Although masturbation (solo sex) is a nearly universal behavior, it is rarely discussed in the church. However, the increasing support in the media for solo sex as a healthy activity means the church must begin to address it. The moral legitimacy of this behavior has long been debated in Christian circles. To arrive at a biblical conclusion, we need to go beyond prohibitions to consider the positive teaching on sexuality with its profound theological implications. God intends sexuality to teach us what it means to be made in His image and, more importantly, what it means to be in relationship with Him. When we understand the design of biblical sexuality, coupled with the nature of Christian discipleship, it is clear this is not a legitimate sexual activity. The central New Testament passage discussing sexuality in marriage makes clear that the focus of marital intimacy is satisfying my spouse — not my personal pleasure. In this way, our sexuality should reflect the larger call of discipleship to self-denial and love for others. Questions asked in this episode include: in what ways does the church need to improve the approach to sexuality? Why is teaching about sexuality in the church important? Since there isn’t a clear biblical prohibition against masturbation, is it a “sinful” behavior? Does masturbation impinge on your relationship with God? What about solo sex and singles who face unsatisfied sexual desires? Is there a place for masturbation in marriage? Teenagers have raging hormones and since they aren’t married, if they engage in solo sex, who is that hurting? How do parents address the subject of a masturbation and a biblical sexual ethic with their kids?
This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation about biblical sexuality with Journal author David White about his Volume 41 #5 feature article, “Solo Sex and the Christian”.
We’d also like to invite you to subscribe to the Journal. To subscribe to the Journal, please click here.
When you to subscribe to the Journal, you join the team of print subscribers whose paid subscriptions help provide the resources at equip.org that minister to people worldwide. These resources include our free online-exclusive articles, such as this review, as well as our free Postmodern Realities podcast.
Another way you can support keeping our resources free is by leaving us a tip. A tip is just a small amount, like $3 or $5, which is the cost for some of a latte, lunch out, or coffee drink. To leave a tip, click here.
Other articles and Postmodern Realities podcasts related to this topic:
Episode 084: Sexuality & Singles
Single in Christ and a Sexual Being
Episode 072: Sexual Sanity for Women with Ellen Dykas
Sexual Sanity for Women in a World Gone Mad
Episode 047: Book Review of American Hookup: The New Culture of Sex on Campus
The (Casual) Sexual Revolution
Episode 020: Should We Continue to Use the Term Sexual Purity?
Should We Continue to Use the Term Sexual Purity?
Episode 007: Rape and Sexual Violence on the College Campus
Rape and Sexual Violence on Campus
Defending the Biblical View of Sexuality
A Reconsideration of Romantic Love
BFFs (Best Friends First): Honoring God in Dating and Romance