Is masturbation an illness? Is it a sin?
Recent studies have shown that masturbation is widespread especially among men.
Normally, masturbation is not an illness. Subjectively, it is not always a sin or at least a mortal sin.
To provide an exhaustive answer, long explanations on love, sexuality and genital functions would be necessary.
Many authors stress the fact that masturbation concerns natural law. The Bible hardly touches the subject and never explicitly for that matter.
Traditionally, the Church, especially since the Middle Ages, condemned masturbation with ever increasing severity. In 1952, Pius XII wrote: "We denounce as erroneous the opinion of those who consider as inevitable the faults of the time of puberty... as if they were not mortal sins". This appears to implicitly condemn masturbation.
A well-known document "Declaration on some Questions of Sexual Ethics", published in 1975 by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, recalled the teaching of the Church. According to a constant tradition, it is stated, masturbation is a disorder. It is essentially and seriously a vicious act. "The main reason is that the deliberate use of the sexual function outside normal intercourse within marriage is contrary to its purpose."
According to tradition rooted in the New Testament, masturbation is a sin against chastity and continence.
We live in a pagan and erotic society bent on lewd reading and indecent shows. Such a society favors masturbation. It ignores modesty, self-control and chastity, virtues that are still practicable and necessary.
It does not follow however that every act of masturbation is a mortal sin. Very often there is a lack of reflection or deep-rooted habits which diminish responsibility. "In some given situations, it is not always easy", said John Paul II, "to determine the limits" beyond which there is mortal sin.
On the other hand, it is regrettable that so many people take masturbation for granted as innocent pleasure.
It is possible to avoid masturbation with will power, self-denial and caution to stay away from occasions of sin. Moreover, one must aim at full maturity, unselfishness and well-ordered sexuality. This is the way to true freedom.
Do we care enough to remind the young and even the old of all the strength that comes from prayer, the sacrament of reconciliation, the Eucharist, love of Mary and self-sacrifice in a well-balanced and Christian life? Help from God is necessary to control oneself and avoid that which is a form of self-eroticism.
Parents and educators must not be indifferent to the problem of masturbation. Without getting emotional about it, let them try to remove the causes of the problem. Most of all, let them always act with true love and kindness (Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education). "Educators should intervene with prudence."
Young man, young woman, do not say that you are helpless against the impulse for masturbation! "We cannot deny the possibility for young people to assume moral responsibility in the course of their development" (Sexuality and Christian Life). Never lose courage! Always go forward toward sexual maturity! In so doing, you will respect your body and make it your soul's companion. It will be a temple of the Spirit!
"Glorify God in your body" (1 Co 6: 20)!