Quote:
Originally Posted by Pandoren
I'm not Christian or an expert, but as I understand it, Biblically, there are some issues because a man "spilled his seed upon the ground" instead of inside his wife, but I think some people disagree over whether this means masturbation is sinful or whether it was the fact that he was engaging with his wife and pulled out that was the problem. Nowadays, I don't think many modern Churches have a problem with it (I don't know about Catholicism though... it might depend how strict it is).
In days gone by, marriage between young people made this less of an issue- when you got sexually able, you got a wife/husband, not your hand. In today's society, it might be that of two 'evils', the Church might prefer a person to take time with themselves than to be promiscuous, adulterous, etc.
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Ah, the "Sin of Onan."
As I remember the story, Onan's brother died without fathering a child with his wife. As per ancient Hebrew custom, Onan was to step up and father a child with his brother's widow to continue his line. However, Onan didn't (whether he was practicing withdrawl or masturbating is a matter of debate). Thus, God...did something. I don't quite remember his punishment. It wasn't pleasant.
Anywho, as I was taught, Onan was punished because he failed his duties to his brother and wife, not because he masturbated (potentially). Most (not all, though which do escape me) sects of Christianity don't label it a sin, and I'd personally tell you that you've nothing at all to be afraid of.
And yes, I agree Lynn. It's sick, and very sad.
Did you know the brother of the founder of Kellogg's brand cereal ran a sanitarium that heavily advocated (and enforced) that type of crap? Honestly, even as far back in the past as it is, I haven't bought a Kellogg's bran of anything that I can help.