Pornography/Masturbation & Hell

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Keep fighting. Nip this in the bud, get in the habit now of not even “looking” at women. I mean, look at them when they talk to you, but turn away from checking them out, etc. Thoughts are the root of porn/masturbation, and you will need to train yourself. Purify your thoughts.

The biggest error most teens make (and more importantly are told) is that it isn’t a sin to entertain impure thoughts or looks, or rather it is only a mortal sin if you act upon them. However, if deliberately entertained (knowing fully it is sinful), impure thoughts are in fact mortal sins…w/o porn or masturbation. The key is deliberatly entertained with full knowledge. Sins of the eyes and flesh are incredibly addicting, especially at your age. I would argue the thoughts are the most addicting. Many men do not grow out of these bad habits. Stop them now.
 
Honestly speaking, i have struggled with that too and i am already in my late 20’s.

I have learned this from my elders growing up,“keep your hands busy with good things, lazy hands can be the play toy of the devil”. and i think i remember a saint saying something about having busy hands for God. Keep your hands busy with church ministry, lend a helping had to those in need, do household chores, walk the dog,read scripture, pray the rosary and the chaplet :gopray::signofcross:…do anything that is productive! thats how it got me to stop falling into the near occasion of sin.

Its nice to see that you can get support from fellow catholics. and that you are aiming to get to heaven…but do not let this sin discourage you from doing so!! 👍 go to confession as often as you can. We all fail sometimes, but keeping in mind that you just confessed this already and you already told God that you will ‘firmly resolve to do penance and avoid near occasions of sin’ will make the guilt in falling bigger (which is a big blessing).

remember: shoot for heaven. if you miss, you land in purgatory. But if you shoot for purgatory and miss, well you’re pretty screwed.

God bless! pray to your guardian angel to protect you especially when you are near that occasion of sin! Happy Feast of the Guardian Angels!:angel1::angel1:
 
A good thing to do is visit Our Lord when its Holy Hour in your Church (if it has one). I strongly advise you to pray the Rosary and the Liturgy of the Hours (especially the Office of Readings)!
 
TrinityOfLord said:
Thank you for your reply. So the church teaches that you will go to hell for this?? If so, I’m screwed!! :eek: I’m scared now! 😦
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God’s mercy is endless. That’s why He gave us the sacrament of Confession. You confessed it here, so just go confess it there, truly repent and try to do better. God forgives any sin. The “unforgivable” sin is not accepting God’s forgiveness or refusing to believe you have sinned.
 
BertBlyleven said:
Keep fighting. Nip this in the bud, get in the habit now of not even “looking” at women. I mean, look at them when they talk to you, but turn away from checking them out, etc. Thoughts are the root of porn/masturbation, and you will need to train yourself. Purify your thoughts.
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If you discern that you are called to marriage, this will be incredibly helpful in finding you a suitable wife. 👍 Women appreciate being treated as people rather than things.
 
this subject matter is interesting to say the least. There are quotes upon quotes as to the catechism stating that masturbation is a serious offense, but sometimes it isn’t, etc, etc. and It states that there are circumstances where it might not be a mortal sin. But most priests probably don’t know the latest blurb in the catechism about it. My parish priest didn’t. That’s the problem, it is in the catechism, which is that 5,000 lb. book that tries to categorize every possible sin. It wasn’t there 40 years ago? why is that? It isn’t mentioned in the bible as a serious sin. I have read the 10 commandments and it isn’t one of them. God ain’t stupid, He had 10 and only 10 commandments for a reason. It’s mortal men that categorize all of those “other” sins. I read Christ’s sermon on the mount and it isn’t mentioned there either. I have a hard time accepting what some celibate men try to push off as grievous sins. They came up with the mortal, venial sin levels, but God gave us 10 commandments and 10 commandments only and we are told if we love Him, we will keep His commandments. We are told by Christ, and I am paraphrasing here, the greatest commandment is to love your God with your whole heart and your whole mind and the second greatest is love your neighbor as yourself. There are numerous priests who do not subscribe to the notion that masturbation is a mortal sin. Those old celibate men in the Vatican do, but not all the clergy. Why is there such disagreement? You have to do what your conscience dictates. When confessing this, it is acceptable to use the phrase “self abuse”. And it is tough to just kneel during communion when the rest of the church goes to communion (do you really believe that they are all living like saints?). I’ve always felt if I knelt during confession and didn’t go to communion, every one was sure as heck wondering whom I killed, or if I robbed a bank (how much over a buck fifty is a mortal sin as opposed to a venial amount? If you steal, make sure that when God goes over your life you know the cut off for stealing to be a mortal sin.

Confession will rid you of the guilt of committing a “mortal sin”. But if you can’t make it before the grim reaper strikes, make an act of contrition and tell God you are sorry for all your sins (make sure you are really sorry). How many times will God forgive you? The bible says, and I am paraphrasing here again, 70 times 70 times. That’s a large number and means an infinite number of times. If your are truly sorry, He will forgive you.

Try your best to rid yourself of this habit, it isn’t easy. Don’t forget that we were created as sexual beings, and that doesn’t get turned off after the last child is born. Yes, it isn’t fair, but then again, life isn’t fair. Do your best and don’t be paranoid about what is listed in that 5,000 lb. book over and above the 10 commandments
 
TrinityOfLord said:
Hi all,

I just joined the forums, so I’ll be seeing you around!

Sorry to start on a bad note but…
I’m a 15 year old guy. I’m very deep in the faith, I’m in a ton of church activities, and go to mass twice a week. However, I’m not afraid to admit that one sin I struggle with is Masturbation. 😦 Seems that this has been posted a lot on these forums! xD
I never watch porn though. I watched it like twice a couple years back. Didn’t watch it once I found out it was a sin.

Anyways, last night I was really “Turned on” so to speak. I got so tempted that I turned on porn :banghead: and started to masturbate. 😊 After, I looked up why it was a sin and somebody said that if you watch it, even if you repent, you will go to hell. :bigyikes: I’m kind of scared now…

Anyways, I really do not sin much at all. (And I really try my best not too!) So this is a big strike on the board. So is it true that if I repent, I’m still going to hell? And if I die, say tonight, in a state of mortal sin will I go to hell?

And one last question. It’s extremely hard not to masturbate. Longest I’ve gone is a week. 😊 So will that send me to hell? Or is it counted a venial sin by the terms from the C.C.C. saying that the sin is reduced by means of immaturity.

Thanks very much! God bless! 😃
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If I can add another perspective.

Before doing so, all of the advice given by the other posters is excellent.

If you think about it, God gave Man the ability to reproduce sexually.

It therefore follows that what God gives, Satan will choose to target and will try to manipulate to his own ends in order to bring more and more souls to Hell.

Satan has targeted sexual reproduction and has sought to manipulate sexual reproduction using things like pornography.
Therefore we have a plethora of pornography in order to try to undo what God has given to us.

It might help to focus your mind on these thoughts and to contemplate how sexual reproduction is being deliberately manipulated by Satan

The longer you refrain from pornography and masturbation, the more it angers Satan:thumbsup:
You can beat Satan!
 
the_undertaker said:
this subject matter is interesting to say the least. There are quotes upon quotes as to the catechism stating that masturbation is a serious offense, but sometimes it isn’t, etc, etc. and It states that there are circumstances where it might not be a mortal sin. But most priests probably don’t know the latest blurb in the catechism about it. My parish priest didn’t. That’s the problem, it is in the catechism, which is that 5,000 lb. book that tries to categorize every possible sin. It wasn’t there 40 years ago? why is that? It isn’t mentioned in the bible as a serious sin. I have read the 10 commandments and it isn’t one of them. God ain’t stupid, He had 10 and only 10 commandments for a reason. It’s mortal men that categorize all of those “other” sins. I read Christ’s sermon on the mount and it isn’t mentioned there either. I have a hard time accepting what some celibate men try to push off as grievous sins. They came up with the mortal, venial sin levels, but God gave us 10 commandments and 10 commandments only and we are told if we love Him, we will keep His commandments. We are told by Christ, and I am paraphrasing here, the greatest commandment is to love your God with your whole heart and your whole mind and the second greatest is love your neighbor as yourself. There are numerous priests who do not subscribe to the notion that masturbation is a mortal sin. Those old celibate men in the Vatican do, but not all the clergy. Why is there such disagreement? You have to do what your conscience dictates. When confessing this, it is acceptable to use the phrase “self abuse”. And it is tough to just kneel during communion when the rest of the church goes to communion (do you really believe that they are all living like saints?). I’ve always felt if I knelt during confession and didn’t go to communion, every one was sure as heck wondering whom I killed, or if I robbed a bank (how much over a buck fifty is a mortal sin as opposed to a venial amount? If you steal, make sure that when God goes over your life you know the cut off for stealing to be a mortal sin.

Confession will rid you of the guilt of committing a “mortal sin”. But if you can’t make it before the grim reaper strikes, make an act of contrition and tell God you are sorry for all your sins (make sure you are really sorry). How many times will God forgive you? The bible says, and I am paraphrasing here again, 70 times 70 times. That’s a large number and means an infinite number of times. If your are truly sorry, He will forgive you.

Try your best to rid yourself of this habit, it isn’t easy. Don’t forget that we were created as sexual beings, and that doesn’t get turned off after the last child is born. Yes, it isn’t fair, but then again, life isn’t fair. Do your best and don’t be paranoid about what is listed in that 5,000 lb. book over and above the 10 commandments
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The 10 commandments don’t mention abortion, human cloning, euthanasia, homosexuality, child molestation, excessive use of drugs and alcohol and a score of other immoral behaviors. Are all of these acceptable because Jesus didn’t specifically mention them on His sermon on the mount? I think that you need to take your rebellious behavior elsewhere and not mislead this young man. You have your opinions and they are just that. The" 5000 lb. book" is given to us by the Church and while not inspired text they are the teachings of the Church; the same Church that Christ founded and perpetuates with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If you have a bone to pick this is not the place.
 
TrinityOfLord said:
Thank you for your reply. So the church teaches that you will go to hell for this?? If so, I’m screwed!! :eek: I’m scared now! 😦
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I am 13 and going through puberty. I went on a website and it said that it is normal to masturbate while going through puberty. I am still trying to convince my dad to take me to confession. I’m really scared!
 
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 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.
-The Imitation of Christ, Book 1, Chapter 13
 
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