How long can you resist without lusting?

[Hyperblaze]

Originally posted by: dc

Originally posted by: shimsham

Originally posted by: dc

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: sixone
You may disagree, but I don't believe it's the thoughts that get you in trouble - it's the actions. Going out of your way to get pron, spending too much time feeding the desire, etc.

Wasn't there a line about he who looks upon a woman wantingly has already comitted it in his mind? I can't remember exactly how it goes. Might have been more related to adultery.

yup, Matthew 5:28.
"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

then all are doomed to hell.

without Christ? pretty much.

I agree there. Hell is with the absense of Christ. And in the presense of Sin.

dc, curiuos question for you. Are you a fundie?

 

[Kadarin]

The concept of lust as a "sin" derives from Christianity, and as I am not a Christian, I see that concept as utter nonsense. (The rest of Christianity I consider nonsense as well.)

 

[Hankerton]

Originally posted by: Hyperblaze

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: sixone

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: sixone

Originally posted by: Hankerton
omg, i'm sorry, I'm glad you found yourself in religion, but honestly, your post just made me throw up a little bit in my mouth.

I'm not trying to be hateful, I just have a huuuge problem with religion in general.

Gave me a laugh though....hahaha, whenever I feel horny I'll revert to the bible!!

Then why did you open this thread - just to crap in it and on the OP? :disgust:
I don't understand why some of you feel the need to flame on religion and religious people. Is this the diversity we're supposed to worship in the US? :roll:

Oh no, not at all. I'm fascinated by this thread actually. I would love to sit down and pick the brain of the OP, but since I can't do that, I just want to bear witness to the naivety. I don't mean to sound vicious, but you're not going to find many devout bible thumping christians with a ton of diverse life experiences. You can argue that all you want, but I'm convinced thats the truth.

That may be true, but what does it have to do with the price of beans in China?

You completely missed my point. How can someone define their "final destination" by a devout faith in Christ, while there are so many other beliefs....religious or not?

If one religion is right, why do others have to be wrong? For example, are you going to tell me after a vist to a Synagog, surrounded by good people, who believe in similar morals and standards as a Christian, and tell me they're going to hell because they don't believe that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for us??? Thats ridiculous!!

<---not jewish btw, just making a point.

it is all matter of perspective. I believe in ONE God. While other believe in more Gods. From my understanding, they just because in the same God, but in a different fashion.

We all go meet our maker, eventually.

You sir, need to do your homework. Perhaps travel a bit, open yourself to new ideas and opinions.

We're all made the same way, but we all have original thought. Not everyone can be right, but certainly, not everyone can be wrong.

Was that too cliche?? I think so. Either way, i don't care. I feel compelled to respond to closed-minded opinions.

 

[DragonMasterAlex]

Originally posted by: Hyperblaze

actually...in a religious conversation...it really DOES matter.

A fundie believes the bible is black and white. They believe exactly what they are taught growning up without any questions and blindly follow God. They grow up without any sort of sexual awareness. For crying out loud, some are even told repeatedly that masterbation is wrong and a sin. At least that's what my mom kept telling me.

Of course. Guilt is a *very* powerful motivator. Teach a man to feel guilty for everything he thinks, feels, says and does and you'll find you don't have to break his spirit to get him to obey: he'll do it for you.

Jason

 

[Hyperblaze]

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: Hyperblaze

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: sixone

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: sixone

Originally posted by: Hankerton
omg, i'm sorry, I'm glad you found yourself in religion, but honestly, your post just made me throw up a little bit in my mouth.

I'm not trying to be hateful, I just have a huuuge problem with religion in general.

Gave me a laugh though....hahaha, whenever I feel horny I'll revert to the bible!!

Then why did you open this thread - just to crap in it and on the OP? :disgust:
I don't understand why some of you feel the need to flame on religion and religious people. Is this the diversity we're supposed to worship in the US? :roll:

Oh no, not at all. I'm fascinated by this thread actually. I would love to sit down and pick the brain of the OP, but since I can't do that, I just want to bear witness to the naivety. I don't mean to sound vicious, but you're not going to find many devout bible thumping christians with a ton of diverse life experiences. You can argue that all you want, but I'm convinced thats the truth.

That may be true, but what does it have to do with the price of beans in China?

You completely missed my point. How can someone define their "final destination" by a devout faith in Christ, while there are so many other beliefs....religious or not?

If one religion is right, why do others have to be wrong? For example, are you going to tell me after a vist to a Synagog, surrounded by good people, who believe in similar morals and standards as a Christian, and tell me they're going to hell because they don't believe that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for us??? Thats ridiculous!!

<---not jewish btw, just making a point.

it is all matter of perspective. I believe in ONE God. While other believe in more Gods. From my understanding, they just believe in the same God, but in a different fashion.

We all go meet our maker, eventually.

You sir, need to do your homework. Perhaps travel a bit, open yourself to new ideas and opinions.

We're all made the same way, but we all have original thought. Not everyone can be right, but certainly, not everyone can be wrong.

Was that too cliche?? I think so. Either way, i don't care. I feel compelled to respond to closed-minded opinions.

And you sir need to comprehend what I wrote.

actually....I do have a typo up there. hold on. :edited: much better. In case that still wasn't clear enough for you, I'll explain in further detail. They probably believe in the same "higher being" as I do, except for them it might be split in different "sections" (ie, Gods), hense, "different fashion".

FFS, if what I said was closed-minded, then I don't encourage you to meet some folks I find close-minded. I'm rather open-minded if I do say so myself

 

[dc]

Originally posted by: Hyperblaze

Originally posted by: dc

Originally posted by: shimsham

Originally posted by: dc

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: sixone
You may disagree, but I don't believe it's the thoughts that get you in trouble - it's the actions. Going out of your way to get pron, spending too much time feeding the desire, etc.

Wasn't there a line about he who looks upon a woman wantingly has already comitted it in his mind? I can't remember exactly how it goes. Might have been more related to adultery.

yup, Matthew 5:28.
"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

then all are doomed to hell.

without Christ? pretty much.

I agree there. Hell is with the absense of Christ. And in the presense of Sin.

dc, curiuos question for you. Are you a fundie?

dunno, i've never taken the fundie test and i'm not exactly crystal clear what "fundies" are considered to be these days. lol.

 

[Hankerton]

Originally posted by: Hyperblaze

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: Hyperblaze

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: sixone

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: sixone

Originally posted by: Hankerton
omg, i'm sorry, I'm glad you found yourself in religion, but honestly, your post just made me throw up a little bit in my mouth.

I'm not trying to be hateful, I just have a huuuge problem with religion in general.

Gave me a laugh though....hahaha, whenever I feel horny I'll revert to the bible!!

Then why did you open this thread - just to crap in it and on the OP? :disgust:
I don't understand why some of you feel the need to flame on religion and religious people. Is this the diversity we're supposed to worship in the US? :roll:

Oh no, not at all. I'm fascinated by this thread actually. I would love to sit down and pick the brain of the OP, but since I can't do that, I just want to bear witness to the naivety. I don't mean to sound vicious, but you're not going to find many devout bible thumping christians with a ton of diverse life experiences. You can argue that all you want, but I'm convinced thats the truth.

That may be true, but what does it have to do with the price of beans in China?

You completely missed my point. How can someone define their "final destination" by a devout faith in Christ, while there are so many other beliefs....religious or not?

If one religion is right, why do others have to be wrong? For example, are you going to tell me after a vist to a Synagog, surrounded by good people, who believe in similar morals and standards as a Christian, and tell me they're going to hell because they don't believe that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for us??? Thats ridiculous!!

<---not jewish btw, just making a point.

it is all matter of perspective. I believe in ONE God. While other believe in more Gods. From my understanding, they just believe in the same God, but in a different fashion.

We all go meet our maker, eventually.

You sir, need to do your homework. Perhaps travel a bit, open yourself to new ideas and opinions.

We're all made the same way, but we all have original thought. Not everyone can be right, but certainly, not everyone can be wrong.

Was that too cliche?? I think so. Either way, i don't care. I feel compelled to respond to closed-minded opinions.

And you sir need to comprehend what I wrote.

actually....I do have a typo up there. hold on. :edited: much better.

I DID comprehend what you said, but you also stated a completely contradictory statement just a few posts prior....."Hell is in the absense of Christ, and in the presence of sin."

Christ refers to the Lord Jesus Christ.....not the ONE god you believe in, he was the apparent Son of God, which by my prior example, is not believed to be of any significance to the Jewish faith. You see what I'm saying???

I swear, you people are ridiculous.

 

[dc]

there are those that believe the jews are still covered under the old convenant.

/me shrugs. atot isn't exactly the most suitable forum for theological debates/discussions.

 

[Hyperblaze]

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: Hyperblaze

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: Hyperblaze

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: sixone

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: sixone

Originally posted by: Hankerton
omg, i'm sorry, I'm glad you found yourself in religion, but honestly, your post just made me throw up a little bit in my mouth.

I'm not trying to be hateful, I just have a huuuge problem with religion in general.

Gave me a laugh though....hahaha, whenever I feel horny I'll revert to the bible!!

Then why did you open this thread - just to crap in it and on the OP? :disgust:
I don't understand why some of you feel the need to flame on religion and religious people. Is this the diversity we're supposed to worship in the US? :roll:

Oh no, not at all. I'm fascinated by this thread actually. I would love to sit down and pick the brain of the OP, but since I can't do that, I just want to bear witness to the naivety. I don't mean to sound vicious, but you're not going to find many devout bible thumping christians with a ton of diverse life experiences. You can argue that all you want, but I'm convinced thats the truth.

That may be true, but what does it have to do with the price of beans in China?

You completely missed my point. How can someone define their "final destination" by a devout faith in Christ, while there are so many other beliefs....religious or not?

If one religion is right, why do others have to be wrong? For example, are you going to tell me after a vist to a Synagog, surrounded by good people, who believe in similar morals and standards as a Christian, and tell me they're going to hell because they don't believe that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for us??? Thats ridiculous!!

<---not jewish btw, just making a point.

it is all matter of perspective. I believe in ONE God. While other believe in more Gods. From my understanding, they just believe in the same God, but in a different fashion.

We all go meet our maker, eventually.

You sir, need to do your homework. Perhaps travel a bit, open yourself to new ideas and opinions.

We're all made the same way, but we all have original thought. Not everyone can be right, but certainly, not everyone can be wrong.

Was that too cliche?? I think so. Either way, i don't care. I feel compelled to respond to closed-minded opinions.

And you sir need to comprehend what I wrote.

actually....I do have a typo up there. hold on. :edited: much better.

I DID comprehend what you said, but you also stated a completely contradictory statement just a few posts prior....."Hell is in the absense of Christ, and in the presence of sin."

Christ refers to the Lord Jesus Christ.....not the ONE god you believe in, he was the apparent Son of God, which by my prior example, is not believed to be of any significance to the Jewish faith. You see what I'm saying???

I swear, you people are ridiculous.

I don't know enough about the Jewish faith to comment on that. I guess I'll have to do some research on that particular faith before responding to that statement

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: dc
there are those that believe the jews are still covered under the old convenant.

/me shrugs. atot isn't exactly the most suitable forum for theological debates/discussions.

It doesn't really help when you say things like this without prefacing or suffixing something about "in my belief"

Originally posted by: dc

Originally posted by: shimsham
then all are doomed to hell.

without Christ? pretty much.

 

[Gravity]

You can pluck out your eyes but understand, you were designed to be visually stimulated.

Our society is very highly sexualized. Resisting is tough. Better to marry than to burn and it sounds like you are on fire.

 

[EatSpam]

Originally posted by: lnguyen
wow, i'm surprised this hasn't turned into a religious debate yet... heh.

My religion, the religion of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, has no issues with lusting after a beautiful woman.

 

[IEC]

*Goes to ATOT*
*Sees link to pics.bbzzdd.com*
*Fails*

 

[TBone48]

Originally posted by: Hyperblaze


A fundie believes the bible is black and white. They believe exactly what they are taught growning up without any questions and blindly follow God. They grow up without any sort of sexual awareness. For crying out loud, some are even told repeatedly that masterbation is wrong and a sin. At least that's what my mom kept telling me.

I have to say that blanket statements such as this one just make me shake my head. First, "fundie" sounds a little condescending, if not derogatory. I consider myself a Christian, but have been told that my beliefs are "fundamentalist" by some. I have an 11 year old daughter who is being taught in public school(so no, we don't "brainwash" her by home-schooling or sending her to Christian private school). She is very intelligent if I say so myself, and we don't censor any information she asks for. She is aware of the opposite sex, which is scary for ANY parent in this day & age, and we answer any question she has as truthfully as we can. I don't think she is sheltered from anything useful, but we do try to keep her away from foul language and other forms of rude behavior. I think that's what any parent would do.

 

[TBone48]

Originally posted by: dc
there are those that believe the jews are still covered under the old convenant.

/me shrugs. atot isn't exactly the most suitable forum for theological debates/discussions.

But I get sucked in every time!

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: Hyperblaze

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: Hyperblaze

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: Hyperblaze

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: sixone

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: sixone

Originally posted by: Hankerton
omg, i'm sorry, I'm glad you found yourself in religion, but honestly, your post just made me throw up a little bit in my mouth.

I'm not trying to be hateful, I just have a huuuge problem with religion in general.

Gave me a laugh though....hahaha, whenever I feel horny I'll revert to the bible!!

Then why did you open this thread - just to crap in it and on the OP? :disgust:
I don't understand why some of you feel the need to flame on religion and religious people. Is this the diversity we're supposed to worship in the US? :roll:

Oh no, not at all. I'm fascinated by this thread actually. I would love to sit down and pick the brain of the OP, but since I can't do that, I just want to bear witness to the naivety. I don't mean to sound vicious, but you're not going to find many devout bible thumping christians with a ton of diverse life experiences. You can argue that all you want, but I'm convinced thats the truth.

That may be true, but what does it have to do with the price of beans in China?

You completely missed my point. How can someone define their "final destination" by a devout faith in Christ, while there are so many other beliefs....religious or not?

If one religion is right, why do others have to be wrong? For example, are you going to tell me after a vist to a Synagog, surrounded by good people, who believe in similar morals and standards as a Christian, and tell me they're going to hell because they don't believe that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for us??? Thats ridiculous!!

<---not jewish btw, just making a point.

it is all matter of perspective. I believe in ONE God. While other believe in more Gods. From my understanding, they just believe in the same God, but in a different fashion.

We all go meet our maker, eventually.

You sir, need to do your homework. Perhaps travel a bit, open yourself to new ideas and opinions.

We're all made the same way, but we all have original thought. Not everyone can be right, but certainly, not everyone can be wrong.

Was that too cliche?? I think so. Either way, i don't care. I feel compelled to respond to closed-minded opinions.

And you sir need to comprehend what I wrote.

actually....I do have a typo up there. hold on. :edited: much better.

I DID comprehend what you said, but you also stated a completely contradictory statement just a few posts prior....."Hell is in the absense of Christ, and in the presence of sin."

Christ refers to the Lord Jesus Christ.....not the ONE god you believe in, he was the apparent Son of God, which by my prior example, is not believed to be of any significance to the Jewish faith. You see what I'm saying???

I swear, you people are ridiculous.

I don't know enough about the Jewish faith to comment on that. I guess I'll have to do some research on that particular faith before responding to that statement

you didnt know jews dont believe jesus is the son of god or the messiah?

i thought that fact was rather common knowledge.

 

[Kadarin]

Originally posted by: EatSpam

Originally posted by: lnguyen
wow, i'm surprised this hasn't turned into a religious debate yet... heh.

My religion, the religion of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, has no issues with lusting after a beautiful woman.

Yep, just grab that noodly appendage and start going for it... :thumbsup:

 

[Rapidskies]

Here is the best Christian perspective I've read on it. Pulled from Focusonthefamily.org:

I don't think you should invade that private world at all unless there are unique circumstances that lead you to do so. I offer that advice while acknowledging that masturbation is a highly controversial subject and Christian leaders differ widely in their perspectives on it. I will answer your question but hope you understand that some Bible scholars will disagree emphatically with what I will say.

First, let's consider masturbation from a medical perspective. We can say without fear of contradiction that there is no scientific evidence to indicate that this act is harmful to the body. Despite terrifying warnings given to young people historically, it does not cause blindness, weakness, mental retardation, or any other physical problem. If it did, the entire male population and about half of females would be blind, weak, simpleminded, and sick. Between 95 and 98 percent of all boys engage in this practice -- and the rest have been known to lie. It is as close to being a universal behavior as is likely to occur. A lesser but still significant percentage of girls also engage in what was once called "self-gratification."

As for the emotional consequences of masturbation, only four circumstances should give us cause for concern. The first is when it is associated with oppressive guilt from which the individual can't escape. That guilt has the potential to do considerable psychological and spiritual damage. Boys and girls who labor under divine condemnation can gradually become convinced that even God couldn't love them. They promise a thousand times with great sincerity never again to commit this despicable act. Then a week or two passes, or perhaps several months. Eventually, the hormonal pressure accumulates until nearly every waking moment reverberates with sexual desire. Finally, in a moment (and I do mean a moment) of weakness, it happens again. What then, dear friend? Tell me what a young person says to God after he or she has just broken the one thousand first solemn promise to Him? I am convinced that some teenagers have thrown over their faith because of their inability to please God at this point of masturbation.

The second circumstance in which masturbation might have harmful implications is when it becomes extremely obsessive. That is more likely to occur when it has been understood by the individual to be "forbidden fruit." I believe the best way to prevent that kind of obsessive response is for adults not to emphasize or condemn it. Regardless of what you do, you will not stop the practice of masturbation in your teenagers. That is a certainty. You'll just drive it underground -- or under covers. Nothing works as a "cure." Cold showers, lots of exercise, many activities, and awesome threats are ineffective. Attempting to suppress this act is one campaign that is destined to fail -- so why wage it?

The third situation around which we should be concerned is when the young person becomes addicted to pornographic material. The kind of obscenity available to teenagers today has the capacity to grab and hold a boy for the rest of his life. Parents will want to intervene if there is evidence that their son or daughter is heading down that well-worn path.

The fourth concern about masturbation refers not to adolescents but to us as adults. This habit has the capacity to follow us into marriage and become a substitution for healthy sexual relations between a husband and wife. This, I believe, is what the apostle Paul meant when he instructed us not to "deprive" one another as marital partners: "Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" (1 Corinthians 7:5).

As for the spiritual implications of masturbation, I will have to defer to the theologians for a more definitive response. It is interesting to me, however, that Scripture does not address this subject except for a single reference in the Old Testament to a man named Onan. He interrupted sexual intercourse with his sister-in-law and allowed his semen to fall on the ground to keep from producing offspring for his brother, which was his "duty" (Genesis 38:8). Though that verse is often cited as evidence of God's disapproval of masturbation, the context doesn't seem to fit.

So, what should parents say to their kids about this subject? My advice is to say nothing after puberty has occurred. You will only cause embarrassment and discomfort. For those who are younger, it would be wise to include the subject of masturbation in the "Preparing for Adolescence" conversation I have recommended on other occasions. I would suggest that parents talk to their 12- or 13-year-old boys, especially, in the same general way my mother and father discussed this subject with me. We were riding in the car, and my dad said, "Jim, when I was a boy, I worried so much about masturbation. It really became a scary thing for me because I thought God was condemning me for what I couldn't help. So I'm telling you now that I hope you don't feel the need to engage in this act when you reach the teen years, but if you do, you shouldn't be too concerned about it. I don't believe it has much to do with your relationship with God."

What a kind thing my father did for me that night in the car. He was a very conservative minister who never compromised his standards of morality to the day of his death. He stood like a rock for biblical principles and commandments. Yet he cared enough about me to lift from my shoulders the burden of guilt that nearly destroyed some of my friends in the church. This kind of "reasonable" faith taught to me by my parents is one of the primary reasons I never felt it necessary to rebel against parental authority or defy God.

Well, those are my views, for what they are worth. I know my recommendations will be inflammatory to some people. If you are one of them, please forgive me. I can only offer the best advice of which I'm capable. I pray that in this instance, I am right.

 

[quakefiend420]

i don't think i can notice a good looking woman without thinking that i'd like to fvck her...

it's instinct, man

but that's your choice, i suppose...

but when you're 70 years old and realize that it was all a waste...and you should have been bangin all these broads when you still had the chance...ask yourself...do you get laid in heaven?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: DragonMasterAlex

Originally posted by: silverpig
There's a reason your arms are the perfect length to reach down there... If God REALLY didn't want you playing with yourself, your dick would be right in the middle of your back.

God, then we really *would* get ridden like a pony

Jason

The development of chairs would probably be drastically different than they are now though.

 

[sixone]

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: sixone

Originally posted by: Hankerton

Originally posted by: sixone

Originally posted by: Hankerton
omg, i'm sorry, I'm glad you found yourself in religion, but honestly, your post just made me throw up a little bit in my mouth.

I'm not trying to be hateful, I just have a huuuge problem with religion in general.

Gave me a laugh though....hahaha, whenever I feel horny I'll revert to the bible!!

Then why did you open this thread - just to crap in it and on the OP? :disgust:
I don't understand why some of you feel the need to flame on religion and religious people. Is this the diversity we're supposed to worship in the US? :roll:

Oh no, not at all. I'm fascinated by this thread actually. I would love to sit down and pick the brain of the OP, but since I can't do that, I just want to bear witness to the naivety. I don't mean to sound vicious, but you're not going to find many devout bible thumping christians with a ton of diverse life experiences. You can argue that all you want, but I'm convinced thats the truth.

That may be true, but what does it have to do with the price of beans in China?

You completely missed my point. How can someone define their "final destination" by a devout faith in Christ, while there are so many other beliefs....religious or not?

If one religion is right, why do others have to be wrong? For example, are you going to tell me after a vist to a Synagog, surrounded by good people, who believe in similar morals and standards as a Christian, and tell me they're going to hell because they don't believe that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for us??? Thats ridiculous!!

<---not jewish btw, just making a point.

No, you missed mine. You opened a thread that was openly christian-related, and proceeded to make it clear that you don't like the bible, religion or the people who practice it. I am curious as to why you would do that.

What Christians without "diverse life experiences" has to do with anything, I still don't understand, nor do I get where you went with the right religion/wrong religion crap. Unless you're trying to dodge my original question, then it's perfectly understandable.

 

[imported_Kensai]

I resist for about 1 ns, then I go take up that lust with the female in question.

 

[l Xes l]

as long as i can hold my breath

 

[TBone48]

Originally posted by: Rapidskies
Here is the best Christian perspective I've read on it. Pulled from Focusonthefamily.org:

I don't think you should invade that private world at all unless there are unique circumstances that lead you to do so. I offer that advice while acknowledging that masturbation is a highly controversial subject and Christian leaders differ widely in their perspectives on it. I will answer your question but hope you understand that some Bible scholars will disagree emphatically with what I will say.

First, let's consider masturbation from a medical perspective. We can say without fear of contradiction that there is no scientific evidence to indicate that this act is harmful to the body. Despite terrifying warnings given to young people historically, it does not cause blindness, weakness, mental retardation, or any other physical problem. If it did, the entire male population and about half of females would be blind, weak, simpleminded, and sick. Between 95 and 98 percent of all boys engage in this practice -- and the rest have been known to lie. It is as close to being a universal behavior as is likely to occur. A lesser but still significant percentage of girls also engage in what was once called "self-gratification."

As for the emotional consequences of masturbation, only four circumstances should give us cause for concern. The first is when it is associated with oppressive guilt from which the individual can't escape. That guilt has the potential to do considerable psychological and spiritual damage. Boys and girls who labor under divine condemnation can gradually become convinced that even God couldn't love them. They promise a thousand times with great sincerity never again to commit this despicable act. Then a week or two passes, or perhaps several months. Eventually, the hormonal pressure accumulates until nearly every waking moment reverberates with sexual desire. Finally, in a moment (and I do mean a moment) of weakness, it happens again. What then, dear friend? Tell me what a young person says to God after he or she has just broken the one thousand first solemn promise to Him? I am convinced that some teenagers have thrown over their faith because of their inability to please God at this point of masturbation.

The second circumstance in which masturbation might have harmful implications is when it becomes extremely obsessive. That is more likely to occur when it has been understood by the individual to be "forbidden fruit." I believe the best way to prevent that kind of obsessive response is for adults not to emphasize or condemn it. Regardless of what you do, you will not stop the practice of masturbation in your teenagers. That is a certainty. You'll just drive it underground -- or under covers. Nothing works as a "cure." Cold showers, lots of exercise, many activities, and awesome threats are ineffective. Attempting to suppress this act is one campaign that is destined to fail -- so why wage it?

The third situation around which we should be concerned is when the young person becomes addicted to pornographic material. The kind of obscenity available to teenagers today has the capacity to grab and hold a boy for the rest of his life. Parents will want to intervene if there is evidence that their son or daughter is heading down that well-worn path.

The fourth concern about masturbation refers not to adolescents but to us as adults. This habit has the capacity to follow us into marriage and become a substitution for healthy sexual relations between a husband and wife. This, I believe, is what the apostle Paul meant when he instructed us not to "deprive" one another as marital partners: "Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" (1 Corinthians 7:5).

As for the spiritual implications of masturbation, I will have to defer to the theologians for a more definitive response. It is interesting to me, however, that Scripture does not address this subject except for a single reference in the Old Testament to a man named Onan. He interrupted sexual intercourse with his sister-in-law and allowed his semen to fall on the ground to keep from producing offspring for his brother, which was his "duty" (Genesis 38:8). Though that verse is often cited as evidence of God's disapproval of masturbation, the context doesn't seem to fit.

So, what should parents say to their kids about this subject? My advice is to say nothing after puberty has occurred. You will only cause embarrassment and discomfort. For those who are younger, it would be wise to include the subject of masturbation in the "Preparing for Adolescence" conversation I have recommended on other occasions. I would suggest that parents talk to their 12- or 13-year-old boys, especially, in the same general way my mother and father discussed this subject with me. We were riding in the car, and my dad said, "Jim, when I was a boy, I worried so much about masturbation. It really became a scary thing for me because I thought God was condemning me for what I couldn't help. So I'm telling you now that I hope you don't feel the need to engage in this act when you reach the teen years, but if you do, you shouldn't be too concerned about it. I don't believe it has much to do with your relationship with God."

What a kind thing my father did for me that night in the car. He was a very conservative minister who never compromised his standards of morality to the day of his death. He stood like a rock for biblical principles and commandments. Yet he cared enough about me to lift from my shoulders the burden of guilt that nearly destroyed some of my friends in the church. This kind of "reasonable" faith taught to me by my parents is one of the primary reasons I never felt it necessary to rebel against parental authority or defy God.

Well, those are my views, for what they are worth. I know my recommendations will be inflammatory to some people. If you are one of them, please forgive me. I can only offer the best advice of which I'm capable. I pray that in this instance, I am right.

This is a very cool post. Thanks.:thumbsup:

 

I feel sorry for you.