For Christians: What are your thoughts on masturbation?

[Anonymous]

I think, when thinking about this question, the first thing we need to do is separate masturbation from pornography. Masturbation is not de facto coupled with pornography, and therefore is not in itself problematic. A lot of Christians leap quickly from one to the other, and it's important to make a distinction. Pornography is a completely separate beast of a question.

Like sex itself, masturbation is sinful only insofar as you use it sinfully. And what counts as "sinfully" for one person may not be sinful for others. This, most of all, requires knowing and understanding yourself and what your limits are. If you don't feel comfortable masturbating because you feel like it takes you to a bad place where you objectify other people, then don't do it. We make mistakes in christendom when we assume that masturbation is problematic for some, so no one, ever, should do this private thing. That's a problem, because my lines about what is sinful are not your lines, and making you conform to my lines in something as intensely complicated as sexuality won't end well.

As far as it being a component of healthy sexuality, it can be a helpful tool for understanding yourself and what feels right and what doesn't before you ever enter into a sexual relationship. It can also make you more comfortable and more confident with your own body so that you are more comfortable when the time comes with a partner. Masturbation can be an important component of a healthy sexuality and can be an important part of a healthy sex life (if you're comfortable taking care of yourself, there's less pressure when you're with a partner). It can be misused and abused, like any good thing, certainly, but it can also be a great boon to understanding and becoming comfortable with yourself as well.

[Lov2PlezUgurl]

The bible says TIS BETTER TO PUT THY SEED INTO THE BELLY OF A WHORE THAN TO CAST IT UPON THE GROUND... if you are married and a Christian you shouldn't masturbate according to God's word

[andy530]

I think masturbation is a healthy form of sexual self discovery, self soothing, and sexual self expression. I think it’s an important skill to learn and master at any age and/or phase of life

[dudeinohio]

No problem. The Bible has NO prohibitions on masturbation.

[Anonymous]

Christians have sex so it’s perfectly fine that Christians masturbate and if they say they don’t they are lying

[gandolph3]

well you wouldn't be having sex with each other if you didn't touch

[bassinguy76]

It's healthy to masturbate and should not be looked at in a negative way.

[jackinoff]

There's nothing wrong with masturbation

[Anonymous]

Jesus loves to watch.

[Anonymous]

I don't think that there is a problem with that.