Roman Catholic view on masturbation ...

[MykeSoBe]

I was wondering, what is the Catholic stance on masturbation, truly? I Googled catholic views on masturbation, and some of the articles I read really scare me, and one said masturbation was a sin under all circumstances. On the other hand, I went on this website called Boys Under Attack, (http://www.boysunderattack.com)and it explained otherwise, saying that masturbation is not bad as long as you aren't masturbating thinking about another person. I'm really confused :what:

[Atonement]

The "as long as you don't think of another person" comes from Matthew 5:28 which reads:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who has looked a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

And, considering that to visualize or think about, or whatever you may do for simulation is lusting after someone which is a sin. So, unless you can masturbate without thinking about anyone sexually, it is a sin.

Same thing goes for pornography.

And as for the people that are going to say "Its not a sin, its fine" okay, but its not the point of this thread. He asked the Roman Catholic view, not your opinion.

Hope I helped.

[Archer600]

Well back when the church was started sex was for only marryed people and meant to make children only. So masterbation was considered really bad cuz it was wasting your "seed"
As far as wether it's a sin or not
The church teaches against it and some more religious people do consider it a sin no matter what

Other people like me belive u need to know what your doing is wrong to be a sin so it could go either way

[Prince_of_Peace]

The Cathechism of the Catholic Church promulgated by Pope John Paul II indicates that masterbation is MORTAL sin.

"By masturbation is to be understood the deliverate stimulation of the genital organs in order to derive sexual pleasure. "Both the Magisterium of the Church, in the course of a constant tradition, and the moral sence of the faithful have been in no doubt and have firmly maintained that masturbationis an intrinsically and grave disordered action." The deliberate use of sexual faculty, for whatever reason, outside of marriage is essentially contrary to its purpose." For here sexual pleasure is sought outside of the sexual relationshiop which is demanded by the moral order and in which the total meaning of mutual self-giving and human procreation in the contxt of true love is achieved."

I leave the interpretation to you...I am not a moral theologian.

[Atonement]

The Cathechism of the Catholic Church promulgated by Pope John Paul II indicates that masterbation is MORTAL sin.

"By masturbation ... love is achieved."

I leave the interpretation to you...I am not a moral theologian.


Two questions,

A. What do you define a "mortal" sin as? All sins are mortal sins.

B. Why would you post something that even you can't interpret and understand?

[Stevo 69]

I am a Catholic but I don't think masturbation is a sin, I masturbate a great deal and always have naughty thoughts. No-one can stop me

[Atonement]

I am a Catholic but I don't think masturbation is a sin, I masturbate a great deal and always have naughty thoughts. No-one can stop me

Then how are you abiding by what you belief. If you call yourself Catholic, would you not know that it is viewed as a sin and if you were faithful, would you not stop masturbating? I'm not trying to judge or insult you, it just doesn't make sense to me.

[Stevo 69]

^^ well I am a catholic but I don't agree with everything that is stated - i know that's not usual but just my opinion.

[pizzamon]

I'm not Catholic, but I am Primitive Baptist and I believe within Christianity it's believed that masturbation is sin because it doesn't aide in procreation and the lust that is often with it. This being said I think that it is a sin because you're giving into desires of the flesh. I also think it's important to remember that we all sin and will continue to and we have to ask for forgiveness for them.

[byee]

This is another q that comes up frequently in some form or another.

I suppose everyone has to interpret matter of Faith for themselves. But, you might want to take into some consideration that the sex drive, which is what causes the urge to masturbate, is caused entirely by biology, you have no control over it. In much the same way that you cannot stop yourself from sweating or thirsting on a hot day, or blinking, or pooping or urinating when you have to, you cannot successfully 'turn off' or deny a biological urge like the sex drive. And frankly, from a psychological perspective, you shouldn't even try. Not only will you be unsuccessful, when you want that sex drive to be there and work properly (when you're in a committed relationship or married), it will be much more difficult to do so, you cannot undo the attitudes and repression needed to turn off and deny sexuality so easily.

I think there needs to be a balance to life, btw'n the 'real' and the 'ideal', and to recognize that acknowledgement of the Spirit of the intent and the reality do not have to be the same for you to be Faithful. In other words, it might be Ok to masturbate b/c our understanding and appreciation of where it comes from is different today than Biblical times, and that perhaps being a Good person in general is more important than denying who we are and what we need, biologically.


JMHO, FWIY.

[Sugaree]

The reason that the Roman Catholic Church finds masturbation a mortal sin, is because it's in accordance with adultery. It is the wasting of your seed, and it doesn't aid in the pro-creation of the human race. It's just something people do to calm their sexual urge. It's normal and nothing bad has ever come from it. It's just something that's biological as Sam said. You can't repress it, because it's going to happen wether you like it or not! It does say in the Bible (sorry, I couldn't find the chapter and verse, but I have read it) that "it is better for your seed to fall in the belly of a whore than on the ground". I believe that it is better for a man's seed to be used properly instead of just being put into a sock and shoved at the bottom of a hamper.

I believe in all of the truths that the Church teaches, but I don't believe two things: 1. That sex is something that needs to be abstained from until marriage and 2. That masturbation is a mortal sin.

I don't believe in abstaining from sex. Sure, it's something that you should save for when you are in deep love for someone and you want to show it physically. But you can't hold off on it. To add more pressure to it, the Church says masturbation is a mortal sin. So, I guess if I don't masturbate and have wet dreams, is this a sin also? I'm releasing my seed without it being put to creation. Isn't that a sin?

All in all, masturbation isn't a mortal sin. People need to stop being scared about the entire thing and just masturbate if the want to. It won't kill them, it won't take away their rights to heaven, it won't cast them to hell, and it certainly won't make them less of a person. Don't be afraid by what people say. People who take everything the Church says so seriously is a bit off their rocker if you ask me. Just ignore them and live your life.

EDIT: And Addison, if you have ever read "The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism" by Father Bennet, then I'm sure you would know that not ALL sins are mortal. There are also venial and actual sin. Just pointing that out :)

[Atonement]

Hm, never read any specifically out of bible catholic books. But the Bible itself doesn't specify one sin is worse than any other in God's eyes, so, idk where saints and the Vaticnaget these kinds of things.

[MykeSoBe]

I'm not Catholic, but I am Primitive Baptist and I believe within Christianity it's believed that masturbation is sin because it doesn't aide in procreation and the lust that is often with it. This being said I think that it is a sin because you're giving into desires of the flesh. I also think it's important to remember that we all sin and will continue to and we have to ask for forgiveness for them.

It seems sorta embarrassing always going up to confession every weekend having to ask the priest for forgiveness over the same sin. :( [Of course I've never went there] I thought it was just my religion that had this outrageous view on masturbation. I guess it's something shared throughout all Christianity!

I would like to add, desires of the flesh. Now that's just something we'll all have to give in to. If you're like really addicted to it, it would turn into desires of the mind. I don't mean to question His authority, but I'd really wonder why a desire of the flesh would be considered a sin?

I also found out that about 99% of Catholic males (boys and men) have masturbated, the other 1% I suppose would have a handicap with their hand, so that leads me to believe that almost every normal Catholic male has masturbated. This is really starting to cool me down a lot about the issue, and I believe it more than anything else.

Also, with the many posts I've been reading, that really helps too. Without advice from others like me, I'd most likely end up confused and down the wrong path.

[Prince_of_Peace]

I do not agree that man has no control over the urges of his body. Sex is good, but if you had too much it can be even be painful. Just as temptation comes to man, it all starts with a LIE. "If you eat the fruit of knowledge, you will become like gods." So here you are tempted to start in believing the father of lies, LUCIFER. FIRST, he will tell us that there is no God. SECOND Lucifer introduces DOUBT. "Did God really tell you not to eat fom any of trees in the garden?" (God said not to eat the FRUIT OF KNOWLEDGE only, not ANY trees in the garden). THIRD, he lies again "You certainly will not die! No, your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods."

LUCIFER tells us we have no control over our genitals? Well, perhaps true if first our minds are full of pornography that is readily accessible in the web. Don't get me wrong for I myself is guilty and constantly battle everyday. If we give in to it, then masterbation will become a habit, then it will be an addiction. THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE ADDICTED TO PORNOGRAPHY THAN COCAINE AND MARIJUANA COMBINDED.

Please do not get me wrong for I do not mean to preach here. I have masterbated constantly for years, twice or three times everyday. Masterbation will inslave you. I have been enslaved by it untill I went to confession. My penance....stay away from pornography.

Just as many people are overweight (no offense please just trying to make a point here)...we will be controlled by what we put in our minds. Sad to say that the entertainment industry has bombarded our minds with sex, sex and and sex. Stay away from thinking about sex and it will help you stay away from masterbation. This is how I can control myself. I struggle and I fail, but I also know better.

[theOperaGhost]

There is a biological reason behind all of the "7 deadly sins." Genetics can explain people who are overweight. Not everyone who is overweight is constantly filling their face.

Same with masturbation. A sex drive is ingrained into our brains. It is a biological NEED that very few people have control over (it is possible to control it). I'm too tired to put any more thought into this at the moment, sorry.

[Prince_of_Peace]

I know that thePianoMan is telling the truth for I have deep respects for his thoughts. Masterabation is a biological need which is possible to be controlled.

[Antares]

You have control of the urge.
Its just whether you have a strong enough will and/or a purpose.
I think that there is no credible mention of masturbation in the bible and that you should not even worry about it.
If you believe its a problem, then take action, let nature take its course. Otherwise, just put that little thing behind you and worry about it when youre at the gates...

[Halibut]

ya i was baptized catholic but i am agnostic now and they are very strict about things. they like overdo it and just i hated going to a catholic church! i went to other churches and even though i dont believan the whole thing..other religions where more inviting

[Yoofus]

[QUOTE=Prince_of_Peace;459981]The Cathechism of the Catholic Church promulgated by Pope John Paul II indicates that masterbation is MORTAL sin.

What does mortal sin entail? Like, after one, are you done for good? Mortal sounds so scary...

[Church]

This why I'm glad I'm Wiccan, I don't go to a Church everyday and have people telling me what I should and shouldn't do, people are animals, animals have urges, there is nothing wrong with that and if you think there is you been taught wrong

[Atonement]

This why I'm glad I'm Wiccan, I don't go to a Church everyday and have people telling me what I should and shouldn't do, people are animals, animals have urges, there is nothing wrong with that and if you think there is you been taught wrong

Which is why he asked for the ROMAN CATHOLIC view, not yours.

[Church]

I have freedom of speech, so shut it, I can say my views

[theOperaGhost]

I have freedom of speech, so shut it, I can say my views


You can say your views, but you can also respect what other people have to say. No reason to snap back at someone. The title of the thread is Roman Catholic views on masturbation, so he didn't say anything bad. Show some respect, buddy.

[TAC1]

Going to confession is the best thing that may help you out with your questions. Ask a priest what he thinks on it. Don't feel bad, i too am confused but I said that I will confess it as a sin and I ask for God's forgiveness.

[pizzamon]

I think it comes down to what you believe in. If you believe you should have control over your urges then you should exhibit that. If you don't then that's your choice. There is an idea that since humans are above all other animals they should be able to control their urges. I think that's what the Roman Catholic Church is trying to convey to its followers.

[SlappyTwinkle]

well, i'm catholic and i've never heard that masturbation is a sin or anything, but then again, i go to a very progressive and liberal church, so there's lots of things that are "ok" that normally wouldn't be.

[MykeSoBe]

well, i'm catholic and i've never heard that masturbation is a sin or anything, but then again, i go to a very progressive and liberal church, so there's lots of things that are "ok" that normally wouldn't be.

Well is your church an actual Roman Catholic church, or one of the other Catholic denominations? The Roman Catholic church is headed by the Pope in the Vatican and is the largest Christian religion. Then their's Old Catholic, Independent Catholic, Anglican Catholic, and a few others.

[here2help]

Rules are there to be broken unless you are a hard out believer ;)

[Patchy]

SlappyTwinkle please do not bump threads which have not been posted in for 1 or 2 months

:locked: