Christians and porn: masturbation

This is the fifth post in the ongoing series on Christians and pornography (most recent post here). We have been walking through Mark Driscoll’s book Porn-Again Christian and today we are looking at chapter 5, “masturbation”. This will be a very frank and open discussion, which may be more than many would like to hear. However, we must be able to talk about these kinds of things in a responsible and Biblical manner.

Though this is something that is often not discussed when dealing with pornography, the issue of masturbation is inevitable. As Driscoll states:

At the risk of stating the obvious, pornography exists primarly for the purpose of masturbation.

Masturbation, for Driscoll, is defined as self-pleasuring oneself to erection and/or orgasm and ejaculation. There are other forms of manual stimulation within the confines of a committed married relationship which would do not fit this definition. This is something which is not limited to males, either. There is a higher percentage of males who admit to it, but it is not a male only problem.

Our culture seems to accept it as normal, or even natural.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld may have summarised the modern opinion of maturbation best, saying, “We all have to do it. It’s part of our lifestyle, like shaving.”

The Bible does not mention explicitly one way or the other whether masturbation is a sin or not. But, there are some very practical and theological reasons why we should avoid masturbation. The following questions bring them to light.

Can you masturbate without lusting?

Can you masturbate in a way that builds oneness with your spouse, pulling you together more intimately through the act?

Can you masturbate without experiencing shame?

Can you masturbate with a clear conscience?

Can you masturbate without capitulating to the cravings of you sinful desires and thoughts?

These questions should raise the doubts of many. It seems extremely difficult to be able to fulfil these criteria. There are some who argue that there are appropriate times and seasons in people’s lives in which participating in this act is beneficial. However, I find this very hard to believe. Given our sexually charged culture I find it hard to believe that an individual would be able to answer “Yes” to the first question.

Given the fact that Jesus says that whoever looks at another lustfully has already committed adultery with them in their heart, lust is not something to be taken lightly. In fact, if you think that adultery is grounds for divorce, then perhaps lusting during masturbation is also grounds for divorce.

This should make us pause a bit.

We are dealing with a very serious topic because sex is designed as a gift which allows those who are committed to one another in a marriage relationship to be brought closer together.

So, while the Bible does not outright condemn the practice (and I am certain it was around in Biblical times, they were just as depraved as we are) there seem to be some very weighty reasons for not engaging in the practice.

The biggest reason being that it takes away from the incredible gift of intercourse which God has given us. Paul says that if we cannot control ourselves we ought to get married, not provide ourselves with some other release.

What do you think?

(remember, comments here get you entered for the Dirty Little Secret give away)

Related articles by Zemanta

• Christians and porn: a practical theology (crcpastorchad.wordpress.com)
• Christians and porn: a theology of pornographic lust (crcpastorchad.wordpress.com)
• Christians and porn: the fear of the Lord (crcpastorchad.wordpress.com)
• Christians and porn: a tall glass of toilet water (crcpastorchad.wordpress.com)