Possibly because you didn’t ask silly questions in their threads?
The nature and tone of your question was uncharitable and flippant. If that wasn’t your intention, then I apologize, but it surely sounded like sarcasm to me. At the very least, you might think about how your post is going to sound to a reader on the other side before you submit it.I think that you were looking for ‘tone’. MtnDweller apparently (and most appreciatively) understood and answered my question. Peace.Possibly because you didn’t ask silly questions in their threads?
As it stands, the answer to your question is “yes.”
And psychologists say this removes stress. Perhaps sexual tension.:shrug:any way I have problems with this too and I think every situation has to be looked at and determined as to what the problem is. Although we all know it’s a problem. Myself I don’t do it so much as I get a kick out of it but becauase I will have wet dreams if I don’t. I think the catechism says this can be a complicated matter as to simply say it’s a grave matter period.I don’t think it’s wrong in moderation! Excessive porno is a sin (and an exploitation of both men and women nowadays), but wouldn’t you agree that masturbation beats going out and raping someone?
The Imitation Of Christ is such a spiritual classic in that things are presented in a way that each and every statement is nourishing food meant to convey spiritual wisdom in the trials of temptation!
Wait, did you just say that the reason you masturbate is to stop wet dreams!?! I am a 19 year old male and because I don’t masturbate, I get about two nocturnal emissions (colloquially known as wet dreams) per week. Yes they are a pain in the butt, but that in no way means that I should masturbate instead. Wet dreams are perfectly natural and should be seen as a good thing, because your body is performing normally. Wet dreams are a part of being a single man. Do not allow yourself to fall into the temptation of justifying your bad habits.
Great answer
Two wet dreams a week huh. Do you need to change your sheets or completely wash out your underwear? A pain is an understatement.
Well, this is off-topic, but I generally wash my sheets every couple of weeks. I don’t care about a couple of spots; they are dry by the time I go to bed the next night. I am used to dirty underwear in the morning. The only time it becomes a real hassle is when I am staying at someone else’s house. Now, that is awkward. But this aspect of being a male would not be seen as abnormal if the rest of society did not preach the wonders of self-stimulation. Everyone would have to do what I have to do. It is normal. Hopefully they will slow down as I get older, but even then, it is far easier to deal with these than becoming addicted to masturbation, and the pains, in this life and the next, associated with it.
Very good. I like that. You say for the salvation of “those whom he chooses”. I believe that god is not willing that any should perish
and god’s will is immutable.A couple of things:
Try weekly confessionHello i was struggling with the same question except i am 4 years younger. I was wondering if anyone would agree with this website.
site.themarriagebed.com/sexuality/masturbation-overview/teens-and-masturbation
I am also trying to get rid of this, but since i am younger it gets harder. Even when im already doing something, Some sort of sexual thought comes in my mind and the thoughts are like ninjas! You dont know when they attack, but when they do, it is quick and effective. Effective in the sense that i get this very big sexual arousal and this brings forth more thoughts and they stay there longer. But sometimes it feels like i just can’t take it anymore! I had this feeling for about 1 year and 3 months. For the 1st Month and year, i did it thinking it wasnt wrong, but now i kinda figured it was a sin because i read a lot of posts about ut being bad and for 2 months i struggled to keep away. And i fell alot since. No i did not watch porn, or did it many times a day, so i figured it might be a little easier than those who do watch porn and do it several timas a day. Praying has somewhat helped and i continue to pray regardless of how bad i felt. Sometimes i didnt feel bad, but confused or somewhat guilty. Its still very hard for me to control it, definately not an easy task considering i get turned on a lot due to my hormones and mind.
Im new to this forum so i dont know how to post new threads and stuff, but it does feel somewhat better knowing that i am not the only one.
A couple of things:
The Catechism points out that masturbation is generically a mortal sin (it is grave matter), but that culpability may be lessened because of the compulsive aspect of this sin (which may lower it to the level of venial sin). It’s like the difference between coercion and choosing freely - ultimately you still can make a choice, but one is not quite as free as the other.
- Don’t beat yourself up about this one. Many, many (I can safely say most) people struggle with this.
- That being said, don’t give up the fight.
Furthermore, the restriction about receiving communion applies in the manner according to the Catechism:
“Can. 916 A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to celebrate Mass or to receive the Body of the Lord without prior sacramental confession unless a grave reason is present and there is no opportunity of confessing; in this case the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible.”
I don’t suppose being denied Communion once qualifies as a “grave reason.” This is pretty strong language. If you’re concerned about what people think when you don’t go up to Communion, don’t be. If they’re so nosy, they got their own new sinful issue to deal with. Besides, they will likely forget sooner than they forgot the homily
To rid yourself of the habit of masturbation, you need to find out what’s compelling you to do that in the first place. This will probably require the aid of someone in the psychological field. Basically you need to find a therapist or psychologist who understands theology as well, and have them help you with this. A priest can offer you the forgiveness of the Christ and the Church, but you have to do some work with a psychological professional to understand why you’re subconsciously compelled towards this activity.
I think some where pride is present. And more humility is needed when it comes to masterbation. I see a PhD and I don’t see where they think masterbation is a problem anyway to look for a solution. Of course I will go with what the church says myself.
The sooner you get to this the better, otherwise the behavior becomes more reinforced. As you discover more about yourself during these sessions, you MUST develop a real prayer life - understanding your subconscious (and how it generates certain emotions and desires), asking for grace, and cooperating with it is the only way out of this compulsion.
In the meantime, keep going to confession, develop an honest and relational prayer life, and start reading some St. Ignatius of Loyola about getting in touch with your emotions on a spiritual level. Acknowledging your emotions (as opposed to ignoring them or repressing them), and learning from them is usually a door into a greater sense of self-knowledge.
It matters not if he was Doctor of the Church for this matter of the spiritual life (he did not contribute some major point to dogmatic/systematic theology).