Masturbation is a mortal sin.

[Dream]

Well, I know many people who call themselves catholics and their life is pretty easy. Live life, sin, go confess, all good for the next week to come.

What was the purpose of this post?

 

[D'Ann]

I've had lots of practice explaining... I had to organise an entire night for teens! That was so tough, explaining to teens as few as two years younger than I am that they are called "not to impurity, but to holiness" (1 Thess 4:3). Thanks to il Papa, I had a lot of help. (Everyone should pick up the Theology of the Body, or at least read Christopher West's commentary on it.)

Wow... I have a tough time talking to my 13 yr old and my 19 yr old about just the basics... Although, I have explained to them that we are called to Holiness... and that their pureness should be saved for their husband... and so forth... But... talking in detail about this particular subject... I'm 43 yrs old and you'd think that it would be breeze for me to be open and candid about this type of subject... truth is... I end up turning red and blushing and giggling like a dumb girl.... LOL I'm proud of you for having the courage and know how and the wisdom to read a great book by JPII....

Actually, I've heard it is awesome... but I have yet to read it myself... I'm getting the Theology of the Body... this weekend... Maybe, my girls can read it and then ask questions and I'll answer them as I'm turning red and giggling... LOL I shock easy... what can I say????

God's Peace,

D'Ann

 

[plainswolf]

Well, I know many people who call themselves catholics and their life is pretty easy. Live life, sin, go confess, all good for the next week to come.

Well, I know many who call themselves Protestants and their life is pretty easy. Live life, sin, and never go to confession.. so what's your point? In all fairness I have never understood arguements such as: "Catholics think they can sin, then go to confession and be forgiven, and then go out and sin again." That goes both ways. Catholics could just as easily say that they know: "Protestants who think they can sin, confess their sins to God and be forgiven, and then go out and sin again". I think you misunderstand the nature of the sacrament of Confession. Whether one is Protestant or Catholic we all sin, and if forgiven haven't we all sinned again in some manner? Have you ever had sins forgiven by God and then sinned again?

God Bless
Mark

 

[ProCommunioneFacior]

Thank you for bringing this up Rising Suns.

I was heavily addicted to pornography and self-pleasuring. When I had my conversion experience, I knew this stuff had to go, but it was the biggest struggle. I struggled for two years and fell many times. I regularly went to Confession, I frequented Daily Mass, I joined a male accountability group, and it was a struggle I wouldn't wish on anybody. These addictions are horrible and sometimes it can be easy to despair and think I will never get through this, but you can.

After one confession, my priest told me about something that he just heard, and he gave me 10 cassette tapes, called Naked Without Shame by Christopher West (his version of the Pope's teaching "Theology of the Body"). I listened to these tapes straight through, I stayed up all night, and that night was a night of grace and prayer that I cannot describe. The teachings on those tapes inspired me so much (then I read the actual writings of the Holy Father last semester, and I was blown away even more) and I have not fallen into this sin, since that night. That night was about 5 years ago and I cannot speak of the freedom of not being a slave to lustful desires. However, it still wasn't easy going after that.

About a month and a half after that night, I was attacked seriously, it was like a physical battle for my purity, I can't describe it. I called my two buddies at 2 AM in the morning and they came over to my house and we prayed for the rest of the night. Ever since then I have not been seriously tempted, I have control over this part of my flesh, if a thought comes into my head I easily, by the grace of God, dismiss and do not entertain it.

So, if anybody here is addicted to these sins of lust, you can pm me. I have some great practical advice on getting over this stuff, but you have to work at it, and you have to depend on the Lord.

About the only thing that I didn't do in my struggles, that I would do today if I was still struggling with these things is fast. Fasting, enables one to master his flesh, which is what is needed in overcoming these addictions.

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

Just do what St Francis did...throw yourself in a thorny bush and you will no longer be ahem...horny.

 

[D'Ann]

Thank you for bringing this up Rising Suns.

I was heavily addicted to pornography and self-pleasuring. When I had my conversion experience, I knew this stuff had to go, but it was the biggest struggle. I struggled for two years and fell many times. I regularly went to Confession, I frequented Daily Mass, I joined a male accountability group, and it was a struggle I wouldn't wish on anybody. These addictions are horrible and sometimes it can be easy to despair and think I will never get through this, but you can.

After one confession, my priest told me about something that he just heard, and he gave me 10 cassette tapes, called Naked Without Shame by Christopher West (his version of the Pope's teaching "Theology of the Body"). I listened to these tapes straight through, I stayed up all night, and that night was a night of grace and prayer that I cannot describe. The teachings on those tapes inspired me so much (then I read the actual writings of the Holy Father last semester, and I was blown away even more) and I have not fallen into this sin, since that night. That night was about 5 years ago and I cannot speak of the freedom of not being a slave to lustful desires. However, it still wasn't easy going after that.

About a month and a half after that night, I was attacked seriously, it was like a physical battle for my purity, I can't describe it. I called my two buddies at 2 AM in the morning and they came over to my house and we prayed for the rest of the night. Ever since then I have not been seriously tempted, I have control over this part of my flesh, if a thought comes into my head I easily, by the grace of God, dismiss and do not entertain it.

So, if anybody here is addicted to these sins of lust, you can pm me. I have some great practical advice on getting over this stuff, but you have to work at it, and you have to depend on the Lord.

About the only thing that I didn't do in my struggles, that I would do today if I was still struggling with these things is fast. Fasting, enables one to master his flesh, which is what is needed in overcoming these addictions.

Wow... thanks for your straightforwardness... I wonder if guys have more to overcome in this area than women... better yet... don't answer... I don't want to know... I'm grateful that you overcame this struggle in your life...

God's Peace,

D'Ann

 

[TheReasoner]

Hm. Yes, it is a tough one. Tough to beat indeed.
Thank God for Christ's sacrifice. Without it we would all fall to eternal damnation. We all sin. Not meaning to say we should continue to do so, but we always will sin. Every day. Realizing that something is a sin and fighting it is important though.
Well. So we must fight it, and not forget that there is forgiveness even though we fail. Still, a quote from "Galaxy Quest" fits in here; "Never give up. Never surrender!"

Sin is a ruthless enemy. If we give in to sin once. It will be very easy to do so again. And again. And again...

 

[D'Ann]

Hm. Yes, it is a tough one. Tough to beat indeed.
Thank God for Christ's sacrifice. Without it we would all fall to eternal damnation. We all sin. Not meaning to say we should continue to do so, but we always will sin. Every day. Realizing that something is a sin and fighting it is important though.
Well. So we must fight it, and not forget that there is forgiveness even though we fail. Still, a quote from "Galaxy Quest" fits in here; "Never give up. Never surrender!"

Sin is a ruthless enemy. If we give in to sin once. It will be very easy to do so again. And again. And again...

Yes... you are right... we all have our own struggles in various sinful ways... The Scriptures that help me to overcome and give me hope and encouragement are:

When I am weak, than am I strong through Christ Jesus...

All have sinned and come short of the glory of God... None were righteous, no not one...

For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whosoever believes, should not perish, but have everlasting life...

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, or height or depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8:38-39

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1

These Scriptures give me hope for a better tomorrow and strength to overcome all obstacles and sins and continue on with this walk of faith by grace. At least, we all know that there is always hope in Christ...

God's Peace,

D'Ann

 

[Rising_Suns]

I wonder if guys have more to overcome in this area than women... better yet... don't answer... I don't want to know... I'm grateful that you overcame this struggle in your life...

God's Peace,

D'Ann

Yes, they do. Many women I've talked to do not seem to understand this, but this is a great struggle for the vast majority of men.

So, to the women out there; just because you do not understand the nature of this temptation, or you have no weaknesses with this sin, please do not trivialize it for the men. There is a greater struggle going on here than you may realize.

I would also second P2BC's recommendation of Christopher West's talks; they are very enlightening and wise; he truly helps explain pope JPII's theology of the body and human sexuality in a simple and profound way.

blessings,

-Davide

 

[lonnienord]

Well, I know many who call themselves Protestants and their life is pretty easy. Live life, sin, and never go to confession.. so what's your point? In all fairness I have never understood arguements such as: "Catholics think they can sin, then go to confession and be forgiven, and then go out and sin again." That goes both ways. Catholics could just as easily say that they know: "Protestants who think they can sin, confess their sins to God and be forgiven, and then go out and sin again". I think you misunderstand the nature of the sacrament of Confession. Whether one is Protestant or Catholic we all sin, and if forgiven haven't we all sinned again in some manner? Have you ever had sins forgiven by God and then sinned again?

God Bless
Mark

i still think it is hard to be a Catholic the only thing harder is not being a Catholic.

I think a correct understanding of confession is essential. A large part of confession is the desire to never sin again. yes we all do but that is not the point the point is that you are not even elligable for absolution if you plan to do it again.

A true sorrow for sin is the desire never to do it again!!!!!!!

all for JESUS!!
lonnie

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

After one confession, my priest told me about something that he just heard, and he gave me 10 cassette tapes, called Naked Without Shame by Christopher West (his version of the Pope's teaching "Theology of the Body"). I listened to these tapes straight through, I stayed up all night, and that night was a night of grace and prayer that I cannot describe. The teachings on those tapes inspired me so much (then I read the actual writings of the Holy Father last semester, and I was blown away even more) and I have not fallen into this sin, since that night. That night was about 5 years ago and I cannot speak of the freedom of not being a slave to lustful desires. However, it still wasn't easy going after that.

I recently went through his 10 CD set and it was pretty useful. I'm re-listening to it because there is so much to take in that its hard to digest.

 

[SumTinWong]

"We must regard as guilty all those who continue to relapse into their sins. Since our sins made the Lord Christ suffer the torment of the cross, those who plunge themselves into disorders and crimes crucify the Son of God anew in their hearts (for he is in them) and hold him up to contempt. And it can be seen that our crime in this case is greater in us than in the Jews. As for them, according to the witness of the Apostle, "None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." We, however, profess to know him. And when we deny him by our deeds, we in some way seem to lay violent hands on him. 391

Great answer to a very hard question. I applaud whoever wrote that, and thanks RS for posting it.

 

[D'Ann]

Yes, they do. Many women I've talked to do not seem to understand this, but this is a great struggle for the vast majority of men.

So, to the women out there; just because you do not understand the nature of this temptation, or you have no weaknesses with this sin, please do not trivialize it for the men. There is a greater struggle going on here than you may realize.

I would also second P2BC's recommendation of Christopher West's talks; they are very enlightening and wise; he truly helps explain pope JPII's theology of the body and human sexuality in a simple and profound way.

blessings,

-Davide

Hi Davide

Actually, I asked my husband this morning about the Christopher West book and talks... I told him that we need to get the book as well as the tapes and the Theology of the Body... He beat me to it... he has already ordered them... LOL

I've learned over the years not to ever trivialize anyone's pain or struggles with any kind of sin... God knows what my sins are and how I struggle to overcome them... so who am I to judge or think wrongfully of anyone...We are here to pray with one another and give each other strength and Christian encouragement. We are to build up, not tare down... I hope that makes some sense...

God's Peace,

D'Ann

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

Great answer to a very hard question. I applaud whoever wrote that, and thanks RS for posting it.

Its in our Catechism, I believe.

I love your title, by the way. So true!

 

[Skripper]

Its in our Catechism, I believe.

Paragraph 598:

598 In her Magisterial teaching of the faith and in the witness of her saints, the Church has never forgotten that "sinners were the authors and the ministers of all the sufferings that the divine Redeemer endured." Taking into account the fact that our sins affect Christ himself, the Church does not hesitate to impute to Christians the gravest responsibility for the torments inflicted upon Jesus, a responsibility with which they have all too often burdened the Jews alone:


We must regard as guilty all those who continue to relapse into their sins. Since our sins made the Lord Christ suffer the torment of the cross, those who plunge themselves into disorders and crimes crucify the Son of God anew in their hearts (for he is in them) and hold him up to contempt. And it can be seen that our crime in this case is greater in us than in the Jews. As for them, according to the witness of the Apostle, "None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." We, however, profess to know him. And when we deny him by our deeds, we in some way seem to lay violent hands on him. Nor did demons crucify him; it is you who have crucified him and crucify him still, when you delight in your vices and sins.

 

[WarriorAngel]

This is a struggle for women too....depending on how they were taught by peers and influences.

Although men are more common to admit it.

 

[Jamme]

Well, I know many people who call themselves catholics and their life is pretty easy. Live life, sin, go confess, all good for the next week to come.

Actually, what you describe is not a Catholic way of living - but one which Martin Luther described in his writings.

i.e. it's a 'philosophy' adopted by those who have problems adhering and obeying the Church's teachings, and instead use a bizarre interpretation of scripture in order to justify sinning.

I'll see whether I can find a quote for you...

 

[Jamme]

Here you go:

"Be a sinner and sin boldly, but believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly for he is victorious over sin, death, and the world. As long as we are here in this world we have to sin. This life is not a dwelling place of righteousness"

"No sin will separate us from the lamb, even though we commit fornication and murder a thousand times a day."

"Whenever the devil harasses you, seek the company of men or drink more, or joke and talk nonsense, or do some other merry thing. Sometimes we must drink more, sport, recreate ourselves, and even sin a little to spite the devil, so that we leave him no place for troubling our consciences with trifles. We are conquered if we try too conscientiously not to sin at all. So when the devil says to you: do not drink, answer him: I will drink, and right freely, just because you tell me not to."

"The imputation of righteousness we need very much, because we are far from perfect. As long as we have this body, sin will dwell in our flesh. Then, too, we sometimes drive away the holy spirit; we fall into sin, like Peter, David, and other holy men. Nevertheless we may always take recourse to this fact, that our sins are covered, and that God will not lay them to our charge. Sin is not held against us for Christ's sake."

"your sin cannot cast you into hell"

"No sin can harm me"

 

[Gwendolyn]

Here you go:

Jamme, that's awful! Are you sure those are his actual sentiments? Which of his writings did that come from? Where in the world would he get such notions?

 

[Epiphanygirl]

Just do what St Francis did...throw yourself in a thorny bush and you will no longer be ahem...horny.

You'll be "thorny"