Sex Masturbation and the Bible
Introduction:
Sex, masturbation and the Bible is a complex and often highly debated subject.
Sex is a deeply ingrained aspect of human nature. Throughout history, religious texts, including the Bible, have shaped societal attitudes towards sex, masturbation and same sex relationships.
This blog post explores the contrasting views on sexual practices between the Old and New Testaments, specifically examining the allowance of concubines and multiple wives in the Old Testament, and the church’s stance on masturbation today.
Additionally, we will consider whether psychologists agree that this teaching is unhealthy.
Sexuality in the Old Testament:
In the Old Testament, we encounter a cultural context vastly different from our own. Polygamy, including marriage to multiple wives and concubinage, was common and accepted during this period.
The allowance of concubines and multiple wives can be understood within the historical, social, and cultural framework of the time.
Concubines:
In ancient societies, concubines were women who lived with a man and engaged in a sexual relationship with him without the full status of a wife. They served a practical purpose, such as producing offspring or providing companionship.
Concubinage was prevalent due to social and economic reasons, and it served as a means of ensuring the continuation of family lineage.
Multiple Wives:
Similarly, the practice of polygamy in the Old Testament can be attributed to cultural norms and practical considerations.
In societies where men were frequently engaged in warfare or faced high mortality rates, polygamy provided a means of support for widows and a way to ensure the survival of the family unit.
The New Testament Perspective:
With the advent of Christianity, the New Testament brought forth a significant shift in religious teachings and moral principles.
The importance of monogamous marriage was stressed and emphasized by Jesus reminding us of the sacredness of the marital bond.
Jesus’ Teachings:
Jesus reinforced the divine plan for marriage by referring to the creation account in Genesis, where God established the union between one man and one woman as the ideal model.
In Matthew 19:4-6, Jesus explicitly stated, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female… Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
Apostolic Writings:
The apostles, particularly Paul, further emphasized the importance of monogamy and fidelity within marriage.
In his letters, Paul encouraged believers to uphold the sanctity of marriage and cautioned against sexual immorality.
Masturbation and the Church:
The church’s stance on masturbation as a sin derives from biblical interpretations and traditional moral teachings.
The view that masturbation is sinful is rooted in interpretations of biblical passages that condemn sexual immorality and impurity.
Biblical Interpretation:
Sexual immorality is condemned in passages such as Matthew 5:28, 1 Corinthians 6:18, and Galatians 5:19-21.
Immoral sexual behaviour is often extended to include masturbation within the broader definition.
Psychological Perspectives:
The psychological community does not universally agree on the notion that masturbation is inherently unhealthy.
Some individuals may experience guilt or shame due to cultural or religious beliefs. Many psychologists emphasize the importance of understanding healthy sexual expression.
Masturbation and self-exploration, can have a positive impact on an individuals overall well-being.
Conclusion:
The views on sex and relationships within the Bible have evolved throughout history, reflecting the cultural and social contexts in which they were written.
The allowance of concubines and multiple wives in the Old Testament can be understood within the framework of ancient societies, while the New Testament emphasizes the sacredness of monogamous marriage.
Regarding masturbation, the church’s teaching on its sinfulness is derived from biblical interpretations, though psychologists may hold varying opinions on its impact on mental health.
Understanding the historical and cultural contexts surrounding these teachings can contribute to a more nuanced interpretation and application of biblical principles in today’s society.