Where Does Religion Stand on Masturbation?

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The role of religion in people’s lives reflects much of how they view the outside world. When it comes to sexuality religion plays a huge role. Masturbation is a very common thing and yet in some faiths it is considered to be wrong. A sin even.

It’s curious to see the views of different religions on the subject of sexual self pleasure.

While this is simply my opinion I am sure that many would never think about touching themselves as a religious experience but the way they believe may reflect on how they do indeed touch themselves.

Information on the different beliefs came from the Moral Compass.

Roman Catholic

Touching yourself is a sin and to be condemned according to the Roman Catholic faith. The church believes in original sin and this falls into that scope.

‘Masturbation is considered ‘an intrinsically and gravely disordered action.’ But moral responsibility should be judged in terms of one’s ‘immaturity, force of acquired habit, conditions of anxiety, and other psychological and social factors.’

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Episcopalian

There is no stand in either direction here.

‘Onan knew that the offspring would not be his; so whenever he lay with his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from producing offspring for his brother.’

Genesis 38:9

Jewish

While not condemned by the Rabbis playing with your own juice box isn’t exactly what they think is a good thing. It’s to be discouraged but if you do it don’t worry, it’s not a sin or even harmful.

Mormon

Playing solo happy time is a big no no in the Mormon faith.

This power of creation affects your life several years before you should express if fully. You must always guard the power with many wisdom. You must wait until the time of your marriage to use it. During that waiting, what do you do with these desires? My boy, you are to control them. You are forbidden to use them now in order that you may use them with worthiness and virtue and fullness of joy at the proper time in life.’

Boyd K. Packer

Muslim

Playing your own flute is discouraged. Although it’s not a crime nor a sin.

‘There is no basis of prohibiting it (masturbation) therefore it is allowed, except that I do not approve of it because it cannot be termed as good behavior.’

Ibn Hazam, 994-1064
Muslim theologian

Baptist

The sect has no position on hanging with Rosie Palm and her five sisters.

I have to admit I was surprised by this.

Methodist

Another sect who doesn’t care if you like spanking it.

‘Onan, though he consented to marry the widow, yet to the great abuse of his own body, of the wife he had married and the memory of his brother that was gone, refused to raise up seed unto the brother. Those sins that dishonour the body are very displeasing to God, and the evidence of vile affections. Observe, the thing which he did displeased the Lord – And it is to be feared, thousands, especially single persons, by this very thing, still displease the Lord, and destroy their own souls.’

John Wesley, (1703-1791)

Buddhist

The Buddhist don’t say one way or another about the goodness of making yourself have toe curls.

Unitarian

Finally a faith that says get it on!

Masturbation is normal and healthy.

Church spokesperson Janet Hayes

So in the scheme of things where do you stand? Do you follow your belief system or cross the line when no one is looking?