Masturbation Stephanie Leith

What is masturbation? What does the Church say? By masturbation is to be understood the deliberate stimulation of the genital organs in order to derive sexual pleasure. What does the Church say? Sexual pleasure is morally disordered when sought for itself, isolated from its procreative and unitive purposes. CCC #2531-2352

Why does the Church believe this? Unitive Procreative Sex

How do we know this? Scripture Natural Law Matthew 5:28 – “I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Galatians 5:16-21 – “Now the works of the flesh are obvious…” 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification…” Colossians 3:1-5 - Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). Natural Law A principle or body of laws considered as derived from nature and right reason which is considered ethically binding in human society.

Natural Law is… Universal – it applies to everyone, everywhere, anytime. Immutable – we cannot change it ourselves, as it is not subject to cultural differences. Permanent – it will always be true. Inherent – we each possess the capacity for human reason, and therefore we can discern what is and is not natural by observing our bodies and the world around us. Natural Law is not independent of God – He created it! It is inscribed on our bodies and “written on our hearts” (St. Augustine).

Where do we see it? God created us male and female (Gen 1:27) If we look at our bodies, we find that they complement each other. They are made for union. Our sexual drive exists so that we can form a sexual union. The union of spouses, male and female, is in keeping with the natural moral law.

What can we conclude? Based on what we now know about sex and natural law, what can we conclude about masturbation? Is it procreative? Does it urge us toward union? Does it fulfil the purpose of our sexuality?

But that’s not all… Masturbation has repercussions for the spiritual life. It calls us away from communion (with God, with each other), and isolates us in lust. It encourages us to look at others as objects whose sole purpose is for our sexual pleasure, refusing them the dignity afforded each human person.

What do we do? Problem – if masturbation is wrong, and we aren’t married, how are we supposed to cope with sexual urges? Solution - each of us, no matter our life situation, is called to chastity. Chastity means the successful integration of sexuality within the person and thus the inner unity of man in his bodily and spiritual being. It includes an apprenticeship in self-mastery which is a training in human freedom. CCC #2337-2339

Vice to Virtue Temperance is another virtue that helps us in the pursuit of chastity. It ensures the will’s mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honourable. The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion. CCC #1809