The M Word: Masturbation

Let's be honest. Every guy struggles with it — and so do many women. To masturbate or not to masturbate? That's the question. Many men view masturbation as a way of escape from sexual sin. However, with masturbation there can often be an overwhelming sense of lust, guilt and shame.

When Youthworker Magazine ran an article saying that masturbation could be used as a viable, God-honoring way to deal with the stresses of sexuality, the editor was inundated with complaints.

Our culture has become more and more sexualized — TV, movies, billboards, the Internet, even the clothes people wear. Joshua Harris claims that masturbation is something that the vast majority of men and women deal with on some level, desperate for answers. Are they doing something wrong, or should they just give up trying to resist? In Not Even A Hint, Josh argues that it's a mistake to make the act of masturbation the measure of our relationship with God. However, he argues that it is one expression of a lustful heart. It isn't a filthy habit that makes people dirty; it simply reveals the dirt that's already in our hearts. He says that it's an indicator that we're feeding the wrong desires.

Steve Gerali argues that we can't just bury our heads and pretend that we don't struggle to stay strong. In his book The Struggle, he says that it's time to start thinking critically and openly about masturbation. He argues that there is not a right or wrong truth about masturbation — basically, it could be a sin for some and not for others, or even be right in certain times and circumstances in people's lives and wrong at other times.

However, Mark Bowness is less ambivalent. In Rad Lad Livin', he says that although he would love to believe the arguments that masturbation is OK, he has concluded that it is categorically wrong. He says that it has taken up too much time in too many men's lives.

The Victorian era viewed masturbation as the cause of virtually every adolescent health problem.

Is masturbation OK for Christians? How should the church deal with the issue? Let me know what you think.

Masturbation is something normal, it shouldn't be thought down on and I think that it's probably a better way for many men and teens to get rid of large urges that could result in something much worse down the line. It's fine just as sex after marriage is fine. Don't feel guilty doing it and don't feel stupid if you just don't like it.

— MC

Masturbation opens a wide door to a continued life of excessive lust. Masturbation cannot take place without first completing the action in our minds and ultimately in our heart. On this matter the Word is very clear. We are challenged by Jesus Christ to deny ourselves, carry our cross and follow Him. Men, prioritize your life. Is it Jesus or johnson?

— DSH

Sexual Healing: A Biblical Guide to Finding Freedom from Sexual Sin and Brokenness
Written for those who need and want freedom from sexual sin and healing of sexual brokenness, as well as for those who counsel them, this straightforward account of one man's journey toward sexual wholeness and freedom provides a real-life testimonial to what really works in seeking God's deliverance. This is not a step-by-step plan but a strategy to put you on the path to receive God's tailor-made plan for your individual healing. Filled with God's truths concerning holiness, with chapter exercises for practical guidance (useful for group and private study) and with David Foster's joy at his newfound innocence, Sexual Healing gives well-founded hope to those who are willing to take the brave steps toward the Father who loves them. If you've been searching for one comprehensive resource manual on sexual sin and brokenness, this is it!