What is Masturbation?
Masturbation is the self-stimulation of one’s sexual organs for sexual pleasure. It is often done with the fingers, hands, or objects such as a vibrator. Masturbation is the act of self-stimulation usually to the point of orgasm. It is a normal sexual activity practiced by people of all ages, from infancy to old age. It can be done alone or with a partner and can be an enjoyable and healthy part of a person’s sex life.
Masturbation in Christianity
Masturbation is a topic that does not feature often in Christian literature. Some denominations, such as Roman Catholicism and some branches of Protestantism, view it as a sin. However, many pastors are beginning to see the practice as a healthy part of human sexuality. They believe that masturbation is a normal activity that should be accepted and embraced, not condemned. The Bible does not directly address masturbation, and the Church has long divided on this subject. Some believe it is wrong and sinful, while others believe it is not a sin as long as it is done within the confines of a committed relationship.
Reasons Why Some Christians Believe That Masturbation Is A Sin
Christians who believe that masturbation is a sin often cite passages from the Bible and teachings from Church fathers. The Bible does not directly mention the act of masturbation, but there are verses and passages that can be used to condemn the practice. First Corinthians 6:18 states, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” This passage can be interpreted as a warning against indulging in activities that are seen as immoral, including masturbation.
In addition, Proverbs 5:18-19 states, “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, and may you ever be captivated by her love.” This passage is often seen as a cautionary tale against indulging in anything other than marital sex. People who interpret this verse as condemning masturbation feel that it destroys marital fidelity.
Finally, Christian teachings have long stressed that sex should be reserved for marriage only. Masturbation is considered a form of sex and, therefore, is seen as immoral and sinful by many people of the faith.
Reasons Why Some Christians Believe That Masturbation Is Not A Sin
Christians who believe that masturbation is not a sin often cite passages from the Bible that address sexual pleasure and its importance. In Romans 13:13, for example, Paul states, “Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.” This verse is often interpreted to mean that sexual pleasure is acceptable as long as it is done within the confines of marriage. Thus, some believe that masturbation within a marriage is not a sin.
Those who believe that masturbation is not a sin also point to passages that embrace and celebrate pleasure. In Ecclesiastes 9:9, the author writes, “Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.” This verse is often seen as a celebration of a married couple’s sexual pleasure. Thus, Christians who believe that masturbation is not a sin feel that it is a valid and healthy part of a fulfilling sexual relationship.
Conclusion
The debate over masturbation within Christian circles will likely continue for years to come. However, it is clear that the Church is slowly beginning to accept the practice as a normal and healthy part of human sexuality. Masturbation can be an enjoyable and satisfying part of a sexual relationship, as long as it is done within the confines of a committed marriage.
