Based upon readings and additional research, develop a biblically-based theology on the topic of
masturbation that can be used to address that topic.
When we jump into the question of whether masturbation is biblical or not, we run into a few
road bumps. The topic of masturbation is not specifically addressed in the bible, and therefore
can leave a lot of questions lingering. At the same time, we are given multiple passages that give
biblical context to this act and help us to better address the question. Matthew 5 tells us that we
should not lust after another for when we do we have already committed adultery (King James
Bible, 2017, Matthew 5:28). This gives us two different views to address whether masturbation is
biblical or not, these two views consist of masturbation with lust and masturbation without lust.
One of the biggest reasons that masturbation is condemned from a biblical perspective is the
aspect of lust that seems to accompany the act. There are many biblical passages that speak about
lusting, and how it leads to sin. Matthew 5 tells us that if we lust after another, we have already
committed adultery in our hearts (King James Bible, 2017, Matthew 5:28). Proverbs 11 tells us
that the treacherous are taken captive by their lust (King James Bible, 2017, Proverbs 11:6). Lust
entraps us and keeps us bound in sin, and we are warned of the dangers. When we lust it is
almost always manifested in fantasies. Balswick and Balswick states that fantasizing sexually
after someone idealizes unrealistic expectations (Balswick & Balswick, 2019). When we lust
after someone and fantasize about someone in a sexual manner, we are stipping them of their
humanity and labeling them as an object or simply a piece of meat. This is selfishness at its core
and is a sinful act.
So, we can clearly say that mastubation with lust is sinful. Then the question becomes, is the act
of masturbation apart from lust biblical? Yet, is it even possible to masturbate without the act of
lust? Let's give the benefit of the doubt and say that someone could masturbate without lusting, is
this biblical? The most common reasons that the act of masturbation occurs are things such as
relief of sexual tension, unavailable partners, physical pleasure, relaxation, and an aid to falling
asleep (Balswick & Balswick, 2019). Let's look first at unavailable partners. This could happen
for a variety of reasons, one of the most common ways being a spouse that is deployed. Hebrews
13 tells us that the marriage bed must be kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and the
sexually immoral (King James Bible, 2017, Hebrews 13:4). Philippians 2 tells us to do nothing
out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (King James Bible, 2017, Philippians 2:3). Masturbating
while a spouse is absent is self gratification and is selfish in its nature, even if it is done mutually
with the spouse over a video. You are saying that you can't wait to be back together, and you
would rather get a sexual release. This would be considered sin. Yarhouse and Tan offer the point
that while there may be distance between spouses physically, this may be a good time for each to
grow in discipline (Yarhouse & Tan, 2014). All of the other acts mentioned, release of sexual
tension, physical pleasure, relaxation, and an aid to falling asleep, all fall into the category of
selfish ambition. The individual is using the act of sexual release to deal with their problems.
There are two main problems with this. The act of masturbation is a temporary release, so those
problems will only have a temporary solution, yet the root of the problem is never getting fixed.
The other problem is that we as Christians should be turning to God with our problems, not
looking for answers and fixes in things of this world, as he will be the only one who will bring
satisfaction, peace, rest, and a permanent solution.
So taking into account both views, maturbation with or without lust, and the scriptures that give
context to these views, it would be biblical to say that the act of masturbation in whatever
context would be considered sinful and therefore would not be condoned in Christianity.
King James Bible. (2017) King James Bible Online.
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/ (Original work published 1769)
Yarhouse, M. A. & Tan, E.S.N. (2014). Sexuality and sex therapy: A comprehensive
Christian appraisal . InterVarsity Press.
Balswick, J, K., Balswick, J, O. (2019). Authentic human sexuality: An integrated
Christian approach (3rd ed). IVP academic
Things to continue addressing:
What about mastubating with a spouse in person during sexual intercourse?
What are the counter arguments for masturbation from a biblical/worldly view?
How does masturbation compare to the physical act of sex and the biological sexual processes and
systems that the lord has designed for sex.
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