As the world is constantly evolving modernly, traditional values are becoming stagnant. Lustful acts are so rampant that people think they are normal. Masturbation to be exact is justified as if they are natural and that doing it is just part of life. In connection, you are probably here because of guilt or perhaps curiosity, regardless, you are on the right page! In this blog post, we will discuss if is it a sin to explore your body, giving you an in-depth explanation of the Catholic Church’s stance on it.
Catechism
To start off, let’s see what the Catholic Church has to say about exploring one’s body or masturbation.
CCC 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.”
The Catechism is clear about masturbation and it is a sin.
To elaborate, we’ll explain each sentence.
By masturbation is to be understood the deliberate stimulation of the genital organs in order to derive sexual pleasure.
It defines masturbation as intentional touching or simulating private parts to experience 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 second sentence just emphasized that the Church is against it. “Intrinsically disordered” means that it is wrong by its very nature, not just because of its repurcussions. In addition, “Gravely” just highlights that it is serious.
The deliberate use of the sexual faculty, for whatever reason, outside of marriage is essentially contrary to its purpose.
It points out that doing activities related to sex is only for married.
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.
In relation to the third sentence, that masturbation is not in accordance with intended design of sex. That it must be unitive and procreative.
Biblical Reference
Although not explicitely mentioned, Bible gives hints that masturbation is a sin.
Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.
This scriptural passages just proves that exploring your body is impure thus, wrong.
Masturbation is a Sin
After explaining to where the Church stand regarding this matter, let’s proceed to answer the question.
Is it a Sin to Explore your Body?
Yes, exploring one’s body or masturbation is a sin. Experiencing sexual pleasure outside marriage is wrong because it is not intended to its purpose. It is should be unitive and procreative which true love achieves.
As this is a grave matter, confessing it is a must.
Addiction
Masturbation and pornography are two sins that usually go together. This digital age just don’t censor nudity anymore. Pornography has never been highly accessible than now. As a matter of fact, it becomes addiction.
If you are struggling with this addiction, here are some of the best resources available you can consider.
You can also check these books talking about chastity.
Additionally, there are Parishes that have Office for Family Life. they can help with getting counselor.
You can also open up to your Spiritual Director if you have one. I highly recommend this for accountability.
Conclusion
As human beings, we are sexual in nature. However, this instinct has its purpose. It must be unitive and procreative and not for something else. As Catholics, we must be mindful of our actions specially now that even the most lustful act gets approval by the society. With how the social media is conditioning its users, no more cencorship, we must be more vigilant. Finally, immerse yourself to the Sacraments. These will enable you to live holy.
That we pray daily with love and trust specially in moments of temptation, Loving Mother, pray for us.
