WHY IS THIS A SIN?

[SM13]

Why does the Catholic Church consider masrabation a sin? It worries me a lot and it's not like I wanna go to confession and tell a priest about that.....talk about an awkward conversation! Does anybody know why it's a sin for us? Help is MUCH appreciated!

[JKmadu619]

SM13: It depends on your interpertation of that passage of the Bible. Truth be told though, literally everyone on the planet has done it at some point, and I would guess safely that 99.9% do so at least once a week.

- Justin

[Loving Linux Penguin]

Yeah...I'm not Christian, but even if I was I wouldn't put much stock in that. The only person it effects is YOU, and it is not at all a harmful act. Besides, it's pretty natural to want to feel pleasure.

[Revolution]

Sex before marriage and masturbation are a sin? Whelp, there goes all the fun.

[Of Mike and Men]

I'm not Catholic, but here is my understanding of the Catholic logic. Based on the tradition of the early Church, they taught that because each body part has a purpose, it should be used for its purpose.I.E. the mouth is for eating, and should be used for such. The early Church argued that because of this, sexual organs should only be used for their purpose: reproducing. Therefore, things like contraception, abortion, masturbation, etc. is a sin.

Most protestants don't consider masturbation a sin, but consider the lust that generally accompanies it, a sin. Personally, for me, I could never do it with a clear conscience, so for me, it is a sin.

I'm not saying the Catholic or Protestant or even my logic is sound. But, just what they teach.

[Liz94]

This we covered in my Philosophy and ethics class.

It is because of Natural law. Under natural law it says that all humans have a Telos ( a goal) one of these goals is to reproduce. Mastaubation is a sexual act that doesn't lead to conception and this is why it is wrong. It is also why Catholics think that homosexuality and conception are wrong.

I am a Christian ( non-denomonatiol) and I personally don't agree with this. I think that watching porn is wrong, so if you mastubate whilst watching porn then that is wrong. But of you mastubate now and then without the use of pornographic material then that is fine.

[dr2005]

As a Catholic, I can tell you it's for the simple reason that it is using sexuality in a selfish manner and as a result purely of lust. Contrary to popular belief, the Church has no qualms with sex et al whatsoever, provided it is done so as an expression of love and unity with another - reason being, it views it as part of marriage in which two people become one. Masturbation, one night stands etc. all fall foul of that because it's using sex purely for one's own gratification without the other commitments. On the confession point, without getting into too much detail I can assure you the priest will probably have heard it before quite often (particularly from the male side of the congregation...) and if they're a good priest they'll treat it like any other matter. That's what they're instructed to do, after all.

Hope that helps and take care.

[SM13]

Is it a really bad sin you could go to hell for?

[FillingWithHope]

No Sweetie, I highly doubt it. I am Catholic too and honestly this is the first time I am hearing this. Masturbation is normal for every healthy teenager and it helps reduce the urgers to have sex, it relieves one of stress and other feelings.

[Shawn K.]

Originally Posted by SM13

Is it a really bad sin you could go to hell for?

Are all the thousands of "celibate" Catholic priests having constant "wet dreams?" I'm just sayin'.

[Of Mike and Men]

The early Church consider it a bad sin. Christ died to give us a life of purity. Not to go on sinning. After, if we go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but only a fearful expectation of death. So, let us be found in the Truth in obedience to the faith.

[dr2005]

Originally Posted by SM13

Is it a really bad sin you could go to hell for?

It's certainly not the worst by any means, but if done deliberately with knowledge that it's sinful it is considered a "grave disorder". That all being said, they do make allowances for it being in response to natural sexual urges and the nature of sexuality generally, so it's not as if you're going to be denounced in front of the congregation for it or anything. They don't encourage it, though, for the reasons given above, and it is considered grounds for confession.

[SM13]

But how would I tell that to a priest? That just seems weird and kinda creepy to me.....

[Gymnophoria]

Why would you have to tell a priest about it?

[SM13]

I'd have to tell a priest in confession if I want it forgiven.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

Chances are the priest masturbates also. If you feel bad about it, pray to god, read the bible and sing a song.

[dr2005]

Originally Posted by SM13

But how would I tell that to a priest? That just seems weird and kinda creepy to me.....

The simplest way is just to tell them that you have, without going into detail about it. The priest won't try and prise more information about it out of you because that's not important in the confession context, so stick with the basics. As I said before, they will have heard this quite a lot before (a lot of them are more worldly wise than we give them credit for) and they won't pass judgement on you because of it - the Cathechism of the Church actually forbids them from doing so. I can understand why you're concerned about it because it can seem a very uncomfortable thing to talk about, but speaking from personal experience the priest will not beat you up about it, make you feel bad or go out of their way to make you feel uncomfortable - and if they do, find another priest who doesn't. If you do genuinely find it difficult to talk about it, try speaking to someone else that you trust about it - that too can sometimes help.

[SM13]

My parents questioned me about it and I freaked out so now they obvously know and it's weird and I have no idea what to do! help?

[kiwi_fish_bunny]

i went to a catholic school, and i loved arguing so here is what i know why they dont like it.. are you ready for it... SPERM!!!!! basically they believe that each sperm is a life and that all life is sacred. yup that basically sums, it up. life is sacred= sperm is sacred.

the debate which is on going is when is the point of life? when the lil fallas swim and meet the egg or before hand.

And no, I believe God is a bit more generous than that

x

with your parents how close are you too them? i mean it is a natural thing that most people do, even good lil christian girls like me O

you have two options, tell the truth or dont. Do what makes you able to sleep at night.
(not alot of help i know, but you know your parents and your own heart you know what is the right one for you) xx

[SM13]

But girls don't have sperm...so does it mean for girls it's not "wasting" anything?

[kiwi_fish_bunny]

I'm not sure really, thats a good point, i weish i could of brought that up at school!! :P