Answer: Most Christians groups say yes.

Theological Traditions Included: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Non-Calvinist Protestant, Calvinist Protestant, Progressive

Calvinist Protestant, Catholic, Non-Calvinist Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions generally consider masturbation to be sinful, as it falls outside of God's intended purpose for human sexuality.
These four traditions interpret biblical principles regarding sexual purity and the proper use of the body as implicitly condemning masturbation.
Progressive Christians have a more nuanced perspective, with some viewing masturbation as a normal and healthy part of human sexuality when practiced in moderation and with the right intention.
All five traditions emphasize the need for pastoral sensitivity, understanding, and compassion when addressing the issue of masturbation.
Calvinist Protestant, Catholic, Non-Calvinist Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions encourage individuals to seek accountability, prayer, and spiritual guidance in overcoming the habit of masturbation.
Progressive Christians may focus more on promoting healthy and respectful attitudes towards sexuality, emphasizing the principles of love, consent, and self-awareness.

Christians, especially men, aren’t typically in a rush to discuss this one. I wonder why.

Justin Bailey – Creator of ChristianAnswers.ai

Quick Comparison

Tradition	Biblical Interpretation	Moral Status of Masturbation	Pastoral Response
Calvinist Protestant	Implicitly condemned	Sinful	Accountability, reliance on God's grace
Catholic	Implicitly condemned	Intrinsically disordered	Chastity, spiritual guidance
Non-Calvinist Protestant	Implicitly condemned	Sinful	Pastoral understanding, self-control
Eastern Orthodox	Implicitly condemned	Sinful	Confession, spiritual guidance
Progressive	Silent, open to interpretation	Not inherently sinful	Healthy attitudes, moderation

Hear from Each Perspective

Ordered by number of adherents

John / Catholic

The Catholic Church teaches that masturbation is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action. The sexual act is meant to be a complete giving of oneself, and masturbation falls short of this ideal. It is seen as a selfish and self-centered act that does not align with God's plan for human sexuality, which is meant to be a selfless expression of love between a married couple. While the Church acknowledges that the gravity of the sin may be reduced by factors such as immaturity, force of habit, or psychological factors, it still considers masturbation to be an objectively sinful act. Catholics are called to practice chastity and self-control, relying on God's grace to overcome temptations and grow in holiness.

Anthony / Eastern Orthodox

In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, masturbation is generally considered a sin. It is seen as a misuse of the sexual faculty, which is meant to be a means of expressing love and unity within the context of marriage. The Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of self-control and the proper channeling of sexual energies towards one's spouse. However, the Church also recognizes the struggles individuals face and the need for pastoral sensitivity when addressing this issue. Confession, prayer, and spiritual guidance are encouraged for those seeking to overcome the habit of masturbation. The focus is on growth in holiness and the cultivation of virtue, rather than on condemnation or shame.

Caleb / Non-Calvinist Protestant

Non-Calvinist Protestants, such as Lutherans or Methodists, generally view masturbation as a sin, although there may be some variation in perspective. The traditional biblical understanding is that sexual activity is reserved for the context of marriage between a man and a woman. Masturbation, therefore, falls outside of God's intended purpose for human sexuality. It is seen as a self-centered act that can lead to lust, objectification, and a distorted view of intimacy. Non-Calvinist Protestants emphasize the importance of sexual purity and self-control, encouraging individuals to seek God's help in overcoming temptation. However, they also stress the need for grace, forgiveness, and pastoral understanding when addressing this sensitive issue.

Nathan / Calvinist Protestant

Calvinist Protestants, in line with their high view of God's sovereignty and the authority of Scripture, typically consider masturbation to be sinful. They argue that the Bible's teaching on sexual purity and the proper use of the body leaves no room for the practice of masturbation. It is seen as a form of sexual immorality that goes against God's design for human sexuality. Calvinists emphasize the importance of self-control and the mortification of the flesh, calling believers to resist temptation and live a life of holiness. They encourage individuals struggling with masturbation to seek accountability, prayer, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. While recognizing the struggle, Calvinists maintain that God's grace is sufficient to enable believers to overcome this sin and live a life pleasing to Him.

Hannah / Progressive

Progressive Christians have a more nuanced view of masturbation. While some may still consider it a sin based on traditional biblical interpretations, others argue that the Bible does not explicitly address the issue. These progressive Christians emphasize the importance of sexual ethics based on principles of love, respect, and consent rather than on specific acts. They may view masturbation as a normal and healthy part of human sexuality, especially when it is not compulsive or used as a substitute for interpersonal intimacy. Some progressive Christians also argue that masturbation can be a way of managing sexual desires in a responsible manner, particularly for single individuals or those in difficult life circumstances. The key is to approach masturbation with a spirit of self-awareness, moderation, and respect for oneself and others.

The Key Differences

1. Biblical Interpretation

Calvinist Protestant, Catholic, Non-Calvinist Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions generally interpret biblical principles regarding sexual purity and the proper use of the body as implicitly condemning masturbation.
These traditions argue that the absence of an explicit mention of masturbation in the Bible does not mean it is morally permissible, as the overall biblical teaching on sexuality leaves no room for it.
Progressive Christians may interpret the Bible's silence on masturbation as an indication that it is not inherently sinful, emphasizing instead the broader principles of sexual ethics, such as love, respect, and consent.

2. Moral Status of Homosexual Acts

Calvinist Protestant, Catholic, Non-Calvinist Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions generally consider masturbation to be objectively sinful, as it falls outside of God's intended purpose for human sexuality.
These traditions view masturbation as a self-centered act that can lead to lust, objectification, and a distorted view of intimacy.
Progressive Christians have a more nuanced perspective, with some viewing masturbation as a normal and healthy part of human sexuality when practiced in moderation and with the right intention.
Progressives may argue that masturbation can be a way of managing sexual desires responsibly, particularly for single individuals or those in difficult life circumstances.

3. Pastoral Response

All five traditions emphasize the need for pastoral sensitivity, understanding, and compassion when addressing the issue of masturbation.
Calvinist Protestant, Catholic, Non-Calvinist Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox traditions encourage individuals struggling with masturbation to seek accountability, prayer, and spiritual guidance.
These traditions stress the importance of relying on God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation and grow in holiness.
Progressive Christians may focus more on promoting healthy and respectful attitudes towards sexuality, emphasizing the principles of love, consent, and self-awareness.
All traditions recognize the importance of forgiveness, grace, and pastoral support for those struggling with masturbation.

Is masturbation sinful?