Bible Question: but masturbation is a sin is it not? because you have to imagine having sex to masturbate is this right? |
Bible Answer: Dear Johnny-B, Okay, before I start, I realize that probaly a lot of people disagree with my answer, but I'm going with it anyway. Masturbation is not mentioned in the bible, so many people think that since this occurs, it's not sin or that it's okay in God's eyes to masturbate. Others think that masturbation is a gift from God so that we may resist acting those temptations. But how are we resiting these temptations by engaging in act that entertains them? Also, in sermon on the mount in Matthew 5:28 Jesus tells us "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart". Now is lust present in the mind. Of course. Therefore I think it is appropriate to argue that since most sexual sin and maturbation is initiated by lust, it qualifies as a displeasing act against God or sin. Though I guess the other thing to keep in mind is that the masturbation is not the sin, it's the lust behind (even though I personally believe they go pretty much hand in hand) God created sex so that it would be shared between a married man and woman only. He condemns all types of sexual immorality in Leviticus 18:6-8, 22-23, including incest, bestiality and homosexuality. (If my thoughts were going in much more of a disorganized order I'd stop, but I think I'm almost there). Though becuase this topic is interpreted many different ways, you may have thoughts completely different than I do, but it works for me and I honestly don't see any harm in calling it a sin, because the abscence of this act is largely beneficially in your focus and walk with Christ (again that's my opinion). Well, I have completely strained my brain of all distractions and random thoughts, so if that helps you a bit, then great. Now if you agree with me, you might want to look at this site, xxxchurch.com. It's very liberal, but the pastors have right idea in getting the message out. Here's also a great book for looking deeper into this topic; Every Young Man's Battle, written by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker (available in any Christian book store) |