Is masturbation sinful?

afton · Post by **afton** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 8:27 am

Many people have debated about this, but I have not found any conclusive
answer yet. Is masturbation sinful?

Slopeshoulder · Post by **Slopeshoulder** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 7:41 am

FWIW, I have a no-masturbation policy and save it all for the wife (poor gal).
But can someone tell me: what human or divine purpose is served by repressing desire by not masturbating? Bible and tradition aside, can someone tell me?

Misty · Post by **Misty** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 2:37 pm

Slopeshoulder wrote:FWIW, I have a no-masturbation policy and save it all for the wife (poor gal).
But can someone tell me: what human or divine purpose is served by repressing desire by not masturbating? Bible and tradition aside, can someone tell me?

I think repressing the desire is more likely to be harmful psychologically.

ChaosBorders · Post by **ChaosBorders** » Fri Jun 04, 2010 5:27 pm

Misty wrote:
Slopeshoulder wrote:FWIW, I have a no-masturbation policy and save it all for the wife (poor gal).
But can someone tell me: what human or divine purpose is served by repressing desire by not masturbating? Bible and tradition aside, can someone tell me?
I think repressing the desire is more likely to be harmful psychologically.

Could always ask Ghandi. From what I've read he eventually managed to completely supress all sexual desire, though it took him a very long time to do. He was quite happy that he managed to though.

Personally though, I generally agree that more often than not it is likely to be psychologically harmful. There is something to be said about restraining your personal desires and not constantly giving in to them as some do, but seeking a balance is much more likely to be healthy than total suppression.

Misty · Post by **Misty** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 6:03 am

There is something to be said about restraining your personal desires and not constantly giving in to them as some do,

As long as they aren't harmful to others or yourself, I don't see why you should?

ChaosBorders · Post by **ChaosBorders** » Sat Jun 05, 2010 10:46 am

Misty wrote:There is something to be said about restraining your personal desires and not constantly giving in to them as some do,

As long as they aren't harmful to others or yourself, I don't see why you should?

Because a complete lack of restraint usually leads to excess, which generally is harmful to yourself. Further, I've read in psych articles that self-control can be thought of as a muscle. If you never exercise it, then it becomes weaker. So it can be beneficial to practice restraint occasionally even when you do not really need to, so that you have the willpower to do so when it really is in your best interests.