Quote (njaguar @ Mar 29 2012 03:46pm)
Maybe on issues like reproduction, but not porn. The scripture makes it quite clear that lust and other sexual moralities are a sin. You can find people that will try to justify anything, but I've never seen someone do so using scripture with relation to this specific topic.
Hummmm, a simple google search would produce this;
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_Protestant_view_of_porn^^ I kid, I kid, but not to delve too deeply into a centuries old schism of Christianity and the strife I wouldn't go near with a 10 ft pole, I think the best summary is something like this-
Human Sexuality is one of the original issues that spurred the split in the times of Martin Luther & Calvin, in the form of such thing as priest celibacy.
Now it might not have been until recently (ie the early 20th century) that protestants in general opened up on such issues as masturbation, contraception, and so on- but they did open up, and are now open.
Theres one Roman Catholic Church, but only god knows how many Protestant branches, so of course they're going to differ wildly between more liberal and conservative strains.
But there are definitely some Protestant branches who don't just limit themselves to reproductive differences, but views of masturbation and pornography.
And hey, to them, I am sure the scripture supports their position- its both of your opinions, to be respected. To quote some;
Quote
Pastor Paul of Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta, GA wrote:
From my point of view, masturbation only becomes a problem if you are doing it so often that you hurt yourself (bruising or making yourself irritated) and/or you no longer desire a healthy sexual sharing with the person you love. In other words, it replaces the sexual act with your partner in life. If you are finding yourself preoccupied with masturbation and or the material that generally goes along with it then I would say you have an issue to deal with. Otherwise, you sound like a healthy man to me who is concerned that what you do is OK with God. The fact you are concerned about sharing your sex life with the one for whom you love is something I wish there was more of these days.
However, saving yourself for your husband is about not being with any person other then your husband either before or after. While most would not admit it, masturbation is practiced even during the marriage. In fact, masturbation is one of the tools we have for saving ourselves for that special person with whom we will live and maintain our life with. So, my dear child of God, while many in the world may be shaky, fearful and guilt-ridden with an act that everyone does--there is no reason to be fearful, guilty or all that concerned, morally, ethically, or spiritually.
So to those who might be seeking to learn about their sexuality, growth, and how the churches condemn, endorse, or are ambivalent to it- remember that you can always consult with whatever you call your religious figure, and it can be based upon your denomination.
And that its definitely a sin if you're a Catholic.