Is Masturbation Harmful?

Is Masturbation Harmful?

I [did] not see a topic on your site about “self abuse” or masturbation as we call it.  Many [Christian] men [and women] still practice this habitually today, even while married.

  In today’s society, it is seen as harmless and so many practice this without a thought, even while imagining some sensual figure to increase their pleasure.  Can you please address this from your professional and spiritual point of view.  Also, please address the damage this practice does to marital relationships, and well as the children.

I know EG White has written extensively on it about the harm it does to brain/nerves.  She goes as far as saying:

“Some who make a high profession do not understand the sin of self-abuse and its sure results.  Long-established habit has blinded their understanding.  They do not realize the exceeding sinfulness of this degrading sin, which is enervating the system and destroying their brain nerve power.  Moral principle is exceedingly weak when it conflicts with established habit.  Solemn messages from heaven cannot forcibly impress the heart is not fortified against the indulgence of this degrading vice.  The sensitive nerve of the brain have lost their healthy tone by morbid excitation to gratify an unnatural desire for sensual  indulgence.  The brain nerves which communicate with the entire system are the only medium through which Heaven can communicate to man and affect his inmost life.  Whatever disturbs the circulation of the electric currents in the nervous system lessens the strength of the vital powers, and the resulting is a deadening of the sensibilities of the mind.” CH 616


I have been struggling with the topic of masturbation for a long time. Though masturbation per se has not been a hindrance in my relationships with family and friends, nor has it interfered with my education and career goals, it has been a big divider and such a great stumbling block in my relationship with God. I believe it is wrong, yet I continue to do it. To make matters worse, a few years ago in an attempt to have a prayer answered, I promised God that if he answered my prayer, I would stop masturbating. The prayer was answered, but I have not kept my promise. This has ridden me with more guilt since, though God has been so merciful to me in the past, and continues to bless me, I have not been able to keep the promise I have made to Him. Masturbation is an external manifestation of lustful desires that I have been harboring in my mind. I know that neurophysiologically, my brain is probably wired now in such a way that would make stopping harder every time I do the act. “By beholding we are changed.”  If its true that my brain (the seat of the mind) has changed its neural circuitry to desire and feel the effects of masturbation and lustful indulgences, is it really possible to reverse it? I have tried so many times, and continue to fail. I not only desire to stop the act of masturbation and keep my promise to God, but I want to have a “clean heart”, to be “transformed by the renewing of [my] mind.” I would really appreciate your advice. Thank you.


The proverbial elephant in the room, the difficult question that no one wants to talk about. First let’s review data found in the scientific literature and then what the Bible says.

The Science: According to multiple surveys in the US and Europe over 90% of men and 70% of women have masturbated at some time in their life. Recent surveys of adolescents reveal that 94% of males and 70% of females reported masturbating.

To date there has been no credible scientific evidence that masturbation causes any health problems, physical, mental or emotional. There has been some evidence indicating potential benefits, such as increased likelihood of achieving pregnancy following masturbation as older and less motile sperm are cleared out of the way for younger healthier sperm. Achieving orgasm, whether by intercourse or masturbation, results in lowered blood pressure – however the effect was greater with intercourse. A 2003 Australian study found that males who masturbated frequently had lower risk of prostate cancer later in life – however no direct causal relationship could be established.

The Bible: The Bible is silent on the issue of masturbation. Some scriptures have been misconstrued and wrongly applied to the question of masturbation. These include:

  1. Leviticus 15 – the Levitical law which required a person who experienced a “discharge” of semen to be ceremonially unclean until evening. This scripture passage is not speaking about masturbation but about nocturnal emissions.
  2. Genesis 38:1-10 – Onan’s discharge of his “seed” onto the ground and his subsequent death. Onan was practicing coitus interruptus not masturbation and his sin was that of greed not lust as he selfishly refused to consummate his marriage to his deceased brother’s wife, which would have resulted in a child and the splitting of his inheritance with her offspring.

No Scripture deals directly with the subject of masturbation. But one Christian book that handles the subject quite nicely is Soul Virgins by Doug Rosenau and Michael Todd Wilson, published by Baker Books. For anyone struggling with questions of a sexual nature I recommend you read this book.

In their book they rightly conclude that the issue is one of heart renewal and unity with God. In their words:

We could endlessly debate the subject of masturbation. But here’s the place we must start: each believer must go deeper to seek and discern God’s heart from the inside out.

How do we synchronize our hearts with God’s, applying heart-directed motivation to produce godly behavior? Whether considering masturbation, fantasy, or any other sexual concern, we’d like to suggest a three-step process that may help you develop an appropriate heart attitude from God’s heart in Scripture:

Step One: If scriptural guidelines exist that directly address the topic of interest, seek to understand them and fully and obediently apply them to your heart, mind, and behaviors. Heart-directed morality always begins with obedience to clear teaching.

Step Two: If direct scriptural guidelines do not exist, seek to understand and obediently apply passages that indirectly address the behavior or that support any guidelines you found from step one.

Step Three: For topics that are still unclear after applying steps one and two, each believer should prayerfully determine his or her own heart about the issue. God has a sexual economy that works, and he will help you discover his will—however, you must act on what you already know as you build your godly attitudes and behaviors.

While there is no Scripture which directly addresses the issue of masturbation, here are a few that indirectly apply and from which we can gain principles that apply:

Matthew 5:27-28: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Is the behavior lustful? Are there sexual fantasies of someone who is not your spouse underpinning the behavior? If so it is unhealthy to your mind.

1Corinthians 6:12: “Someone will say, “I am allowed to do anything.” Yes; but not everything is good for you. I could say that I am allowed to do anything, but I am not going to let anything make me its slave.”

Are you becoming enslaved or addicted to the behavior? If so it is harmful. In fact this is where modern medicine and the Ellen White quote cited in the question above agree.Ellen White appears to be speaking about an “established habit” or compulsive behavior to which the person has become addicted. Modern medicine recognizes such compulsive masturbation as unhealthy and an evidence of psychological, or rarely, neurological, problems.

Addictions of any kind, whether substance (alcohol, drugs, food) or behavioral (sex, gambling, shopping) have a destructive effect upon the brain. The reward pathways are artificially over excited and result in diminished ability of the prefrontal cortex to self-govern. The brain responds to this excess stimulation by reducing the number of receptors that respond to the brain chemical that triggers the reward feeling. This means, addictions reduce the intensity of pleasure from the same stimuli and therefore greater indulgence is needed to experience the same satisfaction. The judgment is impaired, spiritual discernment is eroded and impulsivity is increased. The good news is that our brains are pliable or changeable. As we, through God’s grace, exercise healthy neural pathways of self-control and leave dormant the addictive pathways our brains will rewire in healthy ways!

Philippians 2:4:Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Are you thinking about the welfare of others? Is your behavior damaging or disrespectful to your spouse or future spouse? Is it self-centered and selfishly motivated? If so it is inappropriate and inflames the anxiety centers and results in damage to brain and body.

Romans 14:14: “But if a person believes something is wrong, that thing is wrong for him.”

Do you believe in your heart the behavior is wrong? If so then you are being damaged by engaging in the behavior. How? By experiencing guilt, internal tension, worry, uneasiness, and loss of peace all of which cause a cascade of destructive inflammatory factors which damage brain and body.

What conclusions do we draw from all of this? That God created us in His image to be self-governed sexual beings operating on the principle of other-centered love. Any activity which damages pre-frontal cortex (where we experience other-centered love, judgment and exercise self-control) and strengthens limbic system (reward pathways) ultimately results in self-destruction. The brain becomes imbalanced by all addictive processes and if not reversed ultimately results in self-destruction. As with all addictions, as we experience greater loss of self-control time is diverted to the addiction, relationships are strained, guilt is experienced, secrecy is practiced and tensions arise. Thus a toll is taken on family as well as self when addictive behaviors are not overcome.

For those struggling with a “habit” pattern of masturbation, for which you are powerless to overcome, I would suggest this may be an addiction. Consider joining a 12 step program for compulsive sexual disorders (Sexual Compulsives Anonymous website is https://www.sca-recovery.org/ ). The first step is admitting that we are powerless to change ourselves and we need a power higher than ourselves to restore us to wholeness. This is the prayer of all sinners. It is only in a heart relationship with Jesus Christ that true healing occurs. It is in union with God that we experience restoration to His original intent and experience the full joy of our sexuality as He intended it to be! And this transformation is not only in character and behavior but in brain circuitry as well!

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We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 14

We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 35

I am so pleased with the response your message is receiving at my church from the middle-aged to the young adults. I have given out 100 copies of the first two seminars and there are more request every week. One of my [class members] came to me after viewing the series, grateful and impressed with how easy the message was retained. He had been a Seventh-day Adventist in fear all his life, and felt like the scales were removed from his eyes after viewing the seminars. I am so impressed by the change I see in members who have received this message, we are in one accord. However, I am sadden by the negative response of the older people. I am verbally attacked anytime I talk about imposed laws, but I believe my mission is to enlightened everyone I can. I watch your Bible Study Class on YouTube every Friday night and I feel like I am apart of the class. All of you are in one accord and I am so blessed to have found you. I pray that all of you continue to spread this message and I am committed to doing my part.

Clara S., Westfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

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Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto