What is Masturbation?
Masturbation is a sexual activity that involves self-stimulation by a person’s own hands or similar objects, to experience physical sexual pleasure. This practice has been around since pre-historic times and has been seen as both a healthful and sinful behavior since then.
The Debate in Christianity regarding Masturbation
Masturbation is a difficult topic to address as there is no specific or clear stance on it outlined within Christianity. Even though there are a few instances throughout the Bible that indirectly reference masturbation with words like “uncleanness”, “impurity”, and “self-gratification”, there is no exact verse that covers this topic in its entirety. As a result there have been a lot of debates and opinions from Christian denominations and the general public about what is viewed as an acceptable practice and an unacceptable one.
The Variety of Perspectives
Spiritual leaders hold a range of perspectives regarding masturbation, which range from “masturbation is a sin” to “masturbation is ok”. Majority of Christian denominations believe that masturbation is a sin while several sources affirm that it is a harmless activity, not linked to any spiritual implications.
The Argument of Nature
Some religious experts suggest that masturbation may be considered a necessary part of the human condition. In the book, “God and Your Bodies” a Catholic philosopher, Father Belmonte argues that since the purpose of sex is seen as procreation, and since masturbation does not fit into that purpose, it is then not seen as natural or “meant to be”.
The Argument of Maturity
Other religious experts suggest that it is ok to engage in masturbation as long as it is done with a mature state of mind and heart, it does not involve impure thoughts, or be used in a way that is damaging to oneself or one’s relationship with God. W. Dilip Kumar, a gurus in spiritual guidance, suggests is that if there is a sense of guilt and shame attached to the practice then that might mean there it is important to work through these feelings and resolve any issue that could be causing these sentiments first.
The Argument of Free Will
Without a specific biblical reference to “masturbation is a sin” or “masturbation is ok” it can be argued that it should be up to each individual to decide whether or not to practice it, without any guilt or shame. It is believed that it is up to people to use their own discretion and exercise self-control while using their own free will in order to be able to make decisions in any way they please.
The Argument of Preservation of Marriage
Many Christian denominations argue that masturbation can’t be considered to be ok if it takes away from the value of marriage or pushes it away as a meaningful and sacred bond between a man and woman. This includes if it prevents couples from engaging in sexual relations with one another, as it is seen as a damaging practice that can take away from the union of marriage.
The Argument of Moderation
Similarly, many religious sects argue that it is ok to engage in masturbation as long as it is done in moderation and with a healthy state of mind. This means keeping it away from partners, avoiding exchanges of sexual activity with others and not letting it blindfold you from your faith to God.
The Argument of Physical Action
From a physical standpoint, some Christian doctors argue that masturbation is a healthy way for individuals to reduce stress and provide sexual release, especially for those who don’t have access to sexual partners. The same could be said for emotional reasons, as masturbation can help individuals process their emotions and find emotional release.
The Argument of Religion
Proponents of this argument suggest that it is ok to engage in masturbation as long as it is connected to a religious aspect. It is more so viewed as a practice that should be used to express devotion to God, such as people are suggested to use sex in a religious way with the same spouse.
The Argument of Conflicts in Beliefs
Some argue that there is no one clear stance on whether or not masturbation is a sin in Christianity and that it depends on the individual and their own beliefs. While some may decide to take it as an acceptable practice, others might decide that it is a sin and should be avoided.
The Argument of Consequences
The belief that masturbation is a sin is often linked to the thought process of knowing the potential consequences of it, regardless of the individual’s specific relationship with God or religion. This is because within Christianity, there is a strong foundation of the belief in consequence for moral or immoral activity.
The Argument of Revelations 16:2 and 20:12
In the Bible, it is noted that in Revelations 16:2 and 20:12, that sexual impurity is forbidden and in some interpretations, “sexual impurity” is used as an umbrella term to label any and all sexual activities outside of the marriage bed. Depending on how strictly individuals practice Christianity, they may interpret these passages as direct references to masturbation and its consequences.
The Argument of Personal Guidelines
Some Christians believe that it is important to determine personal guidelines around masturbation and to determine when and how it can be practiced without it being a problem or a sin. This might include acknowledging when it is and is not appropriate, understanding how it can affect relationships with God and others, and setting limits and using self-discipline.
The Argument of Hidden Paths
The belief of hidden paths within Christianity is important to consider when debating the topic of whether or not masturbation is a sin. This idea is used to argue that nobody can or should be able to be the individual judge and jury in regards to saying what is a sin or not. The belief being that there are unseen “paths” or consequences for any action individual’s decide to partake in, whether it is labeled a sin or not.
