Masturbation is an important issue for all human beings, but it becomes even more relevant when religious beliefs come into play. For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as Mormons, this can be a particularly difficult subject because their faith teaches that masturbation is a sin. This creates a tension between natural desires and religious doctrine that many adherents struggle to reconcile.
Historical Background
The church's position on masturbation has changed over time. In the early days of the church, founder Joseph Smith taught that masturbation was "an abomination in the sight of God," but he also acknowledged that it was a common practice among young men who had not yet married. Later leaders softened their stance somewhat, saying that masturbation was not as bad as other sexual sins like premarital sex or adultery, but it was still discouraged.
Contemporary Teachings
Today, the church's official website states that "masturbation is not a sin" but warns against doing so regularly. The site goes on to say that "masturbation may become habitual and lead to other serious problems," including addiction. It encourages adherents to seek help if they have difficulty controlling themselves.
Psychological Tensions
The conflict between desire and doctrine can cause significant psychological tension for Mormons. Many feel guilty about engaging in something that their religion considers immoral, which can lead to feelings of shame and guilt. Some turn to prayer or other spiritual practices to overcome these feelings, while others try to suppress their urges altogether.
Navigating Conflicts
Many Mormons find ways to navigate this tension by focusing on more acceptable forms of intimacy, such as kissing or cuddling. Others may engage in solo activities with the goal of achieving orgasm without touching themselves directly. Some adherents choose to disregard the teachings entirely, either because they disagree with them or because they simply cannot abstain from masturbation.
Each person must decide how to balance their religious beliefs with their natural desires in a way that works best for them.
What psychological tensions arise from the Mormon approach to masturbation, and how do adherents navigate conflicts between natural desire and religious doctrine?
The Mormon religion considers masturbation as a serious sin that displeases God and threatens an individual's salvation. As such, it can cause considerable psychological tension among its believers. Adherents who struggle with masturbation may experience feelings of guilt, shame, and self-loathing, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.