is masterbation a sin? (Matthew, Orthodox, religion, Romans)

[babypeaches]

Originally Posted by denverian

I certainly can't speak for women and their biology, but it seems to be common knowledge that women can do without sex easier than men. Men produce sperm, and it's going to leave their bodies on a regular basis, whether you want it to or not. Generally during the night, accompanied by a very sexual dream, unless you handle your business before it gets to that point. So is that a "sin"?

What on earth could masturbation lead to? Other than sweet releif? It's not an addiction, it's a response to regular sexual buildup. If there's no time for sex, too tired, other half is too tired, etc., it's a very reasonable thing to do and no one is harmed. It's an insane argument to equate masturbation to drugs, addiction, downward spiral, and death. It sounds like someone has serious personal issues with sex their body.

Obviously, whoever write this is a man and DOES NOT know much about women and what drives us sexually. I am a woman who masterbates and have found it increasingly difficult not to. Most women I know that have had sex or orgasms are hard pressed to turn away from it. I want to have sex all the time, every day...just like a man(lots [if not most] women do). Any women that tells you something different has either never had an orgasm or is lying. So, please get your facts straight. Now, I, too, am a Christian and know about the scriptures and what they say about sex and all that and I can say that (at least for me) the main issue was not thinking about or having to watch porn in order to become aroused. Christians......I've read up on this and that is the main issue with masterbation. If you can master that, you're good to go. I, personally can think about paint drying and still orgasm with no problem.

For a long time the question of whether of not masterbation was wrong plagued me, but from the interpretations I've read of the Bible and the counsel I gotten from PASTORS, I can say with some confidence that it not something to be ashamed of or feel guilty about. People who tell you differantly are afraid of sexuality, plain and simple. God made us to WANT sex, but we should be careful with it. As long as you are not addicted to porn and it's not getting in the way of your life and is just a way to relax and release sexual tension....GO FOR IT! Just learn how to control yourself and your thoughts and you'll be fine.

[babypeaches]

Originally Posted by RAZZEL

Maybe the actions that lead to masturbation are sinful and I do not see how masturbation could be considered glorifying to God. Masturbation is the end result of lustful thoughts, sexual stimulation, and/or pornographic images.

He created us. Are you saying that God did not create sexual stimulation? I understand and agree with the part about lustful thoughts and pornographic images, but you need to get a clearer view of God's stance on sexuality. I think you are off base.

[DaniMae1]

Originally Posted by denverian

I certainly can't speak for women and their biology, but it seems to be common knowledge that women can do without sex easier than men. Men produce sperm, and it's going to leave their bodies on a regular basis, whether you want it to or not. Generally during the night, accompanied by a very sexual dream, unless you handle your business before it gets to that point. So is that a "sin"?

What on earth could masturbation lead to? Other than sweet releif? It's not an addiction, it's a response to regular sexual buildup. If there's no time for sex, too tired, other half is too tired, etc., it's a very reasonable thing to do and no one is harmed. It's an insane argument to equate masturbation to drugs, addiction, downward spiral, and death. It sounds like someone has serious personal issues with sex their body.

Ummm...I am a woman I have to disagree with you. Where this info comes from that women can be without sex easier than a man is just wrong. I think this is a myth. I am a woman, I like sex...a lot. In fact, I usually want sex much more often than my spouse! Of course he has no problem with that.

[DaniMae1]

Originally Posted by davidanstey

Yes and a most serious sin. Masturbation is a form of sex and and sex should be between husband and wife.

Parents should discipline their children for masturbating which includes corporal punishment (if its legal where you live)

OMG!!! Are you serious?!!! BEAT a child for masturbating?!!! I have never heard such an insane thing! I mean if they are doing it at the dinner table, maybe.....COME ON! Okay, I remember masturbating as a very small child....I was NOT exposed to sexually explicit material or abused in any way sexually. It was just pleasurable and I did NOT know why I liked it, I just did. It is totally normal!!! And by the way, the OT says to beat your kids....Jesus NEVER did!

[Alpha8207]

Originally Posted by DaniMae1

I mean if they are doing it at the dinner table, maybe....

[cashattuck]

Bravo

[cashattuck]

Originally Posted by babypeaches

Obviously, whoever write this is a man and DOES NOT know much about women and what drives us sexually. I am a woman who masterbates and have found it increasingly difficult not to. Most women I know that have had sex or orgasms are hard pressed to turn away from it. I want to have sex all the time, every day...just like a man(lots [if not most] women do). Any women that tells you something different has either never had an orgasm or is lying. So, please get your facts straight. Now, I, too, am a Christian and know about the scriptures and what they say about sex and all that and I can say that (at least for me) the main issue was not thinking about or having to watch porn in order to become aroused. Christians......I've read up on this and that is the main issue with masterbation. If you can master that, you're good to go. I, personally can think about paint drying and still orgasm with no problem.

For a long time the question of whether of not masterbation was wrong plagued me, but from the interpretations I've read of the Bible and the counsel I gotten from PASTORS, I can say with some confidence that it not something to be ashamed of or feel guilty about. People who tell you differantly are afraid of sexuality, plain and simple. God made us to WANT sex, but we should be careful with it. As long as you are not addicted to porn and it's not getting in the way of your life and is just a way to relax and release sexual tension....GO FOR IT! Just learn how to control yourself and your thoughts and you'll be fine.

Well said.

[cashattuck]

Well said.

[supermom0204]

Originally Posted by davidanstey

Yes and a most serious sin. Masturbation is a form of sex and and sex should be between husband and wife.

Parents should discipline their children for masturbating which includes corporal punishment (if its legal where you live)

You have got to be kidding. Kids explore their bodies and if something feels good, they do it simply for that reason. They are not being sexual deviants. They are not even thinking sexual thoughts. It just feels good. I have a 5 yo daughter who does. I just ask that she only explores her own body in private. I also make sure that she knows that nobody else should ever be involved. I think punishing a child for pleasuring themself is only going to cause more problems, confusion, and quite possibly more curiosity and promiscuity later.

[thisSUNhasntSET]

The deal really is your motivation. If you are masturbating while fantasizing, then you are committing adultery in your heart. However, if it is possible for you to masturbate without thinking about the actual sexual act (trust me, it is possible), I do not think that it is wrong. Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, would agree with me on this issue. If it is not possible for you to masturbate without engaging in sexual thoughts, then I would strongly advise you not to do it.

Sex outside of marriage IS a sin. The people above me are right: sex is pleasurable and God intended it to be a good thing within the bounds of marriage. After the Fall in the Garden of Eden, God has to institute marriage. Before the Fall, Adam and Eve could have all the sex they want; but they were also sinless. Since now we are fallen man, altered by the mark of sin and death, God had to establish certain commands for our own good. One of those commands includes the prohibition of sex before marriage. This includes any sexual foreplay, oral sex, mutual masturbation, etc.

Now, many of you will say, "Well, sex feels so good! How can it be a bad thing? How can God make something so good and then tell us we have to wait for it?" The good new is that He understands your struggles, and He desires to help you. By teaching you self-control, He is aiding you in becoming more like Christ. And becoming more like Christ should be our ultimate goal: before pleasure, and most certainly before sex.