Comments on: Masturbation…It’s a Christian Problem

By: Homosexuality: Dividing Christendom « Renewal Dynamics / Regent University School of Divinity

Mon, 17 May 2010 16:08:13 +0000

[...] masturbation, homosexuality is in some way directed toward one’s own sexuality, albeit represented in the [...]

By: Wolfgang Vondey

Wolfgang Vondey — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:01:00 +0000

Mike, many of the studies are unfortunately accessible to the academic community but rarely find their way to pastors or congregations. A book that may introduce you to a wide variety of discussions is Introducing the New Sexuality Studies

By: Wolfgang Vondey

Wolfgang Vondey — Tue, 04 May 2010 13:53:44 +0000

The practical question is an important one. Can you imagine a pastor speaking on a Sunday morning to the congregation and giving instructions on how to avoid masturbation? What should we say? The answer is not simple. Putting your mind on things above is important, but practically that means a lot of things: prayer, meditation, reflection (on God, on oneself, on one’s desires, on one’s self-realization, on temptation, on the power to overcome temptation). It includes an honest assessment. It includes discipline. It includes commitment. In each person’s life, the exact configuration of these aspect might look different. The important thing is that the journey to freedom from the compulsion begins with God.

By: Marc S.

Marc S. — Tue, 04 May 2010 10:45:45 +0000

Alex: Of course I agree with you that Matt. 5:27-30 can be directly associated with masturbation, but to say that Jesus is specifically referring to that here is a stretch–especially since He’s speaking in hyperbole in this passage. And by inferring that Jesus is directly implicating masturbation with the dangers of hellfire is to infer that all masturbation done at any time, any where by anybody is sinful–even when there’s no porn or lustful thoughts present (which has been the case for many people, even though still a minority). The real issue Jesus addresses is the lust in our hearts–and ANY action associated with lust becomes a culprit. But I will think more on the Matthew 5 passage and ponder it further…thanks, man!

By: Alex Brodine

Alex Brodine — Mon, 03 May 2010 22:05:28 +0000

Marc,

I agree with you in your appreciation for setting this issue in a wider theological context, but I disagree that this issue is not addressed anywhere in scripture. I see Jesus speaking to this issue once, probably mindful that there were ladies and children in the crowd. See Matthew 5:27-30. What lustful activity involves your eye and your right hand?

By: Mike Marcano

Mike Marcano — Mon, 03 May 2010 21:14:14 +0000

This is my first time at the School of Divinity’s new blog, and I have found it to be quite facanating – discussing theology via revelant topics! Dr. Vondey, your blog something I wish the local Church would spend more time discussing. It is at this reference (the Church) that I believe we can start to see some of the answers to the questions you posed at the end of your blog. When open relationships exist, which are rooted in Christian fellowship, where each party can share their struggles with one another, we will be able to identify what issues are present, and aim to bring freedom. In addition, the Church should be able to provide practical solutuions with regard to issues such as masturbation, yet most churches are void of such solutions. In the end, if the Church doesn’t live up to, what I believe is their duty, then ultimatly the believer is responsible for seeking out what is right/wrong with the issue, and then taking necessary action. But that is certianly difficult to accomplish without the support of others.

In your blog you stated, “Studies show that the frequent response to this insight is guilt and often the resolve to discontinue one’s practice,” – I’d be interested knowing where to find those studies.

By: Marc S

Marc S — Mon, 03 May 2010 20:21:05 +0000

Since masturbation is not overtly addressed anywhere in Scripture, it is especially important to see this volatile issue in a proper theological and philosophical context. So I appreciate how you did just that–especially in light of the relational nature of love and the relational nature of the imago dei in all of us. When seen in the context of relational covenant love (as opposed to a more gnostic paradigm of the body where it is viewed as a necessary, materialistic evil that’s only good for pragmatic functionality).

By: sympathetic

sympathetic — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:26:40 +0000

I agree with the premise that masturbation is the substitution of love of self for love of others (including love of God), so my question is a practical one. How can Christians resist the temptation to masturbate? Since it is such a private act, it is difficult for Christians to hold themselves accountable for this kind of activity. I especially sympathize with the unmarried, since they have no acceptable outlet for their sexual yearnings.

Can it be said by setting our affections on things above (Col 3:2), this type of temptation will lessen, since our desire for God will master our desire for self-gratification?

Or do you have other suggestion for those who struggle with this problem?

By: thesauros

thesauros — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:58:02 +0000

That’s a pretty good post. Thank you.

By: Masturbation … It's a Christian Problem « Renewal Dynamics … - Christian IBD

Mon, 03 May 2010 10:26:01 +0000

[...] In the history of Christian thought, Augustine offers a classic description of love when he states that love is not love unless you love someone (On the Trinity, VIII, 12). The point being: someone other than yourself! … View full post on christian – Google Blog Search [...]