How long can you resist without lusting?

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

Originally posted by: Crono
...
Most people are misled and decieved about Christianity, or they just want to ignore and disbelief that God exists and live in sin. Satan is the prince of this world, and it is why there are so many false religions, theologies, and ideas leading away from Christ. The gate to salvation is narrow, and unfortunately, few enter it: I am happy to be one of those few.

So, if I'm a Buddhist I'm going to hell? Can you say : WHADDAFAK?

 

[platinumike]

Originally posted by: TBone48

Originally posted by: Rapidskies
Here is the best Christian perspective I've read on it. Pulled from Focusonthefamily.org:

I don't think you should invade that private world at all unless there are unique circumstances that lead you to do so. I offer that advice while acknowledging that masturbation is a highly controversial subject and Christian leaders differ widely in their perspectives on it. I will answer your question but hope you understand that some Bible scholars will disagree emphatically with what I will say.

First, let's consider masturbation from a medical perspective. We can say without fear of contradiction that there is no scientific evidence to indicate that this act is harmful to the body. Despite terrifying warnings given to young people historically, it does not cause blindness, weakness, mental retardation, or any other physical problem. If it did, the entire male population and about half of females would be blind, weak, simpleminded, and sick. Between 95 and 98 percent of all boys engage in this practice -- and the rest have been known to lie. It is as close to being a universal behavior as is likely to occur. A lesser but still significant percentage of girls also engage in what was once called "self-gratification."

As for the emotional consequences of masturbation, only four circumstances should give us cause for concern. The first is when it is associated with oppressive guilt from which the individual can't escape. That guilt has the potential to do considerable psychological and spiritual damage. Boys and girls who labor under divine condemnation can gradually become convinced that even God couldn't love them. They promise a thousand times with great sincerity never again to commit this despicable act. Then a week or two passes, or perhaps several months. Eventually, the hormonal pressure accumulates until nearly every waking moment reverberates with sexual desire. Finally, in a moment (and I do mean a moment) of weakness, it happens again. What then, dear friend? Tell me what a young person says to God after he or she has just broken the one thousand first solemn promise to Him? I am convinced that some teenagers have thrown over their faith because of their inability to please God at this point of masturbation.

The second circumstance in which masturbation might have harmful implications is when it becomes extremely obsessive. That is more likely to occur when it has been understood by the individual to be "forbidden fruit." I believe the best way to prevent that kind of obsessive response is for adults not to emphasize or condemn it. Regardless of what you do, you will not stop the practice of masturbation in your teenagers. That is a certainty. You'll just drive it underground -- or under covers. Nothing works as a "cure." Cold showers, lots of exercise, many activities, and awesome threats are ineffective. Attempting to suppress this act is one campaign that is destined to fail -- so why wage it?

The third situation around which we should be concerned is when the young person becomes addicted to pornographic material. The kind of obscenity available to teenagers today has the capacity to grab and hold a boy for the rest of his life. Parents will want to intervene if there is evidence that their son or daughter is heading down that well-worn path.

The fourth concern about masturbation refers not to adolescents but to us as adults. This habit has the capacity to follow us into marriage and become a substitution for healthy sexual relations between a husband and wife. This, I believe, is what the apostle Paul meant when he instructed us not to "deprive" one another as marital partners: "Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" (1 Corinthians 7:5).

As for the spiritual implications of masturbation, I will have to defer to the theologians for a more definitive response. It is interesting to me, however, that Scripture does not address this subject except for a single reference in the Old Testament to a man named Onan. He interrupted sexual intercourse with his sister-in-law and allowed his semen to fall on the ground to keep from producing offspring for his brother, which was his "duty" (Genesis 38:8). Though that verse is often cited as evidence of God's disapproval of masturbation, the context doesn't seem to fit.

So, what should parents say to their kids about this subject? My advice is to say nothing after puberty has occurred. You will only cause embarrassment and discomfort. For those who are younger, it would be wise to include the subject of masturbation in the "Preparing for Adolescence" conversation I have recommended on other occasions. I would suggest that parents talk to their 12- or 13-year-old boys, especially, in the same general way my mother and father discussed this subject with me. We were riding in the car, and my dad said, "Jim, when I was a boy, I worried so much about masturbation. It really became a scary thing for me because I thought God was condemning me for what I couldn't help. So I'm telling you now that I hope you don't feel the need to engage in this act when you reach the teen years, but if you do, you shouldn't be too concerned about it. I don't believe it has much to do with your relationship with God."

What a kind thing my father did for me that night in the car. He was a very conservative minister who never compromised his standards of morality to the day of his death. He stood like a rock for biblical principles and commandments. Yet he cared enough about me to lift from my shoulders the burden of guilt that nearly destroyed some of my friends in the church. This kind of "reasonable" faith taught to me by my parents is one of the primary reasons I never felt it necessary to rebel against parental authority or defy God.

Well, those are my views, for what they are worth. I know my recommendations will be inflammatory to some people. If you are one of them, please forgive me. I can only offer the best advice of which I'm capable. I pray that in this instance, I am right.

This is a very cool post. Thanks.:thumbsup:

This is an interesting post, and im suprised a minister would say that. I just cant see how it could not be a sin. Its an activity that weak people with no self control engage in on a regular basis, I used to be one of them, and am still doubting my struggles because of the temptations i feel daily.

 

[IAteYourMother]

Then masturbate... I don't think the Bible warns against that, just lust. Masturbation != lust, infact, masturbation could prevent lust

 

[sixone]

Originally posted by: platinumike

Originally posted by: TBone48

Originally posted by: Rapidskies
Here is the best Christian perspective I've read on it. Pulled from Focusonthefamily.org:

I don't think you should invade that private world at all unless there are unique circumstances that lead you to do so. I offer that advice while acknowledging that masturbation is a highly controversial subject and Christian leaders differ widely in their perspectives on it. I will answer your question but hope you understand that some Bible scholars will disagree emphatically with what I will say.

First, let's consider masturbation from a medical perspective. We can say without fear of contradiction that there is no scientific evidence to indicate that this act is harmful to the body. Despite terrifying warnings given to young people historically, it does not cause blindness, weakness, mental retardation, or any other physical problem. If it did, the entire male population and about half of females would be blind, weak, simpleminded, and sick. Between 95 and 98 percent of all boys engage in this practice -- and the rest have been known to lie. It is as close to being a universal behavior as is likely to occur. A lesser but still significant percentage of girls also engage in what was once called "self-gratification."

As for the emotional consequences of masturbation, only four circumstances should give us cause for concern. The first is when it is associated with oppressive guilt from which the individual can't escape. That guilt has the potential to do considerable psychological and spiritual damage. Boys and girls who labor under divine condemnation can gradually become convinced that even God couldn't love them. They promise a thousand times with great sincerity never again to commit this despicable act. Then a week or two passes, or perhaps several months. Eventually, the hormonal pressure accumulates until nearly every waking moment reverberates with sexual desire. Finally, in a moment (and I do mean a moment) of weakness, it happens again. What then, dear friend? Tell me what a young person says to God after he or she has just broken the one thousand first solemn promise to Him? I am convinced that some teenagers have thrown over their faith because of their inability to please God at this point of masturbation.

The second circumstance in which masturbation might have harmful implications is when it becomes extremely obsessive. That is more likely to occur when it has been understood by the individual to be "forbidden fruit." I believe the best way to prevent that kind of obsessive response is for adults not to emphasize or condemn it. Regardless of what you do, you will not stop the practice of masturbation in your teenagers. That is a certainty. You'll just drive it underground -- or under covers. Nothing works as a "cure." Cold showers, lots of exercise, many activities, and awesome threats are ineffective. Attempting to suppress this act is one campaign that is destined to fail -- so why wage it?

The third situation around which we should be concerned is when the young person becomes addicted to pornographic material. The kind of obscenity available to teenagers today has the capacity to grab and hold a boy for the rest of his life. Parents will want to intervene if there is evidence that their son or daughter is heading down that well-worn path.

The fourth concern about masturbation refers not to adolescents but to us as adults. This habit has the capacity to follow us into marriage and become a substitution for healthy sexual relations between a husband and wife. This, I believe, is what the apostle Paul meant when he instructed us not to "deprive" one another as marital partners: "Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" (1 Corinthians 7:5).

As for the spiritual implications of masturbation, I will have to defer to the theologians for a more definitive response. It is interesting to me, however, that Scripture does not address this subject except for a single reference in the Old Testament to a man named Onan. He interrupted sexual intercourse with his sister-in-law and allowed his semen to fall on the ground to keep from producing offspring for his brother, which was his "duty" (Genesis 38:8). Though that verse is often cited as evidence of God's disapproval of masturbation, the context doesn't seem to fit.

So, what should parents say to their kids about this subject? My advice is to say nothing after puberty has occurred. You will only cause embarrassment and discomfort. For those who are younger, it would be wise to include the subject of masturbation in the "Preparing for Adolescence" conversation I have recommended on other occasions. I would suggest that parents talk to their 12- or 13-year-old boys, especially, in the same general way my mother and father discussed this subject with me. We were riding in the car, and my dad said, "Jim, when I was a boy, I worried so much about masturbation. It really became a scary thing for me because I thought God was condemning me for what I couldn't help. So I'm telling you now that I hope you don't feel the need to engage in this act when you reach the teen years, but if you do, you shouldn't be too concerned about it. I don't believe it has much to do with your relationship with God."

What a kind thing my father did for me that night in the car. He was a very conservative minister who never compromised his standards of morality to the day of his death. He stood like a rock for biblical principles and commandments. Yet he cared enough about me to lift from my shoulders the burden of guilt that nearly destroyed some of my friends in the church. This kind of "reasonable" faith taught to me by my parents is one of the primary reasons I never felt it necessary to rebel against parental authority or defy God.

Well, those are my views, for what they are worth. I know my recommendations will be inflammatory to some people. If you are one of them, please forgive me. I can only offer the best advice of which I'm capable. I pray that in this instance, I am right.

This is a very cool post. Thanks.:thumbsup:

This is an interesting post, and im suprised a minister would say that. I just cant see how it could not be a sin. Its an activity that weak people with no self control engage in on a regular basis, I used to be one of them, and am still doubting my struggles because of the temptations i feel daily.

But everyone struggles with something at any given time. And the only thing that never changes is that everything always changes. Just because it's a struggle now, doesn't mean it always will be.

I read somewhere that it takes 27 times to create a habit. That is a lot of chances to screw up. Don't put too much pressure on yourself.

EDIT: No pun intended.

 

[Stretchman]

Lust FTW!

 

[NiteWulf]

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
Then masturbate... I don't think the Bible warns against that, just lust. Masturbation != lust, infact, masturbation could prevent lust

But it can also breed lust. What do people think about when "satisfying" themselves?

I don't think that sexual release is a necessity, and I'm working on proving that to myself. The advice that I would give to someone who asked would be to avoid lust and avoid masturbation, but don't feel too guilty if you do give in to masturbation.

 

[IAteYourMother]

Originally posted by: NiteWulf

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
Then masturbate... I don't think the Bible warns against that, just lust. Masturbation != lust, infact, masturbation could prevent lust

But it can also breed lust. What do people think about when "satisfying" themselves?

I don't think that sexual release is a necessity, and I'm working on proving that to myself. The advice that I would give to someone who asked would be to avoid lust and avoid masturbation, but don't feel too guilty if you do give in to masturbation.

masturbation without pr0n? :Q

 

[slurmsmackenzie]

Originally posted by: platinumike
Iam a Christian, and I have been struggling with lusting be it in person or in pictures/movies. I've found that the best method is to just act like a Women's gorgeous behind or rack isnt there and completely ignore it, also when it comes to p0rn and what not, I find the best method is to just keep busy at all time, and not actually surf the net, usually when i get bored i go look at p0rn or something. ---Now heres my question, how is a man supposed to contain himself sexually? if sex before marriage is wrong, masturbation is wrong, then there is no way for a man to relieve himself without sinning? The build up of sexual tension is so strong, that to relieve it is like a natural process just like using the bathroom or something. I think God intended us to all have wives at age 16 or so..so we wouldnt have theese problems in our later years.

free will.....

now that we have it, it's up to us to control ourselves.

let's look at it from another standpoint. does the heroin user prior to his addiction long for the drug? no.... something about it intices him. then, once the seed is planted and allowed to flourish, the novelty wears off and the roots develop themselves into routine becoming a necessity, in this case both physically and mentally. most times, a conscience decision to stop using the drug is insufficient. the person realizes that the act itself has evolved into a lifestyle. friends, jobs, familiar places become inhibitors, forcing the person to sever such ties.

anyways.... if sexual desire is a problem for you, you need to pray and then decide what things in your daily life are making you more suseptible to it.

"stop touching the unclean thing" lol

 

[slurmsmackenzie]

Originally posted by: bradruth

Originally posted by: platinumike
if sex before marriage is wrong, masturbation is wrong, then there is no way for a man to relieve himself without sinning? The build up of sexual tension is so strong, that to relieve it is like a natural process just like using the bathroom or something.

Have you thought about this one? Get ready for it, because it's a real bombshell, but maybe...just maybe...it's NOT a sin. :shocked:

sin or no, i think we can all agree that promiscuous sex has caused and magnified it's share of problems.

 

[slurmsmackenzie]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
What kind of twisted religion views natural instincts that have ensured the continuation of life for 3.5 billion years as wrong?

is this the same instinct that has substantially aided the spead of the most deadly disease in human history?

 

[OCNewbie]

The OP's first post is a perfect example of why I ditched Christianity, and religion in general, a few years ago. It makes no sense, and you're deprving yourself immensely for something that "may" exist, with little to no evidence in it existing.

 

[ColdFusion718]

Yeah man it's rough being a Christian when you see all this hot ass just walking around you and they seem psychic in being able to tell that you are one. Then they do their sexy walk just to tease you even more. Women are evil but we wouldn't have it any other way would we? Hehehe human beings--we are such victims of our own devices.

 

[slurmsmackenzie]

OOOOOOO..... got a way better answer

"as long as it takes me to get my d_ck out of my britches."

 

[misterj]

Originally posted by: sixone
You may disagree, but I don't believe it's the thoughts that get you in trouble - it's the actions. Going out of your way to get pron, spending too much time feeding the desire, etc.

exactly. obviously it is natural to have thoughts. it is not a sin to have thoughts. it is what you do with them that leads you to sin. if you have a thought, do or think of something else so you no longer have it. try praying.

what if someone had a thought about your sister? initially, it is natural. ok, fine, they must figure out a way to respectfully try and stop it, and you must try to forgive them. but for them to allow it to persist, and grow, and turn into lust.. what if it was your sister or mom?


yes, religion is like a crutch. He came to help the sinners. i guess some of you do not, and will not, ever sin or be tempted by it. i wish i was you.

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: slurmsmackenzie

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
What kind of twisted religion views natural instincts that have ensured the continuation of life for 3.5 billion years as wrong?

is this the same instinct that has substantially aided the spead of the most deadly disease in human history?

The black plague?
I thought that came from rats and such. Are you insinuating people had sex with rats? Because I imagine that would be pretty tough to do.

 

[Medicine Bear]

Hell I lust every day. Then again I don't buy into the whole spook in the sky bit. Lusting is natural. Acting on the lust is a different story. Thinking something is never bad. Taking actions on bad thoughts is.

 

[Nitemare]

Originally posted by: platinumike
How long can you resist without lusting?

What time is it now?

 

[imported_Reck]

if religion told you sh!tting was a sin would you stop sh!tting?

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

Originally posted by: Reck
if religion told you sh!tting was a sin would you stop sh!tting?

LOL... straight from Family Guy!
"God is watching me do number #2? "

 

[shilala]

Pull some skin and get on with it, kid.
If you end up in hell you can hang out with me.

 

[DragonMasterAlex]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: DragonMasterAlex

Originally posted by: silverpig
There's a reason your arms are the perfect length to reach down there... If God REALLY didn't want you playing with yourself, your dick would be right in the middle of your back.

God, then we really *would* get ridden like a pony

Jason

The development of chairs would probably be drastically different than they are now though.

And *saddles*

Jason

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: WhoBeDaPlaya

Originally posted by: Crono
...
Most people are misled and decieved about Christianity, or they just want to ignore and disbelief that God exists and live in sin. Satan is the prince of this world, and it is why there are so many false religions, theologies, and ideas leading away from Christ. The gate to salvation is narrow, and unfortunately, few enter it: I am happy to be one of those few.

So, if I'm a Buddhist I'm going to hell? Can you say : WHADDAFAK?

no, most people are going to hell regardless of their affiliation, that's what Crono is saying anyway.

 

[Sentinel]

All I have to say is living that type of life just leads to self destruction, and I know that you can't be truly happy without CHrist in your life.

This is true, or so I believe it to be true. Because everyone who is a Christian has their faith waiver from time to time. And when it's on the downswing, you do feel like sh!t.

 

[mercanucaribe]

Originally posted by: Sentinel

All I have to say is living that type of life just leads to self destruction, and I know that you can't be truly happy without CHrist in your life.

This is true, or so I believe it to be true. Because everyone who is a Christian has their faith waiver from time to time. And when it's on the downswing, you do feel like sh!t.

People on drugs are happy too you know. I'd rather be saddened by the suffering and destruction in this world than be on some happy self absorbed Jesus trip.

 

[TheShiz]

beat off, it is completely normal, trust me. preachers do it, your parents did/do it, it is no big deal. and there is no god, so no worrying about eternal damnation! or, keep on living like it was 100 A.D.