Showing posts with label theology of masturbation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label theology of masturbation. Show all posts

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Masturbation & Christian Women


Christianity and Sexuality

Various Christian sources include articles on masturbation. And I was struck by a comment from a clergyman who opined, Christians need a “theology of masturbation.”

“Christians need a theology of masturbation.” Really?


Is a theology of masturbation possible? I had examined the opinions of various scholars and Christian speakers when writing, A House Divided. Christians are divided over the morality of masturbation but the disagreements did not appear as emotionally charged as those about same-sex marriage.

In this post I look at data and opinions concerning women. In Part 2, I look at information about men.

Masturbation and Research Findings

I like data so here’s a link to some stats from a US Survey conducted by Indiana University (Huffington, 2014). 

Bottom line: 20 to 25% of young to middle age women masturbate monthly or weekly. And much more than half masturbated in the past year--so about half the women in church--if the women in your church are like other American women.

In their textbook on Human Sexuality, Hyde and Delamater (2017), report 80% of the undergraduate women in their sexuality classes masturbate--as they admit, that rate may be a bit high considering possible differences among college women who attend classes about sex and those who don't.

Hyde and Delamater (2017) also summarize the statistics for married adults -- 44% to 52% of women ages 18-49 reported masturbating in the past 90 days.

A 2021 multinational survey of older European women found that between 27% and 40% masturbated in the past month (Fisher et al., 2021).


Findings from a large US 2021 sample (Herbenick et al., 2023) provided percentages for women's masturbation. Most masturbated in the past year--only 37.4% never masturbated. The rated were from a low percentage of daily at 1.9% to a high of 16.9% reporting a few times per month. 

A small percentage of those who did not masturbate endorsed "It's against my religion" as a reason (8%). Those that did masturbate endorsed several reasons. The most frequent were as follows (percentages):

I find it pleasurable   63.6
If I’m feeling horny    49
To relieve stress       36.2
If I want to relax        25.8
To help me fall asleep  25.7

Find more in the Herbenick et al. (2023) reference.





Who needs a theology of masturbation?

Since I’m not a theologian and often find myself wondering what could possibly be new about a faith that’s 2,000 years old, I wondered why the clergyman would ask such a question about masturbation.

I actually found a small handout by the National Association of Evangelicals called the Theology of Sex. It’s a free download but there’s no theology of masturbation there.

Then I remembered a scene from Fiddler on the Roof—the one where the tailor, Motel, asks the Rabbi to bless his new sewing machine. I think a theology of masturbation must be something like a blessing. Some way of saying, if something is not clearly in the Bible can we at least get an “official” blessing for it.

It seems, a lot of Christians want to know if certain types of sexuality are "ok" with God. So, join me in looking at what people say.

What the Bible says about female masturbation

Teresa J. Hornsby (See my book review: Sex Texts from the Bible) identifies passages in Song of Songs (5: 2-6) and Ezekiel 16:17; 23:7) that may refer to female masturbation. By the way, there is no prohibition against masturbation in the Bible although some used to think that was true.

Hornsby is not alone. Religion scholar, Jennifer Knust also notes the graphic examples of sexuality in Song of Solomon.

Example: Song of Solomon 5. 2-5 (NLT from biblegateway)


2  I slept, but my heart was awake,
when I heard my lover knocking and calling:
“Open to me, my treasure, my darling,
my dove, my perfect one.
My head is drenched with dew,
my hair with the dampness of the night.”


3  But I responded,
“I have taken off my robe.
Should I get dressed again?
I have washed my feet.
Should I get them soiled?”


4  My lover tried to unlatch the door,
and my heart thrilled within me.

 

5  I jumped up to open the door for my love,
and my hands dripped with perfume.
My fingers dripped with lovely myrrh
as I pulled back the bolt.

 

What do Christian leaders say about female masturbation?

They say a lot of things about sex. And some have opinions about masturbation.

Popular Christian author, Rachel Held Evans  (1981 - 2019) began her article on masturbation with a reader’s question: “…could you look at masturbation from a theological perspective?” (3 June, 2013)

Evans contacted Christians with "expertise" (I am not sure how she defined expertise.).

Here’s my abbreviated take on what they wrote. Do see her post before critiquing what these people wrote because my summary may be inadequate in terms of details you might consider important.

Abigail Rine of George Fox University, did not see a biblical problem and opined, “I think masturbation can absolutely be a healthy part of both married and unmarried sexuality.” Rine’s first point deals with the expectation of a long sexual abstinence for teens, which she calls unrealistic. She also noted the contribution of masturbation to achieving orgasm often not possible for women via vaginal intercourse. In contrast, Anna Broadway reasons that biblical sex is relational, which rules out masturbation.

Richard Beck, Psychology Professor at Abilene Christian University, began his response with a focus on the widespread problem of pornography. So porn provided the context. After also noting the years of delay until young singles marry, he opines “masturbation may be a critical part in how single persons cultivate and achieve sexual chastity.” But he again turns back to the problem of lust (Matthew 5: 27-28) and suggests the importance of a shift away from thinking about masturbation to a “theology of lust.” By asking a question about the meaning of lust, he directs readers to think about the nonerotic features of lust (e.g., greediness, passiveness). If this nonsexualized meaning of lust is true, then he raises the notion that “masturbation might be a great tool to combat lust.”


Dianne Anderson begins with an affirmation of masturbation as part of healthy sexuality and soon raises the specter of pornography. She opines that masturbation may be sinful for some and not others.

Matthew Lee Anderson invites readers to consider a Christian ethical stance in view of the cross and resurrection of Jesus as a pattern for love of others rather than self-pleasure. For Matthew Anderson, masturbation falls short of Christian love.

Jenell Williams Paris, professor of anthropology at Messiah College (Grantham, PA) believes there is a problem in the way Christians ask about the morality of masturbation. She suggests a different question, which gets us back to the theology issue: “Given that most people masturbate, how can we see even this area of life in the light of faith?” Paris wanders through positive and negative aspects of human sexuality. Her biblical context is the call to find rest from being weary and burdened (Matthew 11: 28-30). She gently invites readers to move from judgment and shame toward an unburdened faith. And she skirts (sorry for the pun) the issue –leaving the decision about masturbation to the reader.

Tara Owens suggests Christians have lived by a false dichotomy when it comes to sex—In my words she’s talking about “marry or burn” theology. She argues for a broad view of sexuality in the context of relationships. Then she gets to the question of masturbation and healthy sexuality: “The answer will be different for different people in different contexts…”

***
Here are some other Christian views.

Eve Tushnet (February 2016), writing for Christianity Today, asked: “What Could Possibly Be Wrong with Christian Masturbation?” She provides a review of common ethical concerns focusing on harm-- she finds no negative impact. She contextualizes masturbation by framing Christianity as an erotic faith with images of a divine bridegroom and a human bride. Notice her moral argument based on harm.

Ed Mazza (11 April, 2016) of The Huffington Post reported a warning from Christian writer, Mack Major: “too many Christian women are losing their salvation because they masturbate.” He reportedly warned about sex toys-- items used in “demonic sex rituals.”

I figured Focus on the Family would have something. I was not disappointed. There’s guidance from Geremy Keeton but the focus is on “kids.” At first you will see a common interest among conservative Christians to provide a context for sex—married persons. And kind advice to avoid shame. There’s also helpful advice to introduce the topic before puberty.

Keeton offers a list of things that can “pose danger.” It is the common list of items such as compulsivity or an “addictive habit” and pornography. There’s a suggestion about getting involved in alternate activities. They even offer an 800 number to call for more help.

So what about Catholics? Boorstein (8 June 2009) reported an eye-catching title in The Washington Post, “Catholic theologians are divided into camps on masturbation, marriage and other church teachings.” According to the article, masturbation is banned by the church but a feminist theologian believes the practice is neither good nor bad. The reason for the ban is that masturbation does not meet the criteria for good sex. Good sex (in an ethical sense of good) is between a married man and a woman focused on procreation.


Martha Rosenthal (25 Jan 2012) reminds readers that the sinfulness associated with masturbation can be traced back to St. Thomas Aquinas. According to her reading, Aquinas believed masturbation was worse than rape and adultery because the biblical aim of sex is procreation. She also reminds readers of the multiple harms previously thought to occur because of masturbation-- things like depression and blindness.

Joy Wilson made news (NPR) a few years ago when she started a Christian sex toy business (Book22.com; named for the Bible’s sexy love poem, Song of Solomon). A variety of sex products (e.g., vibrators, lubricants) are available at Evangelical store websites, which promote the use of love toys within marriage and advertise as being free from pornography. The Evangelical stores provide a Christian context via biblical references about sex.

Reflections on a Theology of Masturbation

1. Masturbation is a sex act therefore, consider reading about masturbation in the context of sexuality and Christianity. In  A House Divided  I provide a framework for sexuality, which is not limited to masturbation. I suggest discussing the different views presented by conservative and progressive Christians. I have found even conservative church groups appreciate the balanced discussion in A House Divided. Yes of course, I want to sell my book and I am glad to say conservative churches and colleges use it in courses. This link takes you to book reviews by Christian psychologists and others.

2. Begin with moral principles when thinking about practical theology. Unfortunately, the principles referred to by different Christian writers can be used to support or condemn masturbation as we have see above. A great deal of Christian morality deals with factors improving or destroying relationships--that's the love your neighbour ethic. Masturbation could be a solo act unless it is mutual masturbation with a lover. For Christians, the moral issue seems to be the acceptability of masturbation by single women.

So, those who believe that the biblical principle is that sex is only for procreation don't have a lot of options unless masturbation is not classified as sex. That probably won't fly.

For those who believe the Christian sex principle is that sex is a gift from God and that includes pleasure, then there may be more flexibility unless masturbation is classified as a sex act banned before marriage or there is a pornography issue.

For Christians who do not accept the evangelical teaching that the Bible is literally God's Word, have more flexibility in discerning what teachings written by inspired men might become guiding principles relevant to the topic of masturbation.


3. I think when it comes to masturbation and other topics Christians need a rubric to examine morality. That’s why I use the six-factor approach (harm, fairness, loyalty, authority, liberty, purity) based on the work of Jonathan Haidt and his colleagues (see e.g., The Righteous Mind). Most of my comments on masturbation can be found in chapter 7 of A House Divided

You will see a lot of writers focusing on just one or two issues like harm or claiming a violation of biblical sex. Christians take the Bible seriously but must still think about applying moral teachings to their current situation.

4. Beck's idea about a "theology of lust" (see above) and his challenge to understand lust seems like a helpful contribution. Lust is not just about sexual activity.

5. You don’t find a lot about sexual addiction in the opinions about female masturbation compared to that term in opinions about male masturbation. But there is some evidence that at least some women feel distress about masturbation. In my experience as a psychologist, it is difficult to think oneself out of emotional distress so it’s probably best to see a psychotherapist.

6. A theology of sex does need to address pornography. But what's art to some is porn to others. Modesty is in the eye of the beholder. See other posts about porn in the links below. I suggest that linking masturbation to porn is a shoddy way to scare off sensitive Christian women without being honest about what is pornography. I also agree with those concerned about pornography and exploitation including trafficking.

One important part of a boundary definition of porn is that presentations involving sexual exploitation is pornography. And related to this boundary is the moral principle that children and other vulnerable persons cannot give consent to sex, therefore presentations of sex that include children and other vulnerable people are pornographic. I use the word presentations because porn is not just about pictures and videos--it can obviously include written and spoken presentations.

Modest Swimwear

8. Every church, Christian school, and Christian College, University, and Seminary needs a sex education program. There's too much ignorance about healthy and safe sexuality. Those in higher education need to offer a course. Sex education needs to be a life-long process because new technologies and medical interventions create new opportunities to enjoy sex and deal with sex-related health and mental health concerns.

Christian sex education needs a multidisciplinary focus. For a textbook on sexuality, I recommend Understanding Human Sexuality by Hyde and Delamater.

Christian sex education includes Theology, Biology, Psychology, Sociology that is, a theobiopsychosocial approach. Masturbation is just one topic to include in the context.

Take a look at the limited thinking in extant online comments about masturbation and other topics by widely followed Christian writers. They are likely sincere people and great communicators but the lack of substance suggests the need for Christian education about sexuality.

9. I don’t see many writers offering opinions about masturbation and sexual minorities. I wonder if those who identify as a minority and feel their faith requires a single life would find masturbation to be a viable alternative for sex when their convictions imply that same-sex marriage is not a viable option. In the context of this post, think about lesbian women, bisexual women, and transwomen.

10. Several write about guilt. Guilt and masturbation have a long history. And health care folks have worked to normalize masturbation and strip the practice of guilt. I wonder if the guilt, and sometimes shame, along with the history of negative religious views about nonmarital sex, are consistent with evolution. If so, the guilt-shame-religious connection may be tied to biopsychosocial dimensions of human sexuality.


11. To expand on thought number nine, none of the Christian authors focus much on biology or deal with the biological theories addressing sexuality (e.g., Modern Synthesis).  In my limited understanding of biology, the traditional stance of the church concerning sex is aligned with what needs to happen for a species to survive until they can reproduce and raise their young. In conservative Christian settings, young heterosexuals come together in a supportive family-like culture, mate for life, and are encouraged to raise their offspring as a team. That conservative stance seems to provide a culturally supportive environment for the best way for the species to survive.

12. When it comes to masturbation, like other sex linked moral issues, Christians are A House Divided. Peace of mind comes with a focus on loving God and others. Peace of mind requires respect. Understanding the issues is a necessary but insufficient basis for constructing a theology of sex, masturbation, or any other topic.

__________________________________

Resources

Ad. Consider, A House Divided available from the publisher, Pickwick, and inexpensively as a Kindle ebook on Amazon. I refer to the scriptures on masturbation and many other sex related topics. I wrote the book to promote discussions about healthy sexuality and Christian morality.

If you are leading a book study group, there's an inexpensive discussion guide for A House Divided on AMAZON.


There’s also a free website with more information about sexuality and morality in Christian cultures. https://sites.google.com/site/dividedchristians/

Monique Moultrie writes about sex and Black women in Passionate and Pious: Religious Media and Black Women's Sexuality.

Book ad  Pickwick           Amazon  
















Some Related Research Studies

Gerressu et al. (2008): 36.8% of British women ages 16 to 44 reported masturbating in the 4 weeks before the interview.

Fortenberry et al. (2010): The studied prevalence of solo masturbation for females was 48%.

Bowman (2013): Data from a sample of American women who were mostly under age 30, white, and college educated reported reasons for masturbation, which the author grouped into 5 categories: (a) sexual pleasure, (b) to learn about or better understand their bodies, (c) as a release, (d) to substitute for partner sex, and (e) general sexual dissatisfaction.

Pedersen (2013) found that participants who were involved with Christianity as teens masturbated less than others did in this Norwegian study.

Relationships in American Study (2014): Most women (70%) reported masturbating at least once and 26% masturbated the week before the survey. By age 60, less than 20% reported that they masturbated. 

Burri & Carvalheira (2019): German women, average age 26.6 years, completed an online survey. Most (94.5%) masturbated at least once in their life. Most first masturbated at age 14 (85.9%). Data about percentages and frequency were: 26.8%, 2-3 times a week and 26.3% 1-2 times a week. Also, most reported masturbating when in a relationship (91.5%).



Cite this post

Sutton, G.W. (2023, October 1). Masturbation & Christian Women: Theology and sexuality. Retrieved from https://dividedchristians.blogspot.com/2016/12/theology-of-masturbation.html




Related posts







References

Bowman, C. P. (2014). Women’s masturbation: Experiences of sexual empowerment in a primarily sex-positive sample. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 38(3), 363–378. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361684313514855

Coogan, M. (2010). God & Sex: What the Bible Really Says. New York: Hachette. AMAZON

Fischer, N., Graham, C.A., Træen, B. et al. Prevalence of Masturbation and Associated Factors Among Older Adults in Four European Countries. Arch Sex Behav 51, 1385–1396 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-02071-z

Herbenick, D., Fu, T. C., Wasata, R., & Coleman, E. (2023). Masturbation Prevalence, Frequency, Reasons, and Associations with Partnered Sex in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a U.S. Nationally Representative Survey. Archives of sexual behavior52(3), 1317–1331. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-022-02505-2

Hornsby, T. J. (2007). Sex Texts From the Bible: Selections Annotated & Explained. Woodstock, VT: Skylight Paths.  ON AMAZON

Hyde, J. & DeLamater, J. (2020). Understanding human sexuality (14th Edition). New York, NY: McGraw Hill. On AMAZON

Knust, J. W. (2011). Unprotected Texts: The Bible’s Surprising Contradictions about Sex and Desire. New York: Harper Collins.  AMAZON

Mosher, D. L., & Vonderheide, S. G. (1985). Contributions of sex guilt and masturbation guilt to women’s contraceptive attitudes and use. Journal of Sex Research, 21(1), 24–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224498509551242

Rowland, D., Donarski, A., Graves, V., Caldwell, C., Hevesi, B., & Hevesi, K. (2019). The experience of orgasmic pleasure during partnered and masturbatory sex in women with and without orgasmic difficulty. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 45(6), 550–561. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2019.1586021

Sutton, G. W. (2016). A house divided: Sexuality, morality, and Christian cultures. Eugene, OR: Pickwick. ISBN: 9781498224888

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This post updated 

June 2022 from previous post December 2016

Updated October 1, 2023.



Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Masturbation and Christianity Part 2 About Men



I didn't know what to say. Most of us got quiet... embarassed in fact. It was a weekly meeting. It was normally a time to share some inspiration and pray. Mostly a rowdy bunch, these guys were Christians. The unusual event was the time when Rob (not his real name) apparently felt considerable anguish. With head down, he was crying real tears. He seemed to feel so unworthy. He confessed to all of us that he masturbated. He felt called to become a pastor. It wasn't long before he left our group. And I never knew what happened to him.

John Piper's comment about masturbation and men in ministry (see quote below) is likely the trigger that reminded me of this story. In any event, Christian leaders have given young men different advice for years. In this post, I look at a sample of comments and offer some thoughts on the subject.

PART 2

“Christians need a theology of masturbation.” Really?

In the previous post, I considered what Christian thinkers wrote about female masturbation. In this post, I look at comments focused on men. And I look at how they use the Bible and reasoning to reach conclusions.

What do we know from research?

According to research summarized by Hyde and Delameter (2017), some 40% of college students recall masturbating before puberty. Data from a 2009 survey indicated 80% of boys reported  masturbating by age 17. The data for married men (ages 18 to 49) was similar to that reported in the previous post for women (41 to 61%) reported masturbating in the past 90 days.

What the Bible says about male masturbation:
(The Bible does not address male masturbation unless Judges 3:24 is an indirect reference.)

What do Christian leaders say about masturbation?

They say a lot of things about sex. And some have opinions about masturbation.

John Piper (8 April, 2008) “votes no” in a simple and straightforward commentary. My understanding of Piper’s reasoning is that male masturbation involves imagery of a woman, which treats her as a sex object. Masturbation creates guilt that interferes with obeying God’s will. He acknowledges that most people masturbate but encourages men not to let this sin keep them from their calling.

Jesse Eubanks and Josh Hatcher of Relevant Magazine (2 July 2009) combine the issue of masturbation with lust and sexual immorality. Amidst the back and forth comments on concerns about lust and addiction, Jesse wrote: “Masturbation has the potential to be healthy and even a continuation of worship in our lives. It also has the potential to destroy life and fellowship with God.” Josh responds with several concerns such as the effects of masturbation on a married couple’s relationship. In the next to the last paragraph he writes: “Ultimately, the decision must be made between the individual and God.”

Driscoll and Driscoll say a lot. I searched the digital version of their book, Real Marriage, and found 100 matches to the term (several are to the reference section). They provide statistics consistent with what you will read most places -- most men masturbate—especially young single men. You will read about the neurological and biochemical components of the sexual pleasure involved in the motoric act of masturbation usually coupled with pornographic imagery. They address the issue of pornography, which is likened to prostitution.

Finally, they consider the Bible and affirm what was said above: “The Bible does not forbid masturbation (p. 182).” There is a reference to possible masturbation in the Song of Songs but again-- no forbidden act. Additional consideration is given to questions about the helpfulness of masturbation and deciding if it is enslaving. My take is that the bottom line advice is masturbation become sin when it interferes with God’s design for sex between a married man and woman. (Read the book for a full context.)

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (24 May 2016). In response to a question “…is masturbation a sin?” The BGEA advised abstaining from masturbation as follows (see the link for details):

Masturbation is not specifically referred to in the Bible. However, several scriptural principles indicate that it is a practice from which a Christian should abstain. First, it is usually accompanied by the sin of willfully entertaining lustful thoughts and desires which are clearly forbidden by the Lord (Matthew 5:28). The more one dwells on such fantasy, the more likely it is to become a reality in behavior (James 1:14-15). Second, masturbation easily becomes a habit that people become dependent on (Romans 6:12-14). Third, self-directed sex violates God’s creation design for the right use of His good gift of sexuality (Genesis 1:24, 1 Corinthians 7:3-4, 9). Persistent, compulsive masturbation can also be the symptom of deeper psychological or spiritual problems, such as destructive feelings of inadequacy, rejection and loneliness.

James Dobson answered questions about masturbation and many other issues during his career. In an old letter, he observed that Bible scholars disagreed on the subject. He asserted that from a medical perspective, the act is not harmful. He focused on four problematic issues: Guilt, obsession with masturbation, addiction to pornography, and a habit that can continue into and affect marriage. Read the short letter to get the details and context.


1. As in the previous post, Christians won’t find biblical rules specifically addressing the sex act of masturbation. I suspect this would pose a problem for those who usually take a biblical rule and apply that rule in a literal fashion.

2. As with many matters, Christians must use reason if they wish to create a life principle form biblical texts. As we can see, Christian thinkers in a position to influence large numbers of people, offer different opinions about masturbation.

 3. I continue to think that analyzing the morality of masturbation and other topics requires some sort of rubric. That’s why I still recommend the six-factor approach (harm, fairness, loyalty, authority, liberty, purity) based on the work of Jonathan Haidt and his colleagues. This approach promotes understanding of an issue. It does not answer the question as to whether it is right or wrong. Most of my comments on masturbation can be found in chapter 7 of A House Divided.

4. Dobson’s comment about obsession indicates a better term for a problem with sexual behavior that interferes with life functioning than the term addiction.

5. Concerns about guilt are not uncommon. Guilt can interfere with well-being thus it must be removed. Those who feel convicted of sin will find God forgives. Those who feel guilty of violating personal standards may benefit from self-forgiveness. Those who continue to struggle with guilt and other distress related to any form of sexuality will be best served by seeking counseling.

6. The conservative Christian sources I read focus mostly on boys or men and the problem with pornography. That’s an important concern but Christians will need to realize that the human sexual response varies from person to person. Movies considered acceptable by contemporary Christians would be considered pornographic by Christians a few decades ago. Advertisements for women’s wear can stimulate a sexual response in men yet not violate any laws of decency in some countries.


I’ve seen posters about porn designed to scare young Christian men. An intelligent approach to the pervasiveness of porn requires setting principled standards of decency. Treating people as sex objects, exploitation of vulnerable persons, and depictions of rape and harm are common starting points for setting limits. The problem of deciding what is porn and what is not porn should not hinder efforts to set moral boundaries.

8. I still think every church and Christian school needs a sex education program with age-appropriate details. Sex education needs to be a life-long process. Masturbation is just one topic to include. I cannot imagine how pastors and psychotherapists can do their job if they haven't studied human sexuality.

9. I still don’t see any writers offering opinions about masturbation and sexual minorities. I wonder if those who identify both as a Christian and as a sexual minority and feel committed to a single life find masturbation to be an alternative to marriage?

CONCLUSION: Christian Theology, Sex, Masturbation

After considering what others have written, I think a theology of masturbation and even sex might not make sense because there is insufficient context to provide a meaningful framework. I have given some thought to the NEA booklet, Theology of Sex, which I still recommend as a basis for considering views about sex from a conservative Christian perspective.

 Although the NEA referred to love in the booklet they do not establish sexuality on a foundation of love, which I consider vital to an integrated Christian-Faith perspective.

When Jesus summed up the law he gave two commandments pointing us to love of God and others (Matthew 22: 36-40). We know Christians are to be marked by love (John 13:35). Love is the foundation for a theology of sex, more appropriately viewed as a Theology of Human Relationships.

Healthy relationships are characterized by love with attributes of caring and sacrifice. Marital relationships include the gift of sex. And sex is one aspect of love that helps bind couples together. Strong healthy relationships provide a supportive setting for those couples whose sex produces children. 

This love-sex connection that brings couples together in a strong relationship ideal for raising children provides not only a basis for a theology of healthy relationships inclusive of sex but it also provides a basis for integrating theology with biopsychology.

As several have pointed out, the Bible does not address the sex act of masturbation.

Unfortunately for sincere young Christians, when Christian leaders offer reasons to consider masturbation as an acceptable or unacceptable alternative to marital sex they disagree. And several writers want to make a point about pornograhpy, which is understandably denounced. No one supports pornography; though no one provided specific guidelines as to what should be off-limits. 

For practices neither mentioned in Scripture nor clearly violating general moral principles prohibiting harm, infidelity, and so forth, Christians are left with the commonly quoted "law of liberty" offered by St. Paul in regard to disagreements over the Sabbath (See Romans 14: 5-6). For those feeling distressed over masturbation or related issues of lust and porn, several writers wisely remind readers about forgiveness.

There are some weak points in the various arguments but I did not consider the critiques worth pursuing in providing any more definitive guidance for Christians. So much has been said. 

Previous posts



Theology of Masturbation (Women)
    http://dividedchristians.blogspot.com/2016/12/theology-of-masturbation.html


Resources

Of course, I want you to buy my book, A House Divided available from the publisher, Pickwick, and inexpensively as a Kindle ebook on Amazon. I refer to the scriptures on masturbation and many other sex topics.

If you are leading a book study group, there's an inexpensive discussion guide for A House Divided on AMAZON.

I hope it helps with personal study, book study groups, and related courses at Christian schools and colleges. 

There’s also a free website with more information about sexuality and morality in Christian cultures. https://sites.google.com/site/dividedchristians/

Book ad: Read more about Sexuality and Morality in
 A House Divided


References
Hyde, J. & DeLamater, J. (2017). Understanding human sexuality (13th Edition). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.  ISBN-13: 9781259544989

Sutton, G. W. (2016). A house divided: Sexuality, morality, and Christian cultures. Eugene, OR: Pickwick. ISBN: 9781498224888

Please keep comments respectful and dignified.