The harms of Masturbation and Porn

[Captain_America]

Great post! It’s valuable for everyone.

For me, one thing it points to is how VERY much we rely upon experts for judgments about aspects of moral issues.

However, the practice of science in 2014 is not what it was like in 1914. Scientific work is VERY sliced up, VERY small, small question-oriented. Scientists find SMALL answers; the scope of inquiry is tiny nowadays.

Our general difficulty—you see it in the press and in statements we all make—is to globalize and generalize these small, tentative conclusions. . . as definitive and final grand answers.

Here’s an example. Abortion: here, very little work was done on the personal impacts of abortion, when it was so hailed and advocated by the media and by the feminist groups of the 1960s and 1970s. SO the “scientific answer” was that the practice of abortion had no serious substantive impacts. This “science” helped make the case for many.

But as we now know, the impacts are many. Totaling it all up, the public view of abortion as problematic just grows.

PORN. In the long-term, I think more solutions will come up. We definitely need legal protections against it being so openly and subtly appearing on computers. There are plenty of legal precedents for these protections; I’m particularly concerned about children being safe from this HUGE mental onslaught. As a parent, I’m offended this industry for so long has been legislatively winked-at. . . OR worse, quietly considered to be the damnable price we pay for having the internet.

I rather expect that in the next 5-10 years, we’ll find solutions to this.

 

[Captain_America]

Bearman, Thank you for joining me in reaching out to our beloved brothers and sisters who are imprisoned by sins we were once held captive by, ourselves. I pray you may reach many souls. Please pray for me. And here I’ll add a copy of a post I wrote last week. straight, or gay leaning, we all need grace and I, like you, have been given a most precious gift we need to share:

*I lived a gay lifestyle for 25+ years. I was with some women, too, but it was almost always because they pressured me into it. My attraction has been to men.

I have committed many sins in my life and was a promiscuous man who eventually got hooked on porn (3 years), but I always prayed that God show me the way. I even prayed for the men who were sleeping next to me. After many years of praying, I was granted a gift and returned to the Catholic Church and became celibate. That was in the year 2000 and I have been completely chaste, no help in any area, for fourteen years.

I no longer say I’m gay, but that I have a gay orientation. I have lived a peaceful and prayerful life and have had joy. I avoid all mortal sin and go to Mass and frequent the sacraments. (Remember that being with women outside of marriage is also a sin.)

Lately, my sexuality woke up, but I haven’t sinned. However, yesterday I was at a Lowe’s to buy bug spray for my plants and this beautiful guy with a partially unbuttoned shirt came up to ring up the sale, and I was hit with what I considered a bolt of lightning. The temptation to lust and be with him hit me so hard, I was still reeling when I got home. However, what I did was I said a prayer for him – and have been praying for him – as a way to assuage the actual spiritual pain I suffered at such a sudden temptation.

God and the sacraments have helped me. Now I long for at least a long embrace with a man, but I have to take it day by day since I won’t indulge the desire. And I avert the gaze when I feel I shouldn’t be looking at a man who is in a state of undress (I live in an area with rivers which bring out people who are scantily clad). In the end, Jesus Christ rewards what many call ‘repression’. He has made His presence known to me.

For most of the fourteen years, I learned to look at men as God’s creatures, so don’t get me wrong: I have been blessed with a spirit of acceptance and brotherhood. I’m just going through a difficult time right now. I’m glad I have the strength I didn’t have before.

May Christ bless you. May He take you by the hand and lead you. There are so many traps and snares on the road we travel! But persistence in the road less traveled pays off. I couldn’t be encouraging you right now were I not on this road. *

Married men often have the same problem with good-looking women. It is exacerbated by the fact that a good many women are attracted to married men, for whatever reason.

 

[Cimachol]

“john1513, you do not have permission to access this page…”

We created small groups at YBR. I check in every one or two weeks. I document when and how I fail in an online journal, mostly for my eyes and review. The questions, answers, stories, and jokes are encouraging on a number of those sites for a quick pick me up. Nofap and YBR are probably the best.

I also have a men’s group at my parish that meets weekly (That Man is You! men’s program) which is the most beneficial. It’s nice to have something online that you can get to easily and quickly for quick motivation.

Hmm… can you access it from forums.catholic-questions.org/group.php?groupid=369? Maybe you have to request membership in order to see the forum.

I’ll take a look for the YBR group since I already have a profile there. I’ll pass on nofap, just because I no longer feel addicted and don’t have time to offer support in two different groups.

I found out that our parish does have a men’s group to support people with impurity addictions, but they don’t publicize it much, and I know for me it would have been hard to get away in the evening to attend the meetings. But at least it’s there for those who can attend.

 

[Cimachol]

Obsessing about not masturbating and obsessing about not looking at pornography sounds positively exhausting. Actually, I know it is…I used to do both.

I’ve no issue with masturbation or pornography, yet only infrequently engage with either.

My mind is sharp, I’m physically fit, I’m a professional, I’m active, I have a social circle and I spend exactly 0% of my time worrying about or thinking about not doing it.

It works for me and for a heck of a lot of other people.

In a way, I think the use of pornography and masturbation is closely related to the use of contraception, about which you and I exchanged views in another thread. Masturbation and pornography try to take the physical pleasure out of sex without any of the human connection to one’s spouse or the procreative aspects that are intended to go along with sex.

Contraception at least retains a human connection, although it rejects the procreative nature of human beings and the marital act.

In both cases, a gift that was given to humanity for a very sacred, special purpose is taken and twisted into what we want it to be, instead of what God designed it to be.

 

[Estevao]

This article is very good. It goes beyond the “no fap” or “yourbrainonporn” view of the problems of porn (which are fine, but aren’t the whole story)

thenewatlantis.com/publications/the-pornography-culture

 

[whm]

Hmm… can you access it from forums.catholic-questions.org/group.php?groupid=369? Maybe you have to request membership in order to see the forum.

It is a moderated group. You must request membership. It can take a day or two to get approved.

CAF removed most of the links to the group section of the forums a year or two ago. Groups used to be a tab at the top of the forums page prior to the change.

 

[whm]

In a way, I think the use of pornography and masturbation is closely related to the use of contraception, about which you and I exchanged views in another thread. Masturbation and pornography try to take the physical pleasure out of sex without any of the human connection to one’s spouse or the procreative aspects that are intended to go along with sex.

Contraception at least retains a human connection, although it rejects the procreative nature of human beings and the marital act.

In both cases, a gift that was given to humanity for a very sacred, special purpose is taken and twisted into what we want it to be, instead of what God designed it to be.

I agree with this connection.

 

[SCHULTZZKOPF]

Why Do People Masturbate?

Mostly because they are centered on themselves, and don’t realize that the act and pornography offend God by cheapening the miracle of the gift of life. Pornography is taken from the Greek word for prostitute and picture. Kind of sums it up doesn’t it?

People who masturbate are spiritually wounded, and caught up in satan’s grasp.*** On the day they die satan will tempt them once more to give into this great sin. Having no defense to this temptation they will choose it for one last time and lose their heavenly inheritance. ***
Time is running out for those who will not or cannot change. Eternity is a long time to be in Hell. The choice is yours. Get Help or Get Hell.

Visit Audio Sancto, a website with meaningful homilies. Click on the topic “Purity” and then on the homily called, “Sounding the Trumpet Against Pornography.”
It will open your eyes and ears.

 

[Sean_St_Jude]

*** On the day they die satan will tempt them once more to give into this great sin. Having no defense to this temptation they will choose it for one last time and lose their heavenly inheritance. ***

In my whole life of fifty-eight years, I have never heard that Satan will tempt a soul in grace with something from their past. It’s my understanding that we can face difficulties, but I also know that Jesus Christ, our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph will assist us. So, if you die in grace, the devil can no longer tempt you. Comments?

 

[whm]

In my whole life of fifty-eight years, I have never heard that Satan will tempt a soul in grace with something from their past. It’s my understanding that we can face difficulties, but I also know that Jesus Christ, our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph will assist us. So, if you die in grace, the devil can no longer tempt you. Comments?

Once you die, your fate is sealed. If you in grace you will eventually be in heaven. If not, then hell.

I have heard mention of the devil tempting souls at the moment (prior) to their death.

“Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now at the hour of our death”

 

[Smiling_Mike]

The day my addiction to porn and masturbation ended was the day I picked up a rosary. Not only the addiction ended but the temptation did too. There’s more healing in the rosary then we will ever know. Thank you mama Mary.

Another recommendation that the priest of my old parish gave me was to keep an image of the Blessed Mother in the corner of your computer screen. He said it was the same advice he always gave to seminarians.

 

[SCHULTZZKOPF]

Once you die, your fate is sealed. If you in grace you will eventually be in heaven. If not, then hell.

I have heard mention of the devil tempting souls at the moment (prior) to their death.

“Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now at the hour of our death”

You can believe what you want but one of the reasons we pray the Hail Mary is because satan will fight for the right of possession of your soul if he thinks he has a chance. What if you are not in a state of grace? He will also try to tempt you at your hour of death. He can’t take you while you’re alive… it has to be after you have died.

Do you think free will stops when you die? Until you have arrived in one of three places there are still choices. I know the Church teaches differently but these differences have not been consistent with my experiences. I have had the Gift of Discernment for many years, and the Holy Spirit has guided me to know certain things. However, I respect your opinions and those of Holy Mother Church.

 

[whm]

You can believe what you want but one of the reasons we pray the Hail Mary is because satan will fight for the right of possession of your soul if he thinks he has a chance. What if you are not in a state of grace? He will also try to tempt you at your hour of death. He can’t take you while you’re alive… it has to be after you have died.

Do you think free will stops when you die? Until you have arrived in one of three places there are still choices. I know the Church teaches differently but these differences have not been consistent with my experiences. I have had the Gift of Discernment for many years, and the Holy Spirit has guided me to know certain things. However, I respect your opinions and those of Holy Mother Church.

Are saying the Holy Spirit has guided you to believe that after you die in a state of grace that you can be tempted by satan and choose hell? I have never heard that position before.

 

[SCHULTZZKOPF]

Are saying the Holy Spirit has guided you to believe that after you die in a state of grace that you can be tempted by satan and choose hell? I have never heard that position before.

You have asked a very specific question so please permit me to answer you in a specific manner. NO. I hope I haven’t led anyone to believe that. I have been given some insights but I certainly don’t have all the answers. Following the precepts given by the magisterium is a good path to follow as they want to guide us to Heaven and do not want us to delve into areas which might compromise our path to holiness. Any other ideas I may have are the result of pure speculation.

 

[rodgerdodger]

Thank you for sharing. I had to read it twice. I also struggle with masterbation. I have made some progress. To fight sin is to become a saint.

 

[br4ndon21]

This is something that i’ve dealt w myself and I must say, when I deny myself and I do not masturbate I actually feel like i’m keeping myself pure.

I use to think that porn/masturbation was ok because at least it kept me from going out and doing the real thing but…it’s just as bad really. Sin is sin.

I pray that we may all be able to deal w this difficult vice and my prayers are w those that are battling this issue.

:hug1:

 

[bearman90]

Hello all. Sorry I have not been here to answer.

Please share this !

The “friendzone” is usually caused by masturbation. Masturbation sometimes attracts bullying. Porn will destroy your soul. Here are many testimonials about the GREAT benefits of quitting porn and masturbation, this is a MUST-READ : filedropper.com/0benefits

Low spiritual vibrations = depression, loving metal music, porn, piercings, tatoos, low quality sex, violent behavior when stressed, taking naked selfies, feeling the need to insult others, drugs etc…

Being on the lower spiritual plane is like having major myopia, you do not “see”, you cannot see the “real beauty” of the world, the faces of women, art, “higher” music for instance.

Remember how much happier you were when you were a kid? Small things delighted you, everybody loved you, you were happy from the moment you woke up to the moment you went to sleep.

Chronic masturbators usually attract people of the same spiritual plane, everywhere, even on the internet, vidéo games…

Metal music, g-strings, pornography, the fact that women dress in a bad way, tatoos, piercings (except the earrings), vulgar swear words, the impression that time passes “too quickly”, the disappearance of true intellect and even the way people walk (no or little grace in movements), is I think, and I am not sure at all, the results of people’s sins today, especially Usury and Fornication! wa Allahu a3lam.

I believe that just not speaking against usury can plunge one into grave sin. One has to take responsibility.

Avoiding sins, doing many good deeds like helping others and giving charity will AWAKEN a human being SPIRITUALLY, you won’t stand to see things like nudity or hear bad music anymore. And your brain will feel new, wonderful things. Even your food and music taste will change. You will meet new like-minded people. And your words will have much more impact than usual (even on the internet). You will attract better people easily. Your face will be brighter than usual. You will become much smarter.

If you keep on doing tons of good deeds while avoiding sins, you will need much less sleep, eat a lot less yet have immense energy, be a lot more courageous and resilient, you will feel great! Your spiritual energy will be so high that you will attract great friends and wealth without much effort. Strangers will smile at you for no reason, small children will come to you in a trusting way, animals will approach you.

Purify your soul, for you shall feel love everlasting.

Have a nice day.

 

[on_the_hill]

Semen is very important to the body, full of useful nutrients. Ever wondered how it would feel keeping it inside?
.

What?! This is where you lost me. Semen contains useful nutrients? That’s pure quackery. Absurd. You mean I can use semen to store up useful nutrients like a camel stores nourishment in his hump?

And chastity cures acne?! Birds of a feather, quack quack. Back in the old days, boys with bad acne were ostracized and bullied because people actually believed that. Thank goodness for that thing called “Science.”

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

Low spiritual vibrations = depression, loving metal music, porn, piercings, tatoos, low quality sex, violent behavior when stressed, taking naked selfies, feeling the need to insult others, drugs etc…

Funny. I’ve become less inclined to anything sexual after a few good sessions of playing violent video games, good-hearted trash talking, some metal-ish video game soundtrack in the back, and, oh, poking fun at n00bs.

Being on the lower spiritual plane is like having major myopia, you do not “see”, you cannot see the “real beauty” of the world, the faces of women, art, “higher” music for instance.

“Higher” music? You mean classic? That’s kinda weird cuz I’m sure you have songs like that one from the opera Carmen often used in really steamy scenes in some rom-com movies.

Chronic masturbators usually attract people of the same spiritual plane, everywhere, even on the internet, vidéo games…

If they are, they’re certainly not as bad as you say. As a matter of fact, the more religiously inclined people I know tend to be closer to this sort of unhappy behavior (minus the swearing but really, that’s not much of a redeeming quality).

Avoiding sins, doing many good deeds like helping others and giving charity will AWAKEN a human being SPIRITUALLY, you won’t stand to see things like nudity or hear bad music anymore. And your brain will feel new, wonderful things. Even your food and music taste will change. You will meet new like-minded people. And your words will have much more impact than usual (even on the internet). You will attract better people easily. Your face will be brighter than usual. You will become much smarter.

I could say the same for just cutting myself some slack.

 

[Estevao]

Good article
David Bentley Hart:

The damage that pornography can do — to minds or cultures — is not by any means negligible. Especially in our modern age of passive entertainment, saturated as we are by an unending storm of noises and images and barren prattle, portrayals of violence or of sexual degradation possess a remarkable power to permeate, shape, and deprave the imagination; and the imagination is, after all, the wellspring of desire, of personality, of character. Anyone who would claim that constant or even regular exposure to pornography does not affect a person at the profoundest level of consciousness is either singularly stupid or singularly degenerate. Nor has the availability and profusion of pornography in modern Western culture any historical precedent. And the Internet has provided a means of distribution whose potentials we have scarcely begun to grasp. It is a medium of communication at once transnational and private, worldwide and discreet, universal and immediate. It is, as nothing else before it, the technology of what Gianni Vattimo calls the “transparent society,” the technology of global instantaneity, which allows images to be acquired in a moment from almost anywhere, conversations of extraordinary intimacy to be conducted with faceless strangers across continents, relations to be forged and compacts struck in almost total secrecy, silently, in a virtual realm into which no one — certainly no parent — can intrude. I doubt that even the most technologically avant-garde among us can quite conceive how rapidly and how insidiously such a medium can alter the culture around us.

thenewatlantis.com/publications/the-pornography-culture

Of course this was written in 2004. As for how porn can alter the culture, at the time of this article the highest grossing film in February was Passion of the Christ. As of now it’s 50 shades of gray.