I enjoy your site very much. The writings such as "first time" masturbation and specifically how the church portrays sexual identity hit home for me. It was like I was reading my own biography! I am an adult male in his 30s, married, and a two-year-old son. I'm also a very spiritually aware "Christian." It took me awhile to realize the truth about masturbation and not be ashamed of it and have come to terms as it pertains to my religious beliefs. I basically believe that masturbation is healthy and not wrong. Christians would do better as people if they'd stop being so "pent-up" sexually. When my son turns around 13 or so, I will tell him the TRUTH about masturbation. I figure this will help his self-image and might even stem off problems like getting a girl pregnant before they're both ready for it. I'm a firm believer (pardon the pun) that masturbation is good for self-discovery and can help you help your understand not only your sexuality but your partner's as well. I believe that because of my extensive masturbatory practices that I can pleasure my wife much better and understand her sexual needs better. If I could pass on some words of advice for young people, especially Christians, it's this:

1) Don't get married to "control your desires," just masturbate like normal people, ok? Don't marry someone unless you love him or her unconditionally, period!

2) Don't marry someone who is a "prude" because it will bring you and our partner incredible sexual frustration. Usually the "prude" is a "good-girl" who was raised as a Christian.

3) Don't have sex with anyone unless you are willing to take the risk of being pregnant, getting someone pregnant, or getting an STD.

4) If you're going to have sex, don't just do it out of animal lust! THINK FIRST about what you're doing (i.e. protection, blood tests for AIDS, are you married and you're going to have an affair, etc.). THINK FIRST of the consequences surrounding the sexual act. I'm not saying the act itself is bad, but everything has a time and place.

5) Remove the guilt and think for yourself. ALL TRUE BIBLICAL SCHOLARS agree that there IS NO SCRIPTURE that prevents you from masturbating! The bible does mention however, about homosexuality, and multiple partners, but this is mainly because of the fact they didn't have condoms back then! Think about it, the bible was written when they didn't have condoms or understand about basic freakin' hygiene! Keep in mind also that the new testament pretty much gets rids of a lot of the "overbearing" rules of the old testament which stated such lame things as "women shouldn't be in positions of authority," etc. The New Testament is about what? Forgiveness, tolerance, understanding that we are all human and not perfect, love, respect, and most of all hope.

6) Ignore those in the world that say one thing and do another. I hate hypocrisy. If you see a hypocrite ignore them, don't deal with them, avoid them like the plaque, and for God's sake don't listen to them or seek their advice. Case in point, ask you pastor, priest, etc. if they still masturbate. If they say no odds are they're lying. If they lie to you which is a sin (a REALLY bad sin for a pastor!), then how can they give you advice on how to live your life or tell you that its wrong to masturbate!

7) O.k., I'm climbing off my soapbox now...

Please DON'T post this as anonymous, I'm not a coward!