James Dobson says, Masturbation is not an issue with God. Is he right?

Question

"It is my opinion that masturbation is not much of an issue with God. It is a normal part of adolescence which involves no one else. It does not cause disease. It does not produce babies, and Jesus did not mention it in the Bible. I'm not telling you to masturbate, and I hope you won't feel the need for it. But if you do, it is my opinion that you should not struggle with guilt over it. Why do I tell you this? Because I deal with so many Christian young people who are torn apart with guilt over masturbation; they want to stop and just can't. I would like to help you avoid that agony."

Answer 1

yes. I love James Dobson, everything I have ever read by him was so full of intelligence and so eloquent....great man.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
James Dobson says, Masturbation is not an issue with God. Is he right?
"It is my opinion that masturbation is not much of an issue with God. It is a normal part of adolescence which involves no one else. It does not cause disease. It does not produce babies, and Jesus did not mention it in the Bible. I'm not telling you to masturbate, and I hope you won't...

Answer 3

There is actually no reference to masturbation in the bible at all. The passage used to create the myth of it being a sin is the tale of Onan, who was punished for letting his seed spill on the ground. (Hence the word Onanist).
It is not the act itself that religion condemns, it is the wasted seed which is considered life-giving and leads directly to the whole right to life issue and the Christian view that sex is only for procreation.
Given this, it would actually be fine for women to masturbate whenever they feel like it as nothing really goes to waste. Men on the other hand would have to find some other use for their semen.
Using the same type of extrapolation that religious people are so fond of - this would mean that the guy in Australia a few years ago who was caught jacking off into the Macdonalds Special Sauce would not be commiting a sin as he was providing additional nutrition, but if he had been in the toilet and came into a tissue he would be condemned.
Now answer me honestly - which would you prefer he did?

Answer 4

James Dobson is not the keeper of my conscience. I am. I'll vote my own conscience, thank you very much. Dobson may have some very sound ideas from time to time - most people, regardless of religious or political affiliation, do, even though their adversaries may have difficulty admitting it. However, I rely on my own ability to read, ask questions, clarify, and understand issues to make my decisions about religion, politics, and more. To be blunt: No one tells me what to do - I make up my own mind!

Answer 5

Masturbation is a normal body behavior for many. Being single or if married and away at sea from your wife for months on end, the key is your imagination not being darkened by adulterous thoughts or the use of pornography. The entry above by Tex to me seems right on. Nobody needs to teach a young person how to masturbate. However, keeping your thoughts pure and in line with God's will for your life partner to come is imperative. Once your mate comes to you and you marry, save all your vitality for her or him alone and always stay loyal forsaking all others. Gazing upon pornography to enhance masturbation is a lie from Satan that actually diminishes and defiles the experience. The guilt and sin is in the mind defiled.

Answer 6

I read with fascination some of these answers. Some of you are so "holier than thou" that you forget we evovled. No doubt you will give me a thumbs down, as you will all say that God created us.
We didn't just appear on earth one day. Our species (homo sapiens) is the result of millions of years of evolution. We masturbate and viusalize because we are programmed that way. We are hard wired to do it.
I agree with Dobson.

Answer 7

This a direct quote? If so, he's probably right except for one 'issue.' Most of the time, especially as a child gets older, he (or she) fantasizes about sex with another person. Lust is forbidden. I suppose It may also lead to unhealthy sexual practices but I've no proof of that; just considering the possibilities. Not to disagree with Dobson (he is a excellent child rearing expert) I think it would be best to overcome with prayer.

Answer 8

Dr. Dobson shows uncommon common sense in his attitude toward masturbation, casting aside the traditional misinformation and superstitions usually thrown about by people of his faith. He's also aware of the potential for it to become a problematic obsession.

http://www.focusonyourchild.com/develop/art1/A0000553.html

Answer 9

Tex, are you saying that for someone to masturbate, they have to be thinking of their neighbor's wife? I masturbate thinking about my fiance all the time, she's mine.

no, there is nothing wrong with masturbation or dobson.

Answer 10

Heh, you said "issue".

First and only point I agree with Dobson on.

Rockabilly: Onan's sin was to not get his brother's wife pregnant, as the law specifies. He did not masturbate, he withdrew and landed the money shot on the ground (clearly, as it happened AFTER he "went to" her). But regardless of how it ended on the ground, the law he broke is the law that specifies that a man is required to keep his late brother's widow pregnant if she requests. There is no law against masturbation in the Bible.

I am amazed and afraid of the number of people who answered that masturbation is fornication and a sin. I sincerely hope that none of you are cruel enough to have children.

Answer 11

Your friend Dobson is so wrong. It falls under fornication and Lusting. If you masturbate you have to be thinking of someone. That is one of the 10 commandments. Do Not Covet. If you ever have any doubt as to what some people are saying always go back to the bible and find the answer yourself.