So, according to Christianity, would this be considered a sin?

Question

First of all, to make things perfectly clear, I am a Christian.
Second, I would prefer for ONLY Christians to answer this question, unless a person can answer according to Christianity, using scripture to support their opinion.
Third, this is inspired in part by an answer to a question about masturbation (I'll post the link in an added comment).
So my question is this:
Just supposing when my husband goes to Iraq (which will be later this year, for 15 months), I have a need to relieve some sexual pressure while fantasizing about him, would that be a sin? What about if after he's talked to me on the phone, or I've sent him non-pornographic pictures (they're not allowed to have pornography) HE feels the need to relieve himself? Is it a sin? Does that constitute sexual impurity?
Furthermore, what about when he and I haven't had relations for awhile? Would it be a sin?
I don't believe so, but I'd like to make sure I'm not wrong.
Thanks for all answers in advance!

Here's the link, and the answer I'm referring to is near the bottom (by RockyTop):
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AireV3OeHn4.FY5ylkEv4Drsy6IX?qid=20070627053838AAU6P71&show=7#profile-info-6Gti8gXeaa

Answer 1

I'm an atheist, but I'm going to answer anyway. Do you really think your God cares what anyone does in the privacy of his or her own bedroom (or tent)? Enjoy, as long as you are not hurting anyone.

If you are going to obey scripture, however, Rocky is right.

Answer 2

From Christianity Today's Marriage/Partnership

Masturbation is not specifically mentioned in the Bible. Any interpretation that it is a sin must be an application of some other Scripture regarding sexuality. Some of these certainly could imply that masturbation under some circumstances could be sin. For instance, if masturbation is used as a way to deny sex to your spouse, that would be destructive and go against the 1 Corinthians 7 principles Paul describes. If masturbation is accompanied by fantasies of extra-marital relations, it may fit with Jesus' definition of lust in Matthew 5.

Masturbation alone can be useful when a couple is not able to be together for sex. This may be the case in many different situations (travel, fatigue, schedule problems, health considerations, even a time of spiritual "fasting" by one mate). I do not see individual masturbation as sinful in these situations as long as the associated thought life honors the marriage vows.

Answer 3

In addition to what RockyTop said, I would like to add that it is disordered. By that I mean that it goes against the natural law. The natural law is what can be discerned or deduced without supernatural means or religious learning. EG, even if you hadn't heard of the Ten Commandments you would know that it wasn't right to steal. This natural law is from God and is put in our hearts to direct us towards what is good and right.
Why do you ask this question? Because something about masturbation doesn't seem quite right. But it's hard to see because it isn't as obviously wrong as cheating on your spouse or assaulting someone. It's also hard to see because we've become accustomed to thinking that if nobody is directly and immediately hurt by our actions then we've done nothing wrong.
God gave us reproductive organs so that we might procreate. But unlike the animals, He also gave us marriage. So we have a proper means to satisfy our sexual desires which also brings unity to marriage. Masturbation denies both aspects of God's purpose for those organs.

Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead you and then follow where you are lead.
Thank your husband for serving our country. I will pray for his safe return.
And thank you as well for your sacrifices.

+Pax Tecum+

Answer 4

I am a Christian...
The sin would come in only if your fantasies were unfaithful to your spouse. For example, if you look on a woman (in your case, a man) lustfully (or thinking about him in a fantasy way) that is committing adultery in your heart.
As long as you both can commit to fantasies about eachother only, (yes, you should talk about this, no matter how embarrassing it may seem) and you ought to send photos for him, you are actually being "intimate" with your husband.
In fact "the two shall become one" you and he are the same person, your own "pressure relief" is actually him, assuming you are literally "one". The same goes for him.
You should make a pact, and agree to fantasize about each other only....and yes, you will be actually intimate with "him".
So no, it is not impure.
NO FORM OF INTIMACY within marriage is a sin, EXCEPT REFUSING to be intimate with your partner, according to Paul's writings in the New Testament.

The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again lest Satan tempt you because of your lack of self control. ( I Corinthians 7: 4-5)

So anyway, don't deprive one another for 15 months.

Answer 5

.In the objective order that is the thing in itself, in this case masturbation is wrong no matter the intent or circumstance. We may want to change the truth to suit our needs but it doesn't work that way. The finality of the act does not leave to the openness or the transmission of new life. Love is to desire the highest best good for the sake of the beloved which is heaven. Authentic love requires sacrifice

Answer 6

The answer given to you by Rockytop is a good one, although contradictory. The quotes from Scripture are good quotes, however not one of them means that masturbating while thinking of your husband is impure or sinful. Only Rockytop said that it is.

Pray about this. Be silent and you will hear the answer.

Answer 7

God created sex for two reasons; 1) Pro-create. 2) Pleasure within the confines of a marriage between and man and his wife. Any violation of God's creation is a perversion and therefore, a sin. You are not violating the purpose of His creation. My friend, you are a treasure! My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your husband as he stands at the gate for me. God bless!

Answer 8

Huge debate, but a lot theologians agree that if you're fantasizing only of your husband (and he of you) it's alright. However, they also caution it is a slippery slope.

I'll be praying for your hubby. A cousin just got back from Iraq and they're talking about sending him to Korea to train Iraqi soldiers.

Answer 9

I am sorry you feel the need to restrain yourself in this manner according to an old book. I am sorry you feel the need to consult with strangers about something so personal. For my part, what you do in relation to you husband, with him or with him thousands of miles away, is no-one's business but your own, and anyone who sought to condemn you for something when you and he are making a greater sacrifice than they probably are fulfils my definition of evil.

And I've news for you - Rockytop masturbates.

Answer 10

One important thing to think about is, do you feel convicted by it? Is God making you feel guilty by doing it? I would think in your case that you are not lusting after someone else but lusting after your husband and doing that, then I wouldn't see something wrong with that. Especially if it helps you stay strong and not be tempted to go after other men. It sounds like it could only help make your relationship stronger while you wait. I may be wrong but I would pray about it and listen to what God tells you.

Answer 11

I think most christian churches have experts who enjoy pondering over question like this. Why don't you ask them? After all you seem to have joined a club that makes life complicated. You have to follow their rules or leave.
I do not think I am a christian, but you never know for sure.