Last updated on September 26, 2020
Question:
Hello,
I developed the habit of masturbating, but I recently decided to quit because I believe it’s not good for me. Being a Christian, I believe it’s the wrong thing to do.
It started several months ago and I have been masturbating for about four months when I decided to quit completely, even though it’s hard.
It had reached a level that I would do it twice or three times a day. I’m really scared because growing up, masturbating is one thing I have always hated and been against and didn’t ever imagine that I would be doing it someday, but due to watching pornography, which I had also stopped for many years. But last winter I started again. Now my mind is completely made up. I want to stop it completely in Jesus’ name because I don’t want to ruin my future family life in any way.
My question is, having been doing it for the last six months and finally trying to quit it completely, can I be sure that I’m safe from all the permanent, negative implications that might have resulted from this habit? [A web site was listed that claimed masturbation is physically harmful.]
Answer:
I teach a college course periodically on the use of computer technology. One of the points made in the course is that just because you can find something on the Internet, it doesn’t make it true. In the site you referenced, though titled that it has “scholarly answers” it gives no author, thus you don’t know whether the writer is credible or not. The page itself lists no organization behind it, so again, there are no credentials to check. The web site is hosted by a free create your own blog in France. The article is filled with spelling and grammar mistakes. The list of supposed harmful effects only gives assertions. There is no supporting evidence or references to anything to back up the assertion. Many of the assertions are simply repeats of the same point. In other words, the article has no credibility.
The points made are either totally or partially false. For example, the claim that masturbating makes a person weak is false. Yes, it burns calories like any other activity, but that doesn’t weaken a person. If that were true, then no one should exercise. The McKinley Health Center states: “Professionals agree that there are no physical or mental implications for frequent masturbation, unless it is symptomatic of an obsessive/compulsive disorder (OCD). Symptoms of OCD are repeatedly performing a behavior to the extent that it interferes with daily functioning, professional responsibilities, or personal relationships.”
None of this means you should masturbate, but it does mean that you cannot make a case against masturbation based on physical impact. I’m more interested in the spiritual problems, but even here we note that the act of masturbating is not condemned in the Scriptures, though it is alluded to exist. See Is masturbation sinful or not? What we do know is that God condemns the use of lust to generate a desire for sin. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God” (I Thessalonians 4:3-5). Therefore, your use of pornography, whether you masturbated or not is what God condemns as wrong. See: Lies Pornography Tells Men.
What I try to warn young men is that what you can’t stop is your need to ejaculate. When a guy doesn’t ejaculate, whether through wet dreams or masturbation, he ends up having trouble controlling his behavior. Instinct will drive the body to seek relief when the seminal vesicles get full. What you have to find is a way for your body to handle its needs that don’t involve you in sin.
Response:
Thank you so much. I’m really grateful for all the information. I will be emailing you just in case I have another serious issue going on. God bless you abundantly for the good work you’re doing.