What Does the Bible Say About Masturbation?
Rev. Turner:I was just wondering if you had any advice about what the Bible might say about pornography and masturbation. I have had trouble with this issue for a while now and my habits seem to me somewhat addictive and compulsive and I feel like I should be saving myself for my husband. Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
Love in Christ
Eric
Dear Eric,
The Bible has absolutely nothing to say about either subject. Pornography
was unknown during the times of scripture writing and masturbation, while a
naturally occurring act within the human species, is not mentioned anywhere
in scripture.
Let me share some facts about masturbation.
1) "...Alfred Kinsey...interviewed thousands of men in the 1940's, and
concluded that 95 percent masturbated. In 1960's, William Masters and
Virginia Johnson raised that figure to 99 percent." - Dr. Harold Litten,
"The Joy of Solo Sex."
2) Masturbation usually takes the form of rubbing one's genitals (sexual
organs) with fingers, hands, and/or objects (e.g. a pillow). The optimum
technique varies from person to person. Feelings of excitement build
quickly. If continued, they will often produce an orgasm, and (in men) an
ejaculation of semen. An orgasm is defined in Webster's New World Dictionary
as "a frenzy; great excitement; especially the climax of sexual excitement."
To those who have experienced an orgasm, no explanation is needed; to those
who have not experienced one, no explanation would be sufficient to describe
the feelings. How-to instructions are available on-line.
"Jackinworld" conducted a survey among their readers. Results indicated
that the average frequency of masturbation drops from 11 per week at age 11,
to 5 per week above age 35. There are wide fluctuations in frequency from
individual to individual. 84% of respondents had started to masturbate at or
before the age of 13. Afterwards, 89% felt happy and relaxed; 10% felt
guilty; 1% felt nervous. Among the very religious readers who had surfed
their site 2 months or less, the percentage who felt guilty was 19%. We have
a hunch that religious instruction does not cut down on the numbers of youth
who masturbate. It does not reduce the frequency of masturbation. It only
makes more of them feel more guilty."
Some more conservative religious groups have condemned masturbation because
it is done by one person and therefore cannot lead to babies. So it has been
called an "unnatural act."
Others say God created sex with the intent that it be enjoyed between a
married couple: one man and one woman. Physical closeness = emotional
closeness. Again, since masturbation is a solitary practice it has been
interpreted by these groups as bad.
However with that said, go to http://www.religioustolerance.org/sex_jesu.htm
and read the research as to what Jesus said about sexuality. You will find
very little. Most of what Jesus said had to do with how we treat our relationship with another
person. In fact, there are no passages in the Bible that discuss this topic
directly. Jesus did not give his opinion on masturbation. Although he gave
hundreds of examples and stories to help us with our lives, to be
responsible to one another and how to bring honor and glory to God, he
didn't seem to think the practice of the fine art called human sexuality and
this particular practice of great importance.
From my point of view, masturbation only becomes a problem if you are doing
it so often that you hurt yourself (bruising or making yourself irritated)
and/or you no longer desire a healthy sexual sharing with the person you
love. In other words, it replaces the sexual act with your partner in life.
If you are finding yourself preoccupied with masturbation and or the
material that generally goes along with it then I would say you have an issue
to deal with. Otherwise, you sound like a healthy man to me who is concerned
that what you do is OK with God. The fact you are concerned about sharing
your sex life with the one for whom you love is something I wish there was
more of these days.
However, saving yourself for your husband is about not being with any
person other then your husband either before or after. While most would not
admit it, masturbation is practiced even during the marriage. In fact,
masturbation is one of the tools we have for saving ourselves for that
special person with whom we will live and maintain our life with. So, my
dear child of God, while many in the world may be shaky, fearful and guilt-ridden with an act that everyone does--there is no reason to be fearful,
guilty or all that concerned, morally, ethically, or spiritually.
God Bless,
Reference: http://www.religioustolerance.org/masturba.htm
If you are seeking guidance and pastoral care on your journey to fullness as a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered person, please contact Pastor Paul directly at pastorpaul@whosoever.org.