Is Masturbation a Sin? (Subtitled)
While mainly aimed at crossdressers and trans folk from Christian and Jewish backgrounds who may ponder whether the content of their fantasies takes them into sinful territory, this video should appeal to anyone of faith who at times may struggle with this question. I don't claim to offer the answer, but offer a range of points to reflect upon and take into prayer to see what speaks to you. I briefly also touch on the teachings of other faith traditions, and explore what I believe are the power and importance of Kundalini and Eros in the spiritual life. This is a longish video, so I've enabled chapter markers if you want to skip to sections that particularly interest you.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:33 What The Bible says
10:09 The Roman Catholic argument
13:22 The view of Immanuel Kant
15:26 Does masturbation invariably relate to lust?
17:07 What other faith traditions have to say
20:36 Questions raised by the Bible story of Onan
23:30 The need for a partner to experience Oneness
24:56 Separating the physical from the spiritual
26:27 Eros and Kundalini
27:48 The mystical union
29:00 A man's perspective on letting God down
30:03 A definition of sin
31:03 Sexual expression outside of marriage and Biblical teaching
34:14 The content of our fantasies
39:06 Staying in The Spirit and when you fail
42:22 Conclusion
Referred to in this video:
'Abominable' playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9o5tOyHDAKdQkxIQFvvTq2kR4vXgfjCI
My reflections on Deuteronomy 22:5: youtu.be/7O-sLZnWERE
Consummating a Union, where does this leave trans and gay folk? youtu.be/APQ3FkZRUeI
Roman Catholic Catechism on Masturbation, Para. 2352: catholicculture.org/culture/library/catechism/index.cfm?recnum=6174 :
Article on Roman Catholic and classical Jewish views: catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=2940
Books referenced: 'The Law of Light' by Lars Muhl, 'The Metaphysics of Morals' by Immanuel Kant (1797).
- - -
MY CREDENTIALS FOR OFFERING THIS REFLECTION: I do not profess to be an expert on this topic, nor to have any authority to make statements on the theology relevant for particular faiths – please see what resonates for you and fits with your own beliefs. I have taken time to pray, ponder, study and meditate before recording this video, however, would never claim to know "the answer," nor be able to offer more than what's spoken to me. If there's one thing I say that might be helpful or trigger a thought or point for reflection, the video has been worthwhile – as it was more than worthwhile for me to research it and make it! I say a little about my spiritual journey, my ministry as an interfaith minister, and what I believe on my website, clivejohnsonministry.com/tmg/tmabout.html. I also say a little about my own faith and spiritual life in my video youtu.be/87TGgx6hqSc .
- Is Masturbation a Sin (for trans folk and crossdressers of faith) Subtitled ( Download)
