Would having abnormally high testosterone levels mitigate sexual sin?

[ToeInTheWater]

The condition of low testosterone is something that’s been brought up on CAF before, and I’m sure some people have seen ads for testosterone supplements that refer to “Low T”. Well, there are also medical conditions that cause abnormally high testosterone, usually having to do with tumors.

My question is…would having such a disorder mitigate sexual sins that the patient commits, due to his high libido? Or would it mitigate violent sins, as high testosterone is linked to increased aggression, in both males and females. Obviously, all these things would still be grave matter, but would it be bumped down from mortal to venial, under the theory that the man had so much testosterone in his system that he had no choice but to act on his urges?

After all, it seems being “addicted” to masturbation is supposed to mitigate that sin, as does having certain psychological disorders. So it would seem an actual medical condition backed up by test results would do so as well.

The only issue I have with this line of reasoning is…wouldn’t that mean that all men are automatically less responsible for sexual sin than women, since men obviously have higher levels of testosterone than women? It seems a lot of people believe this around here, even if they don’t come right out and say it…

 

[1ke]

My question is…would having such a disorder mitigate sexual sins that the patient commits, due to his high libido? Or would it mitigate violent sins, as high testosterone is linked to increased aggression, in both males and females. Obviously, all these things would still be grave matter, but would it be bumped down from mortal to venial, under the theory that the man had so much testosterone in his system that he had no choice but to act on his urges?

In general, no.

In an individual case, maybe, but that seems a stretch.

wouldn’t that mean that all men are automatically less responsible for sexual sin than women, since men obviously have higher levels of testosterone than women? It seems a lot of people believe this around here, even if they don’t come right out and say it…

Uh, no.

Women have their own sex hormones, and women and men are equally responsible for their behavior.

 

[PatrickSebast]

Well testosterone isn’t the only hormone that can effect sexual urges so I don’t think you could really say that having testosterone on its own is enough to give males a little bit more room. There would actually have to be a test that would somehow objectively compare the levels of sexual desire that women and men experience. On average I would say men probably do have stronger urges, but that it probably has more to do with their sexual system not being cyclic than anything. Really though I don’t see it as something that matters a lot, sin is sin regardless of condition and an individual should try to avoid it while the community should try to support that individual and guide them through their struggles rather than condemn them, and if someone has a legitimate psychological problem such as nymphomania then they should seek professional help.

Even if someone who was almost you exact biological equal fell into a sexual sin and you managed to resist that doesn’t give you any right to feel more righteous or call the person rude names like pervert, disdain for our brothers and sisters certainly won’t fix their problems and it has never been what we are called to do. Even if someone is so lost in their sin that they essentially slap your hand away every time, the proper response would be to feel sorrow for their condition and continue to hold onto hope for them.

 

[thistle]

The condition of low testosterone is something that’s been brought up on CAF before, and I’m sure some people have seen ads for testosterone supplements that refer to “Low T”. Well, there are also medical conditions that cause abnormally high testosterone, usually having to do with tumors.

My question is…would having such a disorder mitigate sexual sins that the patient commits, due to his high libido? Or would it mitigate violent sins, as high testosterone is linked to increased aggression, in both males and females. Obviously, all these things would still be grave matter, but would it be bumped down from mortal to venial, under the theory that the man had so much testosterone in his system that he had no choice but to act on his urges?

After all, it seems being “addicted” to masturbation is supposed to mitigate that sin, as does having certain psychological disorders. So it would seem an actual medical condition backed up by test results would do so as well.

The only issue I have with this line of reasoning is…wouldn’t that mean that all men are automatically less responsible for sexual sin than women, since men obviously have higher levels of testosterone than women? It seems a lot of people believe this around here, even if they don’t come right out and say it…

That sort of view usually comes from people who want to continue sinning and they are trying to justify it.
Just like men who say masturbation should be allowed because it is supposed to cut the risk of prostate cancer.
Too many people looking for excuses to sin.