What do the theists here think about masturbation and porn?

[Catholic_Lady]

I don't think either of those 2 things is moral.  

Personally, I think porn is worse than masturbation (this is just my opinion, since the Church doesn't officially "rank" them). I can see how masturbation can be an easy thing to fall into especially during the teenage years when hormones are raging, and I tend to think culpability is greatly lessened due to having such strong natural urges at an age where self control is more difficult. I think porn, on the other hand, is more immoral for a few other reasons, especially because it involves another person.

No, I do not watch porn. This isn't even a temptation for me since I don't like it at all anyway.
I haven't done "the other thing" in a fairly long time, but would be lying if I said I never have. But I am happily married so I imagine it must be easier for me to avoid it now.

(For the record, Islam is also vehemently against both those things)

Porn, I can maybe sort of see, but why is masturbation immoral? I understand the church teaches so, but why?

This is a good question. Just to warn you, the answer will not make any sense to people who do not have the same views regarding sexuality.

Since sex is the act that brings forth new human life, and human life is sacred, we consider sex to be a very sacred thing. Like all sacred things, it should be guarded and protected. Not exploited, used carelessly, or used outside of a sacred context. We believe this sacred act is reserved for the expression of commitment and self giving love of a husband and wife. In masturbation, not only are you using sexuality outside of its sacred context, but you are taking something that is meant to be self giving and using it on your own self rather than as a self gift for the one you love.

The priest at my Catholic Student Association in college always said that it is something that we should all keep praying about and trying our best to avoid, but that feeling overly guilty every time we failed would only make us drive ourselves further away from God in frustration. Since it is such a strong urge for teenagers and young adults, or anyone who is not yet married, it is an issue that has to be dealt with very delicately and in an understanding manner. Putting guilt on people is not the way to go.

(Since I know this is going to be brought up: No, I am not saying the only purpose of sex is to procreate lol. I know it is not. I am saying that it is STILL the act that brings forth new human life. Even if it serves other purposes, it is still that act.)

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Ninja'd by Cato

Hahaha!!