Is masturbation good for you?

[truthbetold]

I have never masturbated and all though I find myself sexually frustrated, I refrain due to my faith. I am devout Catholic.

What I wanted to know is, is masturbation good for you?

Does it prevent prostate cancer?

 

I would like some opinions from a Religious angle.

 

If you are looking at it from the Catholic perspective then it is indeed a mortal sin. Some may say that it's "church rules" and not rooted in scripture but that is false. The church gave us the bible not the reverse. It's not just Onan, it's discussed in the NT as well:

 

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

 

 

Sexual Immorality

12 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial.x “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. 13 You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.”y The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord,z and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the dead,a and he will raise us also.b 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?c Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”b d 17 But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.c e

18 Flee from sexual immorality.f All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.g 19 Do you not know that your bodies are templesh of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;i 20 you were bought at a price.j Therefore honor God with your bodies.k

 

 

The bolded is key. Your body belongs to God. There's a reason that marital sex is the most joyous, it is as God created it. Man's sinful nature seeks self pleasure and self love, it looks inside oneself not to "give" which to give is the definition of love. To seek pleasure for pleasure's sake (sex) tears you away from God's love and the way he created it. Sex isn't just for procreation by the Catholic stance it is also very much for unification as 1 Cor 7:5 details.

 

Further reading on the Catholic stance can be found in CCC 2352 if you google it. The Church doesn't seek to harm but only enrich and deepen our lives and love here.

 

On the topic of "good for you" There are studies about preventing prostate CA but that doesn't tell the whole story. New studies show that it actually increases the risk of CA for men in their 20's 30's and 40's. The only group that it decreased for was for men in their 50's however it's believed to be reverse causation. Likely it's due to impotence in older men. (I have a background that includes oncologic research) Bottom line though is if your main concern is to be "devout" as a Catholic, the ends do not justify the means even if there is that chance of it being preventative.

 

This of course is all from a Catholic perspective which is what you mentioned. It's completely up to you whether you want to adhere and have faith in those teachings. I wish you peace.

[gaius]

Truth, that sounds more about prostitution to me than masturbation but maybe im missing something.

 

All I know is if I don't masturbate it comes out anyway at night in regular intervals, so god designed us for it to come out even when we aren't with a woman. So why then would he restrict us from releasing it when it needs to come out? Makes as much sense as to say you can't pee when you're awake because that brings you pleasure and is sinful.

[TheFinalWord]

Not necessarily to OP, just a general post about this topic.

 

People have tried to use all types of verses as "evidence" that masturbation is a sin or not a sin.

 

The problem is, the bible does not say outright. And let's be honest, with the thousands of years the bible covered, someone figured out what masturbation was.

 

Is the actual physical act a sin? I don't see any biblical evidence for that. Is lusting after a woman that is not your wife a sin? I find a lot of evidence that that component of masturbation is. So, if you can somehow separate the physical act of masturbation, with the mental act of lusting than it is probably not a sin.

 

As men, we are extremely visual, so to explain how someone can masturbate without fantasizing about a woman (i.e. using porn, which is basically what is happening) is really odd.

 

So, if the issue is, if masturbation is akin to a wet dream, just a physical response, I don't see any evidence it is a sin. If masturbation is accompanied with lusting after a woman in your heart that is not your wife, it seems it is.

 

Personally, I think conducting these in-depth analyses, is using a straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel approach.

 

This all goes back to the case I have made on here in the past.

 

As Christians, we have this tendency to only look at the fruit of sin, i.e. adultery, porn, stealing, cursing, etc.

 

"Is X a sin, is Y a sin"...stop looking at the fruit.

 

What is the heart-based origin of various sins? The heart. As a church, and humans, we tend to examine sin through the eyes of the law.

 

This is the same issue the Pharisees had. They were questioning the disciples for not performing ritual washing before eating. They missed the whole point:

 

 

Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”

 

“Are you still so dull?” Jesus asked them. “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.”

 

With that said, some people need rules. And we probably all do in some areas. Not everyone can handle grace in some areas the same way others can. What is a temptation for me, is not for someone else and vice versa. For myself, I have no desire to gamble, so it is not even anything I need to have rules about. For someone else, it is a disaster if they even drive through Las Vegas. For one person, a glass of wine can send them down a dark path of alcoholism. For most, it is not big deal. Enter, Christianity: denomination X if you drink one glass, you are sinning. Then you have another denomination that drinks beer during bible study. Anyway, I digress and this post is sort of jumbled.

 

Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

 

If we are praying and seeking, we will know our own areas of weakness and should consider finding some boundaries that can help you.

 

"not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do."

Edited March 4, 2014 by TheFinalWord

[Babolat]

I have never masturbated and all though I find myself sexually frustrated, I refrain due to my faith. I am devout Catholic.

What I wanted to know is, is masturbation good for you?

Does it prevent prostate cancer?

 

I would like some opinions from a Religious angle.

 

I use to feel like you do, with the religion and such. I felt guilty when I mastrabated. Like it was, wrong. Especially when I was married. In my first marriage I was very religious (she was Mormon and I joined the Mormon church, she was a virgin until our wedding night), and it was even worse mentally for me then.

 

What I later learned, especially in my no sex marriage, is I mastrabated because, well, there was no sex. Now that I am dating and sexually active, I rarely, if ever, mastrabate. I was shocked to find out woman mastrabate, a lot, more than me even sometimes!

 

Is it healthy? Physically, no idea. Mentally, heck ya! If you are not secually active I see nothing wrong with it.

 

I say try to let go of the religious hang ups.

[Babolat]

Is the actual physical act a sin? I don't see any biblical evidence for that. Is lusting after a woman that is not your wife a sin? I find a lot of evidence that that component of masturbation is. So, if you can somehow separate the physical act of masturbation, with the mental act of lusting than it is probably not a sin.

 

As men, we are extremely visual, so to explain how someone can masturbate without fantasizing about a woman (i.e. using porn, which is basically what is happening) is really

 

Well said.

 

I think this is where religion makes us feel guilty. If I was thinking about a specific woman in my life, thinking "Man I want that" and mastrabating to that thought, yeah, to me, that's lust, and a possible issue. Lust can lead to cheating, duh. I think that is the point of this scripture, not "don't mastrabate".

 

When I mastrabate I do need a visual usually. It's a "no face" visual though. I'm looking at her body, her curves, her sexuality overall, not "I want to **** her now". If she was in my room, and I was in a relationship, I would not **** her for real.

[carhill]

I have never masturbated and all though I find myself sexually frustrated, I refrain due to my faith. I am devout Catholic.

What I wanted to know is, is masturbation good for you?

 

Yes, IMO it relieves sexual frustration, generally flushing the genital region of congested blood brought on by hormonal action, which also affects brain function. Great stress reliever. As example, prior to masturbation, I might feel annoyed or crabby but, after, relaxed and refreshed. My chemistry was changed.

 

I also tend to feel more open and spiritual after orgasm, so in a sense it helps my 'religious' center, though I don't follow a particular belief system. Back 40 some years ago, when I started masturbating, I was going to a private Catholic school. I wish the brothers there had masturbated more, if you get my meaning.

 

Does it prevent prostate cancer?

 

I haven't kept up with research on that but regular exercise and flushing of the prostate certainly can't hurt. Doing Kegels also helps with genital area muscle tone. I'll let you know in ten or twenty years if it helped me. So far, no signs of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Having a number of friends going through cancer right now, my thoughts are with them and hope that I can avoid some of the challenges they're facing. As I remember the 'drill', I'll still pray for them, since most of them are people of faith and it comforts them.

 

I would like some opinions from a Religious angle.

 

IMO, sex is a natural human act and I battled religious indoctrinations about sex for many years before finding my own path. Was that time wasted? IDK. If guilt about masturbation had been strong, I'd have been one guilty person. Staying a virgin as long as I did would have been massively frustrating sexually, IMO. Celibacy still is frustrating since my body still works normally but it is easier to manage with age and experience.

 

Good luck!

[truthbetold]

Truth, that sounds more about prostitution to me than masturbation but maybe im missing something.

 

All I know is if I don't masturbate it comes out anyway at night in regular intervals, so god designed us for it to come out even when we aren't with a woman. So why then would he restrict us from releasing it when it needs to come out? Makes as much sense as to say you can't pee when you're awake because that brings you pleasure and is sinful.

 

That's understandable. And I also understand the protests that the "church" is too strict. However as a Catholic we believe that the Church receives infallible teachings which is outlined in the Magesterium. The people are not infallible but when it comes to deciphering what was meant by Christ, we believe it to be infallible. One of the many reasons is because Christ said the church is his bride, it's a living organism and he is always with us, from beginning to end.

 

Anyway, the OP asked about the Catholic position and there is no err in the interpretation, it is black and white which I understand many have an issue with. However you are either Catholic or not. Many consider themselves Catholic and follow none of her teachings. As I said no one is forced to adhere to the teachings. However we are all wired with an internal moral compass which is evident when we are in misalignment with it the turmoil it usually causes. Here's the CCC on what I referenced.

 

2352 By masturbation is to be understood the deliberate stimulation of the genital organs in order to derive sexual pleasure. "Both the Magisterium of the Church, in the course of a constant tradition, and the moral sense of the faithful have been in no doubt and have firmly maintained that masturbation is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action." "The deliberate use of the sexual faculty, for whatever reason, outside of marriage is essentially contrary to its purpose." For here sexual pleasure is sought outside of "the sexual relationship which is demanded by the moral order and in which the total meaning of mutual self-giving and human procreation in the context of true love is achieved."

 

To form an equitable judgment about the subjects' moral responsibility and to guide pastoral action, one must take into account the affective immaturity, force of acquired habit, conditions of anxiety or other psychological or social factors that lessen, if not even reduce to a minimum, moral culpability."

 

For us the church gave us scripture, not the other way around. So for a true Catholic all of the teachings are Holy Spirit inspired and not man's rule. Again, the OP specifically said "Catholic" and that he was devout. I didn't come search this out and wouldn't even have entered the discussion if it wasn't for the "Catholic" Christian piece and was only Christian perspective which you can see is interpreted widely.

[Clair93]

I have never masturbated and all though I find myself sexually frustrated, I refrain due to my faith. I am devout Catholic.

What I wanted to know is, is masturbation good for you?

Does it prevent prostate cancer?

 

I would like some opinions from a Religious angle.

 

Since when we get our cancer related information from religious angles? There's an area called medicine last I've heard that deals with this sort of thing.

[whichwayisup]

I am and it is helping but I find myself slipping back into my problems at time.

 

 

 

It is really tough and it can be really difficult hearing different info.

 

 

 

I know what ya mean. I would never use porn and I would try not to fantasize.

I have also heard that spilling seed is a sin.

 

How much of this is actual religious and how much of it is upbringing (parents influence)?

 

Give this some thought. If masturbation and spilling seed, self enjoyment while masturbating is a such a sin and very bad, then what about those who are not religious or have chosen to go ahead and do it anyway? None of us have had wraith thrown at us by playing our body parts. I mean this respectfully so please think about this.

 

If you want to masturbate, try it.

 

Does it prevent prostate cancer?

 

This is something to ask your family Dr. Though some on here may know the answer to this, it's best to ask a professional to make sure you get the absolute correct answer.

[pie2]

Then you have another denomination that drinks beer during bible study.

 

 

 

WHAT!?! LOL Hadn't heard of that. I guess it just highlights the fact that following Jesus is all we have to remember, and not the rules we think makes us "holy".

 

 

OP - pray about this. Ask God what the healthiest outlet is for your life and sexual frustrations.

[angel.eyes]

I guess it just highlights the fact that following Jesus is all we have to remember, and not the rules we think makes us "holy".

 

 

OP - pray about this. Ask God what the healthiest outlet is for your life and sexual frustrations.

 

Yup!Galatians 2:16 NKJV;RSV - knowing that a man is not justified by - Bible Gateway

[somedude81]

How is it even possible that you've never masturbated?!

 

I've been masturbating since at least six years old. Long before I had any idea of what the Church's views on sexual stuff were.

 

Were you caught masturbating at a young age and have bad memories?

 

I just can't imagine a boy growing up and not realizing that it feels good to touch his penis.

[angel.eyes]

With all due respect, stealing cookies to eat can feel good in the moment. So can any myriad of sinful things. Whether something feels good in the moment is not a reliable measure of whether something is indeed sinful or not. For that determination, the OP needs to refer to the Bible, God's inspired Word to believers, and to pray for guidance.

[TheFinalWord]

WHAT!?! LOL Hadn't heard of that. I guess it just highlights the fact that following Jesus is all we have to remember, and not the rules we think makes us "holy".

 

 

OP - pray about this. Ask God what the healthiest outlet is for your life and sexual frustrations.

 

haha not saying I agree with it (personally, it's not my style), but I've seen it at more than one bible men's bible study.

 

I just think that we have this tendency to put burdens on people and we have to give them a chance to grow (which is God's job anyway). I find that there is oftentimes a lot of biblical workarounds people try to use to justify sin or, in other places, to lay burdens on people. "What is the Greek root of that word!"

 

To me, we can miss the whole point. Instead of the fruit we can instead look at the seed. Instead of worrying about what Onan did, and using him as a scapegoat or archetype, we can look at ourselves and ask "what is the motivation behind action X?" When we start looking at motivation, instead of loopholes in the bible, or laws to lay on people to justify our own holiness, things quickly become unmasked. The law of Grace is higher than the Law of Moses anyway, so if that is our standard we can quickly root out pretty much any action.

 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

 

With the law of Moses, you could burn with passion until sweat came from every pour. Jesus took it a step further, and said do not even think about it. That is even more rigorous, and why Paul retorted "Should we sin more so that grace may abound? God forbid!"

 

The bible gives us enough to show us our true reflection and to put all actions on the altar.

 

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 

It is mainly a matter of us wanting to justify our actions or not. Individually, we have to look at our own actions and allow the Spirit to assess us. He knows exactly how to get us from point A to B. The issue is, we have to be open to it.

 

If we are looking for scapegoats and outs, we are relying on pride.

 

"God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God.

[TheFinalWord]

Good vid from Christian on this topic:

 

[pie2]

haha not saying I agree with it (personally, it's not my style), but I've seen it at more than one bible men's bible study.

 

 

So the secret's out about those men bible studies! Here us women are bonding over fellowship and prayer while the men drink beer. ;)

 

 

When we start looking at motivation, instead of loopholes in the bible, or laws to lay on people to justify our own holiness, things quickly become unmasked. The law of Grace is higher than the Law of Moses anyway, so if that is our standard we can quickly root out pretty much any action.

 

 

Good point. Asking ourselves if we're motivated by a love for God or a love for others in all of our actions. That's part of the "prayer without ceasing" to me. Just constantly trying to ask God if X, Y or Z is motivated by love.

[TheFinalWord]

Good point. Asking ourselves if we're motivated by a love for God or a love for others in all of our actions. That's part of the "prayer without ceasing" to me. Just constantly trying to ask God if X, Y or Z is motivated by love.

 

Totally pie That's what matters most at the end of the day...love

[truthbetold]

haha not saying I agree with it (personally, it's not my style), but I've seen it at more than one bible men's bible study.

 

I just think that we have this tendency to put burdens on people and we have to give them a chance to grow (which is God's job anyway). I find that there is oftentimes a lot of biblical workarounds people try to use to justify sin or, in other places, to lay burdens on people. "What is the Greek root of that word!"

 

To me, we can miss the whole point. Instead of the fruit we can instead look at the seed. Instead of worrying about what Onan did, and using him as a scapegoat or archetype, we can look at ourselves and ask "what is the motivation behind action X?" When we start looking at motivation, instead of loopholes in the bible, or laws to lay on people to justify our own holiness, things quickly become unmasked. The law of Grace is higher than the Law of Moses anyway, so if that is our standard we can quickly root out pretty much any action.

 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

 

With the law of Moses, you could burn with passion until sweat came from every pour. Jesus took it a step further, and said do not even think about it. That is even more rigorous, and why Paul retorted "Should we sin more so that grace may abound? God forbid!"

 

The bible gives us enough to show us our true reflection and to put all actions on the altar.

 

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 

It is mainly a matter of us wanting to justify our actions or not. Individually, we have to look at our own actions and allow the Spirit to assess us. He knows exactly how to get us from point A to B. The issue is, we have to be open to it.

 

If we are looking for scapegoats and outs, we are relying on pride.

 

"God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God.

 

Why do you think striving to be "holy" does not equate to humble? We are required to be holy because our God is holy

 

1 Peter 1-16

 

but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;…

I am humble for the reason that I can do NOTHING, zip zero nada without the grace of God. I can do nothing without he who is within me, but I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.

 

Jesus didn't come to abolish the laws he came to fulfill them. Absolutely no one is perfect, we all fall we all get back up with grace. But this OP IS Catholic and stated that. So to mock his (and my) religion for what is perceived as nonsense and man made rules isn't right either. I see a whole lot of people tempting him into something that he was confused about. Did people seriously miss the part that he is Catholic and trying to be devout? People may think that's silly and that's their opinion but it doesn't make it wrong to want to follow the church teachings and strive to do what Jesus asks of us.

 

There is grace to be given by God for chastity and self control. Self control is absolutely a grace that God is more than willing to give. He doesn't allow us to be tempted beyond our means. It's fidelity to God first with LOVE. I agree, love is the most important thing.

 

OP, I have been praying for you, for more grace and peace. I wish you well.

[truthbetold]

OP also the Galatians quote above was written to Paul's audience to address people who were using mosaic law to find favor with God. Things that Jesus fulfilled such as sacrifices, circumcision etc....

 

It has nothing to do with what people who don't understand and misconstrue what Catholicism is. It is not the whore of Babylon! The graces from the Holy Spirit and the sacraments are all intended to bring us closer and more fully with Jesus and God's immense love.

 

Pray on the Holy Spirit to reveal the gifts. There are seven, fear of the Lord (to see sin for what it is and despise it and have great sorrow for it as God does) piety, knowledge, fortitude, counsel, understanding and wisdom.

 

People mean well I am sure, but you can't take one piece of scripture out of context to support an agenda. That's what's beautiful about the church it's the whole story in tradition and scripture all of it sacred, intertwining and supporting all that is revealed for God's will. It's the fullness of what Christ intended. Jesus started it and gave the keys 2014 years and it's been through many persecutions (and still is) and is still standing as Christ's promise to us and will until he comes in glory!

[Silver93]

OP also the Galatians quote above was written to Paul's audience to address people who were using mosaic law to find favor with God. Things that Jesus fulfilled such as sacrifices, circumcision etc....

 

It has nothing to do with what people who don't understand and misconstrue what Catholicism is. It is not the whore of Babylon! The graces from the Holy Spirit and the sacraments are all intended to bring us closer and more fully with Jesus and God's immense love.

 

Pray on the Holy Spirit to reveal the gifts. There are seven, fear of the Lord (to see sin for what it is and despise it and have great sorrow for it as God does) piety, knowledge, fortitude, counsel, understanding and wisdom.

 

People mean well I am sure, but you can't take one piece of scripture out of context to support an agenda. That's what's beautiful about the church it's the whole story in tradition and scripture all of it sacred, intertwining and supporting all that is revealed for God's will. It's the fullness of what Christ intended. Jesus started it and gave the keys 2014 years and it's been through many persecutions (and still is) and is still standing as Christ's promise to us and will until he comes in glory!

 

Thank you for all your Prayers and advice.

[mukkrakker]

Does it prevent prostate cancer?

I would like some opinions from a Religious angle.

 

Pray whilst you wank.

 

Thinking about God may not be very erotic though - but who knows, he does move you in mysterious ways...

[pie2]

...you can't take one piece of scripture out of context to support an agenda.

 

No doubt!

 

1 Peter 1-16

 

but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;…

 

 

 

17. You call on a Father who judges each person’s work without favoring one over another. So live your lives as strangers here. Have the highest respect for God.

18. The blood of Christ set you free from an empty way of life. That way of life was handed down to you by your own people long ago. You know that you were not bought with things that can pass away, like silver or gold.

19. Instead, you were bought by the priceless blood of Christ. He is a perfect lamb. He doesn’t have any flaws at all.

20.He was chosen before God created the world. But he came into the world in these last days for you.

21. Because of what Christ has done, you believe in God. It was God who raised him from the dead. And it was God who gave him glory. So your faith and hope are in God.

22. You have made yourselves pure by obeying the truth. So you have an honest and true love for your brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply, from the heart.

23. You have been born again by means of the living word of God. His word lasts forever. You were not born again from a seed that will die. You were born from a seed that can’t die.

 

 

Regarding the discussion, I really didn't think anyone was purposefully trying to make this a Christianity vs. Catholicism debate. Sorry if that's how it felt, at least from my end.

 

 

The OP did request input from general religious viewpoints.

 

 

I would like some opinions from a Religious angle.

 

 

And many Christians believe just what TheFinalWord seemed to convey...that sin is NEVER encouraged. But the best way to find freedom from sin is to put the faith in Jesus, and prioritize love (in God and others). At least, imo!

 

 

OP, you do whatever your heart tells you. But pray about it, seek strong counsel, read the bible.

[TheFinalWord]

So to mock his (and my) religion for what is perceived as nonsense and man made rules isn't right either.

 

I am not sure why you feel I was addressing you, I was not Honestly, I did not even read your prior posts. My post was not in response to yours, nor was it my intent to mock your religion. I do not know how I am even doing that, but I apologize if you took it that way. I said in my post that my post was not even towards the OP, but just in general about the topic. I assure you, it had nothing to do with any posts you wrote.

[TheFinalWord]

And many Christians believe just what TheFinalWord seemed to convey...that sin is NEVER encouraged. But the best way to find freedom from sin is to put the faith in Jesus, and prioritize love (in God and others). At least, imo!

 

 

OP, you do whatever your heart tells you. But pray about it, seek strong counsel, read the bible.

 

Thank you pie2! That was my point, to give my opinion on the topic from a spiritual perspective.

 

I am not Roman Catholic, I just read and study the bible. So that is what I am going off from. Regarding masturbation, I do not see any verses that the actual physical act is a sin. I do see many verses that lusting after someone that is not your wife is a sin. The issue is, how do you separate the two? I don't know how, or even if it's possible, but I think even trying to is missing the big picture. The issue to me is to look at the origin of sin, the seed if you will, and not just at the fruit. We can see most sexual sins, originate in lust. If we want to conquer it, that is what we must address. Not only looking to classify the sins into categories.

 

I don't see how my stating that is mocking anyone's religion. Or how that has anything to do with a whore of Babylon (its funny how every denomination states the other is the whore of Babylon). On a discussion board you will get a diversity of opinions, ranging from anti-theism to fundamentalist baptist. Everyone gives their opinion, and it creates a dialogue. It is basic forum etiquette that if someone has a issue with a particular person, they will quote that person. That's the way I operate anyway.

[Silver93]

Thanks for all the responses. One thing I should have made clearer was when I said I wanted to see points from a Religious angle, I meant a Catholic angle. Sorry, I should have said that.