Masturbation and Religious Faith

[george]

Okay, I have always wondered how masturbation is perceived in the various and numerous religions around the world.
Be it Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist, Islamic, Jehovah's Witness, Sunni, Shi'a, Hindu, Orthodox, Protestant, Seventh Day Adventist etc, etc

Is it acceptable or frowned upon within your religious faith. If not acceptable do you still indulge or do you remain celibate.
I am Christian and love my fellow man and woman, no matter what religion, colour or type, and have no hesitation in enjoying my body in the privacy of my own home. (or anyone else's if invited!)

[regularjoe1]

Masturbation is viewed by most Christians as a sin, but a personal one and is viewed as a personal matter rather than something that harms others. It is seen as lustful and carnal and ungodly, and not "keeping your vessel with honour" however it is not specifically forbidden by name while more consequently and more uncommon sexual sins are. Use of pornography is usually viewed as being more sinful than masturbation without pornography because Jesus said if you look at a women with lust you have committed adultery in your heart. But still even that is not considered as serious as actual adultery. All Christians struggle with lust on some level, but some more than others and some with different kinds than others. Some types of lustful acts are more destructive than others. Hope that answers your question.

[6solidinches]

Masturbation is viewed by most Christians as a sin, but a personal one and is viewed as a personal matter rather than something that harms others. It is seen as lustful and carnal and ungodly, and not "keeping your vessel with honour" however it is not specifically forbidden by name while more consequently and more uncommon sexual sins are. Use of pornography is usually viewed as being more sinful than masturbation without pornography because Jesus said if you look at a women with lust you have committed adultery in your heart. But still even that is not considered as serious as actual adultery. All Christians struggle with lust on some level, but some more than others and some with different kinds than others. Some types of lustful acts are more destructive than others. Hope that answers your question.

And conservative Christians are not hypocrites.

[bigoldbendyone]

"And conservative Christians are not hypocrites."

Actually the term hypocrite is from the Greek mask worn by actors in ancient Greece. It was call a hypo-crite. It was someone acting like something they were not. Christians are only hypocrites when they condemn others for something that they themselves do. I am a Christian and yes I masturbate but I admit it so I am not a hypocrite. If you want to get technical the bible states that penalty for spilling your seed is offering two turtle doves. That is the same as a woman would have to offer after her period. Is it a sin? Yes. Is it a big one? No. Even children when they are 3 or 4 go around touching themselves. It is natural.