'''Masturbation''' refers to {{quote | text={{Bible verse|2 Corinthians|12|9|lang=WEB}} [[sexual2 Corinthians 12:9]]}}{{Infobox_Contents | topic_name = Grace | subtopics = [[Sin]] stimulation, especially of one's own [[sex organ|genitalsRepentance]] ('''self masturbation''') and often to the point of , [[orgasmMercy]]<ref name="webmd">, [[http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/masturbation-guide Your Guide to Masturbation<!-- Bot generated title -->Forgiveness]]</ref>, which is performed manually[[Justification]], by other types of bodily contact (except for [[sexual intercourseSalvation]]), by use of objects or tools, or by some combination of these methods.<ref>Based on "masturbation" in ''Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition'', Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2003</ref> Masturbation is the most common form of [[autoeroticismAtonement]]* [[Irresistible grace]]{{Fact|date=July 2008}}, and the two words are often used as [[synonymCommon grace]]s, although masturbation with a partner ([[mutual masturbationPrevenient grace]]) is also common. * {{songs}} - [[Non-human animal sexual behavior#Autoeroticism Amazing Grace (masturbationsong)|Animal masturbationAmazing Grace]] has been observed in many species, both in the wild and in captivity.<ref>[http://www.petplace.com/horses/breeding-soundness-examination-of-[When I Survey the-stallion/page2.aspx Breeding Soundness Examination of the Stallion]</ref><!--Do not delete this reference. It is a *named reference* and may be used elsewhere in the article:--><ref name="Bagemihl,1999">Bruce Bagemihl: Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity. St. Martin's Press, 1999. ISBN 0-312-19239-8</ref><ref>For further references, see also the main article [[Animal sexuality#Autoeroticism Wonderous Cross (masturbationsong)|When I Survey the Wonderous Cross]].</ref>| opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}{{ebd}} |}}
==Etymology=={{wiktionarypar|masturbation}}The word '''masturbation''' is believed Grace, in Christianity, refers to derive from either the [[Greek language|GreekGod]] word ''mezea'' (''μεζεα'', "penes") or the s [[Latinlove]] ''manus'' ("hand") and the Latin ''turbare'' ("to disturb").<ref>{{cite book |last = Dally |first = Peter |title = The Fantasy Factor |year = 1975 |pages = 135 |publisher = George Weidenfeld and Nicolson Limited |ISBN = 0-297-76945-6}}</ref> A competing [[etymologysalvation]] based being poured out on the [[Latin]] people even though they don''manu stuprare'' ("to defile with the hand") is said by the [[Oxford English Dictionary]] to be an "old conjecture"<ref>OED, s.v. ''masturbation''</ref>t deserve this love and favour.
While "masturbation" It is especially seen in God's action to save sinners who cannot rescue themselves, but the medical term for this practicebiblical idea is broader than forgiveness alone. By grace God calls, forgives, many other terms justifies, adopts, transforms, strengthens and expressions are in common use. In the vernacularsustains his people, terms such as "pleasuring oneself", "wanking" and "jerking off" are common. See ''[[wikt:Wikisaurus:masturbate|masturbate]]'' in [[Wiktionary|Wikisaurus]] for many gives them gifts with which to serve others.
== Masturbation techniques ==Ways Grace therefore lies near the centre of masturbating common to members the biblical account of both sexes include pressing or rubbing the [[genitalSalvation]] area, either with the fingers or against an object such as a . Humanity turns away from its Creator in [[pillowSin]]; inserting fingers or an object into the [[anus]] (see [[anal masturbation]]); , yet God continues to seek, forgive and stimulating the penis or vulva with electric restore. God's grace is revealed most fully in [[Vibrator (sensual)|vibratorJesus Christ]]s, which may also be inserted into who entered human history as God the vagina or anus. Members of both sexes may also enjoy touchingSon, rubbing, or pinching the [[nipple]]s or other [[erogenous zones]] while masturbating. Both sexes sometimes apply [[personal lubricant|lubricating]] substances died for sinners and rose again so that those who trust in him might be reconciled to intensify sensationGod.
Reading or viewing [[pornography]]The Bible never gives a single dictionary-style definition of grace. Instead, its meaning emerges from the character and actions of God throughout Scripture. Grace is present long before the New Testament begins, or [[sexual fantasy]]but in the New Testament the language of grace becomes particularly prominent, are often common adjuncts to masturbation. Often people will call upon memories during masturbation. Masturbation activities are often [[ritualization|ritualised]]. Various [[sexual fetishism|fetishes]] and [[paraphilia]]s can also play a part especially in the masturbation ritual. Some potentially harmful or fatal activities include [[autoerotic asphyxiation]] and writings of the [[self-bondageApostle Paul]].
Some people get [[sexual pleasure]] by [[urethral play|inserting objects into the urethra]] (the tube through which urine and, in men, semen, flows).<ref name="Alice05">{{cite web |last = |first = "Alice" |title = Go ask Alice!: Cock-stuffing |publisher = Columbia University, New York |date = 2005-02-18 |url = http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/3516.html |format = html |accessdate = 2006-07-29}}</ref> If these objects are [[Urethral sounding|urethral sounds]], the practice is known as "sounding".<ref nameThe Biblical Idea ="BME06">{{cite web |last = Various authors |first = |title = Urethral Sound |publisher = Body Modification Ezine |date = 2006-04-21 |url = http://wiki.bmezine.com/index.php/Urethral_Sound |format = html/wiki |accessdate = 2006-07-29}}</ref> Other objects such as ball point pens and thermometers are sometimes used, although this practice can lead to injury and/or infection.<ref name="JAAPA06">{{cite web |last = McPartlin |first = Daniel |coauthors = Adam P. Klausner, MD; Tristan T. Berry, MD |title = Case report: A foreign body Grace in the urethra |publisher = Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants |date = 2005-09-09 |url Old Testament = http://jaapa.com/issues/j20050901/articles/urethral0905.htm |format = html |accessdate = 2006-07-29}}</ref> Some people masturbate by using [[automated erotic stimulation device|machines]] that simulate intercourse.
Men and women may masturbate until they are close to orgasm, stop for a while to reduce excitementThe Old Testament consistently shows God as gracious, merciful and then resume masturbatingfaithful. They may repeat this cycle multiple timesGrace was present from the beginning of God's dealings with humanity. This "stop and go" build-up can achieve even stronger orgasms. RarelyGod's preservation of Noah, his calling of Abraham, his rescue of Israel from Egypt, his covenant with Israel, his patience with a rebellious people quit stimulation just before orgasm to retain the heightened energy that normally comes down after orgasm<ref>[http://www.csis.hku.hk/~bruce/masturb1.html Masturbation, Tantra and Self-love<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. Doing this could lead to temporary discomfort due his repeated willingness to [[pelvic congestion]]forgive all display divine grace.
Austrian psychoanalyst The principal Hebrew noun corresponding to the idea of favour or grace is [[Wilhelm ReichHebrew:2580|חֵן]] (ḥen). It commonly describes favourable regard freely shown by one person towards another and, importantly, by God towards human beings. It often occurs in the expression "to find favour in his 1922 essay ''the eyes of" someone. The related verb [[Concerning Specific Forms of MasturbationHebrew:2603|חָנַן]]'' tried to identify healthy and unhealthy forms of masturbation. He tried to relate the way people masturbated to their degree of inclination towards the opposite sex and (ḥanan) means to their psycho-sexual pathologiesshow favour, be gracious or have compassion.
=== Female ===Female masturbation techniques include a woman stroking or rubbing her [[vulva]], especially her [[clitoris]], The first major biblical example occurs with her Noah in [[index finger|indexGenesis 6:8]] and/or [[middle finger]]s. Sometimes one or more fingers may be inserted into the vagina to repeatedly stroke its frontal wall where the [[Gräfenberg spot|g-spot]] is located.<ref name=: Noah "Keesling99found favour">{{cite web |last = Keesling |first = Barbara |title = Beyond Orgasmatron |publisher = Psychology Today |date = November/December 99 (Last Reviewed: 30 August 2004) |url = http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=pto-19991101-000038&page=2 |format = html |accessdate = 2006-07-29}}</ref>Masturbation aids such as a [[Vibrator (sensualḥen)|vibrator]], [[dildo]] or [[Ben Wa balls]] can also be used to stimulate the vagina and clitoris. Many women caress their breasts or stimulate a [[nipple]] with in the free hand, if these are receptive areas for sexual stimulation. Anal stimulation is also enjoyed by some. [[Personal lubricant|Lubrication]] is sometimes used during masturbation, especially when [[Sexual penetration|penetration]] is involved, but this is not universal and many women find their [[Vaginal lubrication|natural lubrication]] sufficienteyes of Yahweh.
Common positions include lying on back or face down, sitting, squatting, kneeling or standing. In a bath or shower a female may direct tap water at her clitoris and vulva. Lying face down one may use The Greek Septuagint translated the hands, one may straddle a pillow, the corner or edge of the bed, a partner's leg or some scrunched-up clothing and "Hebrew expression with [[dry humpGreek:5485|hump]χάρις]" the [[vulva]] and [[clitoris]] against it. Standing up a chair(charis), the corner of an item of furniture or even a washing machine can be used to stimulate the clitoris through same Greek noun that later becomes the labia and clothingprincipal New Testament word for grace.
The language becomes particularly important in Moses' relationship with Yahweh. In the 1920s, [[Havelock EllisExodus 33]] reported that turn:12-17 Moses repeatedly speaks of having found favour in God's sight. Moses' experience of grace leads immediately into one of-the-century seamstresses using treadle-operated sewing machines could achieve orgasm by sitting near Old Testament's most important declarations about the edge character of their chairs.<ref>Ellis, Havelock (1927), Studies God in the Psychology of Sex (3rd edition), Volume I,; Auto-Erotism[[Exodus 34]]: A Study of the Spontaneous Manifestations of the Sexual Impulse; section I; "The Sewing6-machine 7 where Yahweh reveals himself as compassionate and the Bicycle:" quotes one Pouillet as saying "it is a well-recognized fact that gracious, slow to work a sewing-machine with the body anger, and abounding in a certain position produces sexual excitement leading to the orgasmsteadfast love and faithfulness. The occurrence of the orgasm Grace is indicated to the observer by the machine being worked for a few seconds with uncontrollable rapidity. This sound is said to be frequently heard therefore rooted in large French workrooms, and it who God is part of the duty of the superintendents of the rooms to make the girls sit properly." {{gutenberg|no=13610|name=Studies in the Psychology of Sex, vGod does gracious things because God is gracious. I, by Havelock Ellis}}</ref>
Women can sexually stimulate themselves by crossing their legs tightly and clenching Another important Hebrew word is [[Hebrew:2617|חֶסֶד]] (ḥesed). It is often translated "steadfast love", "loving kindness", "loyal love", "mercy" or "faithfulness". Older Christian writing sometimes treated ḥesed almost as if it were simply the muscles in their legsOld Testament word for "grace", creating pressure on but this is too narrow. Ḥesed particularly carries the genitalsidea of faithful, enduring and relational love, often in a covenant setting. This can potentially be done in public It overlaps strongly with grace without observers noticingbeing identical to ḥēn. Some masturbate using only pressure applied to In the clitoris without direct contactSeptuagint it is commonly translated with [[Greek:1656|ἔλεος]] (eleos), "mercy", for example by pressing the palm or ball of the hand against underwear or other clothingrather than charis.
Thoughts, fantasies, and memories of previous instances of arousal and orgasm can produce sexual excitation. Some women can orgasm spontaneously by force of will alone, although this may not strictly qualify as masturbation as no physical stimulus is involved.<ref name="Koedt70">{{cite web |last = Koedt |first = Anne |title = The Myth Together these words reveal complementary aspects of the Vaginal Orgasm |publisher = Chicago WomenGod's Liberation Union |date = 1970 |url = http://wwwcharacter.cwluherstory.org/classic-feminist-writings/myth-of-the-vaginal-orgasm.html |format = html |accessdate = 2006-07-29}}</ref><ref name=kins>The Kinsey Institute [http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/research/ak-data.html#masturbation Data from Alfred KinseyḤen emphasises favour graciously given; ḥesed emphasises God's studies]. Published onlinesteadfast and faithful love.</ref>
Sex therapists will sometimes recommend that female patients take time to masturbate to orgasm, especially if they have not done so beforeThis is important when reading [[John 1]]:14-17.<ref name=John's description of Jesus as "Shuman06full of grace and truth">{{cite web |last = Shuman |first = Tracy |title = Your Guide probably echoes Yahweh's revelation to Masturbation |publisher = WebMDMoses in [[Exodus 34:6]], Inc./The Cleveland Clinic Department of Obstetrics where God is abundant in steadfast love and Gynecology |date = 2006-02 |url = http://wwwfaithfulness.webmd.com/content/article/45/2953_487.htm |format = html |accessdate = 2006-07-29}}</ref><ref name="Knowles02">{{cite web |last = Knowles |first = Jon |title = Masturbation — From Stigma to Sexual Health |publisher = Katharine Dexter McCormick Library/Planned Parenthood Federation John therefore presents Jesus not as introducing a previously unknown gracious God, but as the supreme revelation of America, Incthe gracious character God had already revealed. |date = 2002-11 |url = http://www.plannedparenthood.org/news-articles-press/politics-policy-issues/medical-sexual-health/masturbation-6360.htm |format = html |accessdate = 2006-07-29}}</ref>
=== Male ===Other important Old Testament passages include [[ImagePsalm 84:Masturbating man2.JPG|thumb|right|A man masturbating11]]Male masturbation techniques are also influenced by a number of factors , where God gives grace or favour and personal preferences. Techniques may also differ between glory; [[circumcision|circumcisedProverbs 3:34]] , where God gives grace to the humble; and [[foreskin|uncircumcisedZechariah 12:10]] males, as some techniques which may work for one can be quite painful for the otherspeaks of a "spirit of grace" or supplication.
The most common male masturbation technique is simply to hold the [[penis]] with a loose fist and then to move the hand up and down the shaft until [[orgasm]] and [[ejaculation]] take place. The speed of the hand motion will vary from person to person, although it is not uncommon for the speed to increase as ejaculation nears and for it to decrease during the ejaculation itself. When uncircumcised, stimulation of the penis === Grace in this way comes from the "pumping" of the [[foreskin]]. This [[Gliding action#Function of gliding action|gliding motion]] of the foreskin reduces friction. When circumcised, there is more direct contact between the hand and the glans, thus a [[personal lubricant]] is sometimes used to reduce friction. Sometimes, if too much pressure is applied, it may be rubbed sore for a time.New Testament ===
Circumcised or The principal New Testament word translated grace is the Greek noun χάρις (charis). It occurs about 155 times in the New Testament. Its range of meaning includes favour, kindness, graciousness, benefit, gratitude and, particularly in Christian usage, God's freely bestowed favour. It does notsimply mean "gift", men may rub or massage although the ideas are closely connected. The related noun [[Glans penisGreek:5486|glansχάρισμα]](charisma) means a gracious or freely given gift, the rim of the glans, and the while [[frenular deltaGreek:5483|χαρίζομαι]](charizomai) can mean to grant something freely or to forgive a debt or offence.
Another technique is to place just This word-family helps explain the index finger and thumb around the penis about halfway along the penis and move the skin up and downNew Testament understanding of grace. A variation on this Grace is to place the fingers and thumb on the penis as if playing a flute, and then shuttle them back and forthnot simply an emotion within God. Another common technique is to lie face down on a comfortable surface such as a mattress or pillow It produces gifts and rub the penis against it until orgasm is achievedactions. This technique may include the use of a [[simulacrum]]What God graciously wills, or artificial vaginahe graciously gives.
There are many other variations on male masturbation techniques. Some men place both hands directly on their penis during masturbation, while others use their free hand to [[fondle]] their [[testicles]], [[nipples]], or other parts of their body. Some may keep their hand stationary while pumping into it with pelvic thrusts ==== Grace in order to simulate the motions of [[sexual intercourse]]. Others may also use vibrators and other sexual devices more commonly associated with female masturbation. A few extremely flexible males can reach and stimulate their penis with their tongue or lips, and so perform [[autofellatio]].Jesus Christ ====
The [[prostate]] gland Although charis is one of the organs that contributes fluid to [[semen]]. As not especially frequent in the prostate is touch-sensitiveSynoptic Gospels, some directly stimulate it using a well-lubricated finger or [[dildo]] inserted through the [[anus]] into reality of grace permeates the [[rectum]]. Stimulating the prostate from outside, via pressure on the [[perineum]], can be pleasurable as well. Some men, also, enjoy [[anal sex|anal]] stimulation, with fingers or otherwise, without any prostate stimulationministry of Jesus.
Semen is sometimes ejaculated onto a [[facial tissue|tissue]] or some other itemJesus welcomed sinners, touched people regarded as unclean, healed those who could not repay him and ate with people despised by respectable society. His parables repeatedly portrayed the generosity of God towards people who had no claim upon him.
A somewhat controversial ejaculation control technique is to put pressure on The Parable of the Prodigal Son in [[perineumLuke 15]], about halfway between :11-32 is among the [[scrotum]] and clearest pictures of this. The returning son could offer no restoration of everything he had squandered. He intended to ask merely for the [[anus]]position of a servant, just before ejaculating. This can, however, redirect semen into yet the bladder (referred to father received him as [[retrograde ejaculation]])a son. If repeated on a regular basisThe initiative, this technique could cause long term damage due to the pressure put on the nerves welcome and blood vessels in restoration flowed from the perineumfather's love.
== Mutual masturbation ==The parable of the workers in the vineyard in [[ImageMatthew 20]]:Geiger-masturbation1-mutuelle.jpg|thumb|right|[[Johann Nepomuk]], [[watercolor]], 1840.]]{{Main|Mutual masturbation}}''Mutual masturbation'' is 16 similarly portrays a [[sexual act]] where two or more people stimulate themselves or one another sexually, usually with the handsmaster whose generosity exceeds calculations of what individual workers deserve.
Yet the fullest expression of grace is not one particular saying of Jesus. It is part of a full repertoire of sexual intercourse, where it may be used as an interlude, Jesus himself. [[foreplayJohn 1]] or :14-17 describes the incarnate Word as an alternative to penetrationfull of grace and truth and declares that from his fullness believers receive "grace upon grace". For some people, [[non-penetrative sex]] or frottage is The passage reaches its climax by contrasting Moses' role in giving the law with the primary sexual activity arrival of choice above all othersgrace and truth through Jesus Christ. Participants who do This should not want full sexual intercourse thus still enjoy a mutual sexual actbe read as if Moses represented an age devoid of grace. Rather, God's grace reaches its decisive revelation and fulfilment in Christ.
Mutual masturbation is practiced by people of all [[sexual orientation]]s. If used as an alternative to penile-vaginal penetration, ==== Grace and the aim may be to preserve [[virgin]]ity or to prevent pregnancy. Some people choose it as it achieves sexual satisfaction without actual sex, possibly seeing it as an alternative to [[casual sex]].Cross ====
== Masturbation frequency, age and sex ==Frequency of masturbation is determined by many factors, e.g., one's resistance to [[sexual tension]], [[hormone]] levels influencing [[sexual arousal]], sexual habits, peer influences, health and one's attitude to masturbation formed by culture.<ref> E. Heiby and J. Becker examined the latter. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=7396686&query_hl=21&itool=pubmed_docsum]</ref> Medical causes have also been associated The New Testament particularly connects grace with masturbation.<ref>"Bladder calculus presenting as excessive masturbation." ''Ceylon Med. J.'' 2006 Sept., 51(3):121-2.</ref><ref>"Excessive masturbation after epilepsy surgery." ''Epilepsy Behav.'' 2004 Feb., 5(1):133-6.</ref><ref>"Severe impulsiveness as the primary manifestation death and resurrection of multiple sclerosis in a young female." ''Psychiatry Clin. Neurosci.'' 2005 Dec., 59(6):739-42Jesus.</ref>
Different studies have found that masturbation is frequent in humans. [[Alfred Kinsey|Alfred Kinsey'sRomans 3]] studies have shown that 92% :23-26 brings together the problem of sin, the free nature of men justification and 62% the redemptive work of women have masturbated during their lifespanChrist.<ref name=kins/> Similar results All have been found in a British national probability survey. It was found that 95% of men sinned and 71% fall short of women masturbated at some point in their lives. 73% of men and 37% of women reported masturbating in God's glory, yet believers are justified freely by God's grace through the four weeks before their interview, while 53% of men and 18% of women reported masturbating redemption accomplished in the previous seven days.<ref name=gerr>Gerressu, M., Mercer, C.H., Graham, C.A., Wellings, K. and Johnson, A.M. Christ (2007). [http[Romans 5://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=17333329 Prevalence of Masturbation and Associated Factors in a British National Probability Survey8]]). ''Archives of Sexual Behavior'', Published online.</ref>
"Forty-eight female college students were asked to complete a sexual attitudes questionnaire in which a frequency The striking feature of masturbation scale was embeddedthis grace is its direction. Twenty-four Christ did not die for humanity once humanity had made itself worthy of the women (the experimental group) then individually viewed an explicit modeling film involving female masturbationhim. One month later, all subjects again completed the same questionnaire. Subjects in the experimental group also completed a questionnaire evaluating aspects of the film. Results indicated that the experimental group reported a significant increase in the average monthly frequency of masturbation, as compared to the control group. This same group, however, reported that the film had no effect on sexual attitudes or behaviorGod acted while people were still sinners."
A 2004 survey by Paul develops this contrast throughout [[TorontoRomans 5]] magazine [[NOW (magazine)|''NOW'']] was answered by an unspecified number of thousands.<ref>[http://www.nowtoronto.com/minisites/loveandsex/2004/s_survey_results.php NOWAdam's Love trespass brought condemnation and Sex Guide 2004]</ref> The results show that an overwhelming majority of death; God's gracious gift in Jesus Christ abounds beyond the males – 81% – began masturbating between the ages of 10 and 15trespass. Among females, the same figure was a more modest majority of 55%. (Note that surveys on sexual practices are prone to Grace is God''self-[[selection bias]]''.) It is not uncommon however s answer to begin much earlierhuman sin, and this but it does not pretend that sin is more frequent among females: 18% had begun by the time they turned 10, and 6% already by the time they turned 6insignificant. Being The cross reveals both the main outlet seriousness of [[child sexuality]], masturbation has been observed in very young children. In the book ''Human Sexuality: Diversity in Contemporary America'', by Strong, Devault sin and Sayad, the authors point out, "A baby boy may laugh in his crib while playing with his erect penis (although he does not ejaculate). Baby girls sometimes move their bodies rhythmically, almost violently, appearing to experience [[orgasm]]abundance of grace."
The ''NOW'' magazine survey has it that the frequency of masturbation declines after the age of 17. Many males masturbate daily, or even more frequently, well into their 20s and sometimes far beyond. This decline is more drastic among females, and more gradual among males. While females aged 13–17 masturbated almost once a day on average (and almost as often as their male peers), adult women only masturbated 8–9 times a month, compared to the 18–22 among men. Adolescent youths report being able to masturbate to ejaculation around six times per day, though some men in older middle age report being hard pressed to ejaculate even once per day. On the other hand healthy 21-28 year old males are able to masturbate at least 8-10 times per day if they are not stressed. The survey does not give a full demographic breakdown of respondents, however, and the sexual history of respondents to this poll, who are readers of an urban Toronto lifestyle magazine, may not extend to the general population.==== Saved by grace ====
It appears that females are less likely to masturbate while in a [[heterosexual]] relationship than men. Popular belief asserts that individuals of either sex who are not in sexually active relationships tend to masturbate more frequently than those who are; however, much One of the time this is not true as masturbation alone or with a partner is often a feature clearest summaries of a relationship. Contrary to conventional wisdom, several studies actually reveal a positive correlation between the frequency of masturbation and the frequency of intercourse. One study reported a significantly higher rate of masturbation salvation by grace occurs in gay men and women who were in a relationship.<ref>Heilborn, M.L. and Cabral, C.S. (2006). [http://www.scielosp.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-311X2006000700011&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en Sexual practices in youth: analysis of lifetime sexual trajectory and last sexual intercourse[Ephesians 2]]. ''Cad Saude Publica, 22, 7,'' pp. 1471-81. Epub 2006 Jun 14.</ref><ref name=gerr/><ref>Menon, A., McAllister, R.H., Watson, W. and Watson, S. (2006). [http://jop.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/20/1/125 Increased libido associated with quetiapine]. ''Journal of Psychopharmacology, 20, 1,'' pp. 125-710.</ref><ref>Sexual behavior Human beings are first described as spiritually dead in lesbian trespasses and heterosexual women: relations sins. God then makes them alive together with menstrual cycle phase and partner availability. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2002 May;27(4):489-503Christ.</ref>
Among some culturesSalvation is by grace, such as the [[Hopi]] in [[Arizona]], the [[Wogeno]] in [[Oceania]]through faith, and the [[Dahomeans]] and [[Namu]] of Africa, masturbation is encouraged, including regular masturbation between males. In certain [[Melanesian]] communities this is expected between older and younger boys. One interesting twist is not the [[Sambia]] tribe of [[New Guinea]]. This tribe has rituals and rites of passage surrounding manhood which involve frequent ejaculation through [[fellatio]]. Semen is valued and masturbation is seen as a waste achievement of semen and is therefore frowned upon even though frequent ejaculation is encouragedhuman works. The capacity and need to ejaculate Consequently there is nurtured no ground for years from an early age through fellatio so boasting. Yet Paul immediately adds that it can be consumed rather than wasted. Semen is ingested those who are saved are created in Christ Jesus for strength and is considered in the same line as mothers' milk.<ref>[http://faculty.mdc.edu/jmcnair/Joepages/The%20Sambiagood works.htm The Sambia]</ref>
Other cultures have rites of passage into manhood that culminate Grace and good works therefore stand in the first ejaculation of a male, usually by the hands of a tribal elderparticular relationship. In some tribes such as the Agta, Philippines, stimulation of the genitals is encouraged from an early age.<ref>Cited by Hewlett, B. S. (1996) Diverse contexts of human infancy, in Ember, C. & Ember, M. (Eds.) Cross-Cultural Research for Social Science. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall</ref> Upon puberty, the young male is then paired off with a "wise elder" or "witch doctor" who uses masturbation to build his ability to ejaculate in preparation for a ceremony. The ceremony culminates in a public ejaculation before Works do not purchase grace; grace produces a celebration. The ejaculate is saved changed life in a wad of animal skin and worn later to help conceive children. In this and other tribes, the measure of manhood is actually associated more with the amount of ejaculate and his need than penis size. Frequent ejaculation through masturbation from an early age fosters frequent ejaculation well into adulthood.<ref>The clinical outcome of childhood masturbation. Turk J Pediatr. 2000 Oct-Dec;42(4):304-7which good works follow.</ref>
Masturbation is becoming accepted as a healthy practice and safe method for sharing pleasure without some of Paul makes the dangers that can accompany intercourse. It is socially accepted and even celebrated same point autobiographically in certain circles. Group masturbation events can be easily found online. [[Masturbate-a-thon|Masturbation marathons1 Corinthians 15:10]] are yearly events . Paul attributes both what he had become and are occurring across the globe. These events provide a supportive environment where masturbation can be work he subsequently performed openly among young and old without embarrassment. Participants talk openly with onlookers while masturbating to share techniques and describe their pleasurethe grace of God.<ref>[http://wwwGrace did not make him passive.masturbate-a-thon.com Masturbate-a-thon by The Center For Sex & Culture]</ref><ref>[http://www.viewlondon.coIt produced labour, obedience and ministry.uk/masturbation-marathon-london_index.html viewlondon.co.uk article on Masturbation Marathon London]</ref>
== Evolutionary utility ==Masturbation may increase fertility during intercourse. Grace as power and help ====
Female masturbation alters conditions Grace in the vagina, cervix and uterus, in ways that can alter the chances of conception from intercourse, depending on the timing of the masturbation. A womanNew Testament is more than God's orgasm between one minute before and up decision not to 45 minutes after insemination favors the chances of that sperm reaching her eggpunish. If, When Paul pleaded for example, she has had intercourse with more than one male, such an orgasm can increase the likelihood removal of a pregnancy by one of them.<ref>{{cite book |last = Baker |first = Robin |title = Sperm Wars: The Science of Sex |publisher = Diane Books Publishing Company |date=June 1996 |isbn = 978-0788160042}}</ref><ref name=Ejaculate_manipulation_by_females>{{cite journal |last = Baker |first = Robin R. |coauthors = Bellis, Mark A. |year = 1993 |month = Nov |title = Human sperm competition: Ejaculate manipulation by females and a function for his "thorn in the female orgasm. |journal = Animal Behaviour |volume = 46 |issue = 5 |pages = p887flesh", 23p |url = httpChrist answered that his grace was sufficient because divine power was made perfect in weakness ([[2 Corinthians 12]]://cat.inist8-10).fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=3768816}}</ref> Female masturbation can also provide protection against cervical infections by increasing the acidity of the cervical mucus and by moving debris out of the cervixHere grace is sustaining power.<ref name=Ejaculate_manipulation_by_females/>
In malesLikewise, masturbation flushes out old sperm with low motility from the malewriter of Hebrews tells believers to approach God's genital tract. The next ejaculate then contains more fresh sperm, which have higher chances throne of achieving conception during intercourse. If more than one male has intercourse with a female, the sperm with the highest motility will grace confidently so that they may receive mercy and find grace for help when needed ([[Sperm competition|competeHebrews 4:16]] more effectively.<ref>{{cite paper |author = Thomsen, Ruth |title = Sperm Competition and the Function of Masturbation in Japanese Macaques |publisher = Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München |date=October 2000 |url = http://edoc.ub.uni-muenchen.de/archive/00000105/}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last = Baker |first = Robin R. |coauthors = Bellis, Mark A. |year = 1993 |month = Nov |title = Human sperm competition: Ejaculate adjustment by males and the function of masturbation. |journal = Animal Behaviour |volume = 46 |issue = 5 |pages = p861, 25p |url = http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=3768815}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last = Shackelford |first = Todd K. |coauthors = Goetz, Aaron T. |year = 2007 |month = Feb |title = Adaptation to Sperm Competition in Humans. |journal = Current Directions in Psychological Science |volume = 16 |issue = 1 |pages = p47-50 |url = http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2007.00473).x}}</ref>
==Health and psychological effects===== Benefits ===The physical benefits of masturbation and having an orgasm or ejaculating creates heightened arousal while [[epinephrine]] courses through the body, producing the flushed face, shallow breath and post-climactic [[Euphoria (emotion)|euphoria]].<ref>{{Citation |title = Masturbation key to healthy, functional sexual relationships |date = [[April 19]] |year = 2007 |url = http://badgerherald.com/oped/2007/04/19/masturbation_key_to_.php |accessdate = July 2007}}</ref> It Grace is held in many mental health circles that masturbation can relieve [[clinical depression|depression]]{{Fact|date=September 2008}}, stress and lead to a higher sense of [[Self-esteem|self-worth]] (Hurlbert & Whittaker, 1991). Masturbation can also be particularly useful in relationships where one partner wants more sex than the other – in something upon which case masturbation provides a balancing effect and thus a more harmonious relationship.<ref>{{Citation |title = Masturbation key to healthy, functional sexual relationships |date = [[April 19]] |year = 2007 |url = http://badgerherald.com/oped/2007/04/19/masturbation_key_to_.php |accessdate = July 2007}} However, the alleged benefits of masturbation must be qualified with the acknowledgment that the practice is just as likely Christians continue to exacerbate feelings of lonelinessdepend after conversion. </ref>
[[Mutual masturbation]], the act by which two or more partners stimulate themselves in the presence of each other, allows a couple to reveal the "map to [their] pleasure centers". Witnessing a partner masturbate is an educational activity to find out the method a partner pleases him- or herself, allowing each partner to learn exactly how the other enjoys being touched.<ref>{{Citation |title = Masturbation key to healthy, functional sexual relationships |date = [[April 19]] |year = 2007 |url = http://badgerherald.com/oped/2007/04/19/masturbation_key_to_.php |accessdate Grace transforms ==== September 2007}}</ref>
In 2003, an Australian research team led by Graham Giles of [[The Cancer Council Australia]]<ref>[http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1046/j.1464-410X.2003.04319.x/abs/ Sexual factors and prostate cancer]</ref> concluded that frequent masturbation by males appears to help prevent the development of [[prostate cancer]]Grace is sometimes caricatured as God overlooking wrongdoing. The study also indicated that this would be more helpful than ejaculation through sexual intercourse because intercourse can transmit diseases that may increase the [[Cervical cancer#Causes|risk of cancer]] New Testament instead. Also, frequent ejaculation is more easily obtained and sustained over time with the aid describes grace as an enemy of masturbationsin.
A study published in 1997 found an inverse association between death from coronary heart disease and frequency of orgasm even given the risk [[Titus 2]]:11-14 explains that myocardial ischaemia and myocardial infarction can be triggered by sexual activity. Excerpt, "The association between frequency or orgasm and all cause mortality was also examined using the midpoint grace of each response category recoded as number of orgasms per year. The age adjusted odds ratio for an increase of 100 orgasms per year was 0.64 (0.44 to 0.95)." That is, a difference between any two subjects God has appeared when one subject ejaculated at around two or more more times per week than the other. Assuming a broad range average of between 3 bringing salvation and training believers to 5 ejaculations per week for healthy males, this would mean 5 reject ungodliness and worldly desires and to 7 ejaculations per week. This is consistent with a 2003 Australia article on the benefits against prostate cancer.<ref>{{Citation | title = Sex and death: are they related? Findings from the Caerphilly cohort study | date = December 20 | year = 1997 | url = http://bmj.bmjjournalslive godly lives.com/cgi/content/full/315/7123/1641 | accessdate = July 2007 }}</ref>
Masturbation is also seen as a sexual technique Paul similarly asks whether Christians should continue sinning so that protects individuals from the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Support for such a view, and for making it part of the American sex education curriculum, led to the dismissal of US Surgeon General grace might increase in [[Joycelyn EldersRomans 6]] during the Clinton administration:1-2. His answer is emphatically negative.
Sexual climaxGrace forgives sinners, from masturbation or otherwise, leaves one in but its purpose is not to leave them unchanged. The grace that justifies also begins a relaxed and contented state. This is frequently followed closely by drowsiness and sleep – particularly when one masturbates in bedlife of [[Sanctification]].
Some professionals consider masturbation to function as a cardiovascular workout.<ref>{{cite journal | coauthors = Benjamin Graber, Scott Balogh, Denis Fitzpatrick and Shelton Hendricks | title = Cardiovascular changes associated with sexual arousal and orgasm in men | journal = Sexual Abuse: A Journal = Gifts of Research and Treatment | volume = 4 | issue = 2 | pages = 151-165 | publisher = Springer Netherlands | date = June, 1991 | url grace = http://www.springerlink.com/content/m28k5475630n5872/ | doi = 10.1007/BF00851611 | id = 1079-0632 (Print) 1573-286X (Online) | accessdate = 2004-12-28 }}</ref> Though research is still as yet scant, those suffering from cardiovascular disorders (particularly those recovering from myocardial infarction, or heart attacks) should resume physical activity (including sexual intercourse and masturbation) gradually and with the frequency and rigor which their physical status will allow. This limitation can serve as encouragement to follow through with physical therapy sessions to help improve endurance.
=== Blood pressure ===Both sex The relationship between charis and masturbation lower blood pressure. A small study has shown that charisma is particularly evident in one test group, recent full intercourse resulted Paul's teaching about spiritual gifts in the lowest average blood pressure in stressful situations. Masturbation then led to lower blood pressure than did no recent sexual activity.<ref>Brody, Stuart. "Blood pressure reactivity to stress is better for people who recently had penile[[Romans 12]]:3-vaginal intercourse than for people who had other or no sexual activity." ''Biological Psychology'', Volume 71, Issue 2, February 2006, pages 2148 [[1 Corinthians 12]]:4-22211.</ref>
=== Insertion ===Objects inserted into Different Christians receive different gifts "according to the vagina, anus/rectum or urethra should be clean and grace given" to them. Ministry itself is therefore an expression of a kind that will not scratch grace. A Christian cannot finally boast about his or break. Care should be taken not to fully insert anything into the anus – any object her abilities, because whatever is genuinely used should have a flared or flanged base; otherwise retrieval can require medical intervention. Modern [[dildo]]for God's and [[Butt plug|anal plugs]] are designed with this featurekingdom has first been received.
=== Pregnancy = Past, present and future grace ====Masturbation involving both a man and a woman (see ''[[Non-penetrative sex#Mutual masturbation|mutual masturbation]]'') can result in pregnancy only if [[semen]] contacts the [[vulva]]. Masturbation with a partner can also theoretically result in transmission of sexually transmitted diseases by contact with bodily fluids.
=== Problems for males ===A man whose penis has suffered a blunt trauma or injury during intercourse may rarely sustain a [[penile fracture]]<ref>[http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3415.htm eMedicine article on Penile Fracture and Trauma]</ref> or suffer from [[Peyronie's disease]].<ref>[http://www.aafp.org/afp/990800ap/549.html American Academy The New Testament can speak of Family Physicians article on Peyronie's Disease: Current Management]</ref> [[Phimosis]] is "a contracted foreskin (that) may cause trouble by hurting when an attempt is made to pull the foreskin back".<ref>[http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/phimosis.htm netdoctor.co.uk article on Foreskin contraction (phimosis)]</ref> In these casesgrace in past, any energetic manipulation of the penis can be problematicpresent and future terms.
=== Compulsive masturbation ===Believers have been saved by grace ([[Sigmund Freud]] argued that every normal child usually experiments with many types of [[autoerotic]] sexual stimulation. Social repressions of sexuality reached their peak in the [[Victorian era]] when popular authors wrote books threatening young children with [[mental deficiency]] or [[insanity]Ephesians 2:8] if they indulged in any form of masturbation. Actually there is no scientific evidence of any causative relationship between autoeroticism and any form of mental disorder. Though mentally disturbed persons characteristically show poor judgment in expressing sexuality, this may be understood as a symptom rather than a cause.Each child however, must learn the appropriate social and legal limitations relating to expressing sexuality.Masturbating frequently presents no physical, mental or emotional risk in itself,<ref>[http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/ohe/library/Sexhealth/articles/masturbating.htm University of Pennsylvania Office of Health Education article on masturbation]</ref> but masturbation can be used to relieve boredom or stress). In either case, as with any "nervous habit", it is more helpful to consider the causes of the boredom or of the stress, rather than try to repress the masturbation.<ref>[http://www.chmed.com/mod.php?mod=userpage&menu=1907&page_id=142&PHPSESSID=a76dc0f6fb1882506f5666b63fb98062 Childrens Medical Office of North Andover, P.C. article on Masturbation in Early Childhood]</ref>
There is some discussion between professionals and other interested parties as to the existence or validity of Believers presently stand in grace ([[sexual addictionRomans 5:2]]s. Nevertheless, there are lists of warning signs such as when sexual activity affects a person's ability to function in everyday life, or is placing them at risk), receive grace for example, of pursuing illegal or destructive activities. Very frequent weakness ([[2 Corinthians 12:9]]) and compulsive masturbation may be seen as a sign approach the throne of sexual addiction.<ref>grace ([[httpHebrews 4://www.bbc16]]).co.uk/relationships/sex_and_sexual_health/probs_sexaddiction.shtml BBC Relationships: Addicted to sex]</ref>
== Masturbation in history and society ===== Antiquity ===Peter also tells Christians to set their hope completely upon the grace that will be brought to them at the revelation of Jesus Christ ([[1 Peter 1:13]]).
There are depictions of male masturbation in prehistoric [[rock painting]]s around Grace therefore encompasses the world. Most early people seem to have connected human sexuality with abundance in nature. A clay figurine of the 4th millennium BC whole Christian journey, from a temple site on the island of [[Malta]], depicts a woman masturbating.<ref>"The [[Ħaġar Qim]] woman is... masturbating, with one hand languidly supporting her head. " Taylor, Timothy. God''Uncovering the prehistory of sex'', British Archaeology, no 15, June 1996: [http://www.britarch.ac.uk/ba/ba15/ba15feat.html].</ref> However, s initiative in calling a sinner to the ancient world depictions of male masturbation are far more commonfinal salvation that will be revealed when Christ returns.
From the earliest records, ancient [[Sumer]] had a relaxed attitude toward sex, and masturbation was a popular technique for enhancing potency, either alone or with a partner.<ref>Dening, Sarah. ''== Grace through Church History ===== The Mythology of Sex''. Macmillian 1996, ISBN 978 0028612072</ref><ref>Dening, Sarah, ''The Mythology of Sex'' [http://www.ishtartemple.org/myth.htm Chapter 3]</ref> Early Church ===
Male masturbation became an even more important image in [[ancient Egypt]]: when performed by a god it could be considered a creative or magical act: the god [[Atum]] was believed to have created the universe by masturbating to ejaculation, and the ebb and flow of the [[Nile]] was attributed to the frequency of his ejaculations. Egyptian [[pharoahs]], in response to this, were at one time required Grace remained central to masturbate ceremonially into the Nile.<ref> Johnathan Margolis, "O: The intimate history of Christian teaching immediately after the orgasm", 2003apostolic period. p134</ref>
The ancient Around the end of the first century, [[Greeks1 Clement]] had a more relaxed attitude toward masturbation than told the Egyptians didCorinthian Christians that believers were called by God's will in Christ and were not justified by themselves, their wisdom, piety or works, but through faith. Significantly, regarding the act as a normal and healthy substitute for other forms of sexual pleasure. They considered it a safety valve against destructive sexual frustrationfollowing chapter immediately urged Christians towards diligent good works. The Greeks also dealt with female masturbation in both their art pattern resembles the New Testament relationship between grace, faith and writings. One common term used for it was 'obedience: good works do not provide the basis of God'anaphlans saving favour,'' which roughly translates as "up-fire"but they belong to the life that follows it.
As Christian theology developed, grace was increasingly discussed alongside [[Diogenes of SinopeBaptism|Diogenesbaptism]], speaking in jest, credited the god [[Hermes]] with its invention: he allegedly took pity on his son [[Pan (mythology)|Pan]]Eucharist, who was pining for [[Echo (mythology)|Echo]] but unable to seduce herhuman freedom, sanctification and taught him participation in the trick life of masturbation in order to relieve his suffering. Pan in his turn taught the habit to young shepherds.<ref>Dio Crysostom, ''Discourses,'' ivGod.20</ref>
=== Religious views ==={{main|Religious views on masturbation}}:''Also see [[Sexuality and religion|Sexuality Augustine and Religion]] for broad coverage of this topic''Religions vary broadly in their views of masturbation, from completely impermissible<ref>{{cite web|url Pelagius = http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a6.htm#2352|title = Catechism of the Catholic Church|accessdate = 2007-10-08|quote = Both the Magisterium of the Church, in the course of a constant tradition, and the moral sense of the faithful have been in no doubt and have firmly maintained that masturbation is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action.}}</ref> to encouraged as a way to achieve greater spirituality (see, for example [[Tantric sexuality]] and [[Taoist sexual practices]]). In the modern [[St. Priapus Church]], group male masturbation is a form of worship.<ref>Wayne Dynes (ed., 1990). ''Encyclopedia of Homosexuality'' (New York: Garland) p. 779.</ref>
=== Philosophical arguments ===[[Immanuel Kant]] regarded masturbation as a violation One of the moral law. In most important disputes about grace occurred in the ''early fifth century between [[Metaphysics of MoralsAugustine]]'' (1797) he made the ''and [[a posterioriPelagius]]'' argument that 'such an unnatural use of one's sexual attributes' strikes 'everyone upon his thinking of it' as 'a violation of one's duty to himself', and suggested that it was regarded as immoral even to give it its proper name (unlike the case of the similarly undutiful act of [[suicide]]). He went on, however, to acknowledge that 'it is not so easy to produce a rational demonstration of the inadmissibility of that unnatural use', but ultimately concluded that its immorality lay in the fact that 'a man gives up his personality … when he uses himself merely as a means for the gratification of an animal drive'supporters.
Subsequent critics The controversy concerned the extent to which fallen human beings could turn towards God and obey him through their natural powers. Augustine insisted that grace was not merely God's creation of human free will, the giving of the law, the example of Christ or the forgiveness of masturbation tended previous sins. Fallen people required God's inward action to enable them to argue against it on more physiological grounds, however (see [[Masturbation#Medical attitudes|medical attitudes]])will and perform what was good.
=== Medical attitudes ==={{Refimprovesect|date=March 2008}}The first use of the word "onanism" to consistently and specifically refer to masturbation appears to be ''Onania'', an anonymous pamphlet first distributed in London in 1716. It drew on familiar themes of sin and vice, this time in particular against the "heinous sin" of "self-pollution". After dire warnings that those who so indulged would suffer [[impotence]]For Augustine, [[gonorrhea]], [[epilepsy]] and a wasting of even the faculties (included were letters and testimonials supposedly from young men ill and dying from the effects beginning of compulsive masturbation) the pamphlet then goes on to recommend as an effective remedy a "Strengthening Tincture" at 10 shillings a bottle and a "Prolific Powder" at 12 shillings a bag, available from a local shop.[[Image:Sexpatent01-excerpt.png|thumb|left|A [[patented]] device designed to prevent masturbation by inflicting electric shocks person's movement towards God depended upon the perpetrator, by ringing an alarm bell, and through spikes at the inner edge of the tube into which the penis is insertedgrace. The entire patent document: [[Media:Sexpatent01.png|Page 1]], [[Media:Sexpatent02.png|2]]Grace did not simply make obedience easier; without God's gracious action, [[Media:Sexpatent03.png|3]], [[Media:Sexpatent04.png|4]]saving obedience was impossible.]]
One The Second Council of the many horrified by the descriptions of malady Orange in ''Onania'' was the notable Swiss physician [[Samuel-Auguste Tissot]]. In 1760, he published ''L'Onanisme'', his own comprehensive medical treatise on the purported ill-effects 529 strongly affirmed this priority of masturbationgrace. Citing case studies of young male masturbators amongst his patients in [[Lausanne]], [[Switzerland]] as basis for his reasoning, Tissot argued that semen was an "essential oil" and "stimulus" It taught that, when lost from the body in great amounts, would cause "a perceptible reduction of strength, of memory and even of reason; blurred vision, all the nervous disorders, all types beginning of [[gout]] faith and [[rheumatism]], weakening of the organs of generation, blood in desire to turn towards God depended upon the urine, disturbance work of the appetite, headaches and a great number of other disordersHoly Spirit rather than arising independently from fallen human nature."
Though Tissot's ideas are now considered [[hypothesis|conjectural]] at best, his treatise was presented as a scholarly, scientific work in a time when experimental physiology was practically nonexistent. The authority with which the work was subsequently treated – Tissot's arguments were even acknowledged and echoed by luminaries such as [[Kant]] and [[Voltaire]] – arguably turned the perception of masturbation in These debates profoundly shaped later Western medicine over the next two centuries into that of a debilitating illnessChristian thinking.
This continued well into the [[Victorian Era]], where such medical censure of masturbation was in line with the widespread social [[conservatism]] and opposition to open sexual behavior common at the time.<ref>[http://www.noharmm.org/paige.htm The Ritual of Circumcision]</ref><ref>Stengers, Jean; van Neck, Anne. ''Masturbation: the history of a great terror''. New York: Palgrave, 2001. ISBN 0-312-22443-5.</ref> There were recommendations to have boys' pants constructed so that the genitals could not be touched through the pockets, for schoolchildren to be seated at special desks to prevent their crossing their legs in class and for girls to be forbidden from riding horses and bicycles because the sensations these activities produce were considered too similar to masturbation. Boys and young men who nevertheless continued to indulge in the practice were branded as "weak-minded."<ref>[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a5/Sexpatent02.png Surgical Appliance]</ref> Many "remedies" were devised, including eating a bland, meatless diet. This approach was promoted by [[John Harvey Kellogg|Dr. John Harvey Kellogg]] (inventor of [[corn flakes]]) and [[Sylvester Graham|Rev. Sylvester Graham]] (inventor of [[Graham cracker]]s). The medical literature of the times describes procedures for electric shock treatment, [[infibulation]], restraining devices like [[chastity belt]]s and [[straitjacket]]s, [[cauterization]] or – as a last resort – wholesale [[Excision|surgical excision]] of the genitals. Routine neonatal [[circumcision]] was widely adopted in the [[United States]] and the [[United Kingdom|UK]] at least partly because of its believed preventive effect against masturbation (see also [[History of male circumcision#Male circumcision to prevent masturbation|History of male circumcision]]). In later decades, the more drastic of these measures were increasingly replaced with psychological techniques, such as warnings that masturbation led to blindness, hairy hands or stunted growth. Some of these persist as myths even today.[[Image:Chastity belt Heyser 0.png|thumb|Image of a [[chastity belt]] from a patent document. For entire document, see: [[:Image:Chastity belt Heyser 1.png|Page 1]], [[:Image:Chastity belt Heyser 2.png|2]], [[:Image:Chastity belt Heyser 3.png|3]], [[:Image:Chastity belt Heyser 4.png|4]], [[:Image:Chastity belt Heyser 5.png|5]], [[:Image:Chastity belt Heyser 6.png|6]]]]=== Medieval Christianity ===
At During the same time, the supposed medical condition medieval period Western theologians developed increasingly detailed accounts of [[hysteria]]—from the Greek ''hystera'' or uterus—was being treated by what would now be described as medically administered or medically prescribed masturbation for women. Techniques included use of the earliest vibrators grace and rubbing its relationship to the genitals with placebo creams.<ref name=Maines>{{cite book|id=ISBN 0-8018-6646-4|title=The Technology of Orgasm: "Hysteria", the Vibrator, and Women's Sexual Satisfaction|author=Rachel PChristian life. Maines|publisher=The Johns Hopkins University Press | location=Baltimore|year=1999}}</ref>
Medical attitudes toward masturbation began to change at the beginning of the 20th century when [[H. Havelock EllisThomas Aquinas]], in his seminal 1897 work ''Studies in the Psychology of Sex''for example, questioned Tissot's premises, cheerfully named famous men of the era who masturbated taught that fallen human nature required grace to be healed and then set out that human beings required grace to disprove (with be raised towards the work of more recent physicians) each of the claimed diseases supernatural life of fellowship with God. He distinguished different ways in which masturbation was purportedly God's gracious action operates but maintained that God alone is ultimately the cause. "We reach the conclusion", he wrote, "that in the case of moderate masturbation in healthy, well-born individuals, no seriously pernicious results necessarily followgrace."
[[Robert Baden-Powell]], Grace was also closely associated with the founder sacramental life of [[The Scout Association]], incorporated a passage in the 1914 edition Church. These developments provided part of ''[[Scouting for Boys]]'' warning the theological background against the dangers of masturbation. This passage stated that the individual should run away from the temptation by performing physical activity which was supposed to tire the individual so that masturbation could not be performed. By 1930, however, Dr. [[F. W. W. Griffin]], editor of ''The Scouter,'' had written in a book for Rover Scouts that the temptation to masturbate was "a quite natural stage of development" and, citing [[H. Havelock Ellis|Ellis]]' work, held that "the effort to achieve complete abstinence was a very serious errorProtestant Reformation later occurred."
The works of Sexologist [[Alfred Kinsey]] during the 1940s and 1950s insisted that masturbation was an instinctive behavior for both males and females, citing the results of Gallup Poll surveys indicating how common it was in the United States. Some critics of this theory held that his research was biased and that the Gallup Poll method was redundant for defining "natural behavior". ==== Eastern Orthodox Christianity ====
In 1994, when Eastern Christian theology developed with somewhat different emphases from the [[Surgeon General of the United States]], Drmedieval Latin West. In [[Joycelyn EldersEastern Orthodoxy]], mentioned grace is commonly described as an aside that it should be mentioned in school the saving and deifying activity of God through the Holy Spirit. Salvation involves [[curriculumTheosis|curriculatheosis]] that masturbation was safe and healthy, she was forced to resign,<ref>[http://www.jackinworld.com/library/articles/elders.html JackinLibrary: Joycelyn Elders]</ref> with opponents asserting that she was promoting participation in the teaching life of ''how'' to masturbate. Many believe this was God, and grace transforms the result of her long history of promoting controversial viewpoints and not due solely to her public mention of masturbationbeliever rather than merely altering his legal standing.
=== Law ===The legal status Orthodox theology strongly insists that grace is God's gift and that salvation cannot be achieved independently of God, while also speaking of masturbation throughout history has varied from virtually unlimited acceptance ''synergy'': human beings respond to complete illegality. In a 1640s law code for the [[Puritan]] colony of [[New Haven, Connecticut]] in the 17th century "[[blasphemy|blasphemers]], [[Homosexuality|homosexuals]] and masturbators" were eligible for the [[Capital punishment|death penalty]]cooperate with God's gracious action.<ref>{{cite book | last = James | first = Lawrence | authorlink = Lawrence James | title = The Rise sacramental and Fall communal life of the British Empire | publisher = St. Martin's Griffin |date=[[September 15]], [[1997]] | pages = 41 | isbn = 978-0312169855 }} The context is a discussion of the social habits of the early North American colonistsChurch has an important place within this understanding.</ref>
=== Masturbate-a-thon The Protestant Reformation ==={{main | Masturbate-a-thon}}[[Image:CSC Herme Masturbate-a-Thon Logo Original for Wiki.jpg|thumb|right]]Masturbate-a-thons are public, charity events that are "intended to encourage people to explore safer sex, talk about masturbation and lift the taboos that still surround the subject."<ref name="Masturbate-a-thon.co.uk">{{cite web | title = Masturbate-a-thon website | publisher = Masturbate-a-thon | date = 2006-08-04 | url = http://www.masturbate-a-thon.co.uk/ | format = html | accessdate = 2006-08-06}}</ref> May is considered "Masturbation Month" by sex-positive organizations and activists, including [[Betty Dodson]], [[Joani Blank]], [[Susan Block]], [[Kyla Zellers]], [[Carol Queen]], and [[Gary Francis Fanning Jr.]].
== Euphemisms ==A large variety Grace became one of the defining issues of the sixteenth-century [[euphemismProtestant Reformation]]s and [[dysphemism]]s exist which describe masturbation. For a complete list At the heart of terms, see the entry for ''[[wiktdispute was a basic question:Wikisaurus:masturbate|masturbate]]'' in [[Wiktionary|Wikisaurus]].how is a sinner made right with God?
== Masturbation in media =====Paintings and drawings===[[Image:Klimt Mulher sentadaThe Reformers emphasised sola gratia - "grace alone". They taught that people could not earn God's acceptance through good works, religious practices or personal merit.jpg|thumb|A Young Woman MasturbatingInstead, a sinner was justified (declared right with God) entirely because of God's grace, depicted by received through [[Gustav Klimt]]Faith]]in Jesus Christ.
There are depictions The controversy first became public over the sale and preaching of male masturbation indulgences ''(a Church-granted reduction in prehistoric [[rock painting]]s around the worldpunishment for sins)''. Most early people seem These belonged to have connected human sexuality with abundance in naturethe wider medieval Catholic system of penance. A clay figurine of Christian who committed serious sin after baptism was ordinarily expected to repent, confess the 4th millennium BC from sin to a temple site on priest, receive absolution (the island priest's declaration of [[Malta]], depicts a woman masturbating. However, in the ancient world depictions forgiveness) and carry out acts of male masturbation are far more commonpenance.
===Film=== <!-- Please expand this sectionIn 1517, but do not attempt to compile a list [[Martin Luther]] publicly challenged the preaching of every masturbation scene ever filmedindulgences. Any unsourced content will be removedHis criticism soon developed into a much deeper disagreement about salvation itself. -->A number Luther argued that a sinner is made right with God through faith in Christ, because of God's grace, rather than through a process involving faith, the sacraments, acts of films feature masturbation scenespenance and meritorious works.
===Music===In popular musicThe Lutheran Augsburg Confession later expressed this clearly, there are a handful of songs teaching that deal with the issue of masturbation. Some of the earliest examples are "[[My Ding-a-Ling]]" by [[Chuck Berry]] and "[[Pictures of Lily]]" people could not be justified before God by [[The Who]].<ref>"''Merely a ditty about masturbation and the importance of it to a young man. I was really diggin' at my folks whotheir own strength, when catching me at itmerits or works, would talk in loud voices in the corridor outside my roombut were freely justified for Christ's sake through faith. "Why can't he go with girls like other boys?''" Quote by [[Pete Townshend]]</ref>
Some of the more recent popular songs are "[[Turning Japanese]]" by [[The Vapors]]Reformed Heidelberg Catechism made a similar point, describing forgiveness, a reference to the Oriental facial features people get at the moment of climax righteousness and "[[She Bop]]" salvation as gifts given by [[Cyndi Lauper]] which was so obviously about masturbation that it was required to have a [[parental advisory]] sticker. In an interview Lauper admitted recording the song naked. "[[I Touch Myself]]" by [[Divinyls]] is a celebration grace because of female masturbation. "[[Touch of My Hand]]" by [[Britney Spears]] is also about how female masturbation is normalChrist rather than earned through human merit.
The song [[Orgasm Addict]] by The [[Buzzcocks]] also features lyrics centered around This did not mean that Protestants rejected baptism, the Lord's Supper or the theme preaching of masturbationScripture. Another songLutheran, [[WowAnglican, I Can Get Sexual Too]] By [[Say Anything]] has Reformed and other Protestant traditions continued to regard these as important ways through which God strengthens and teaches his people. The disagreement was over whether such practices formed part of the process by which a chorus that repeats the lines "She Touched Herself"sinner became right with God.
The song [[Masturbation]] by rock group [[Mindless Self Indulgence]] also deals with Roman Catholic response to the concept of auto-erotic activity in a [[Punk subculture|punk]] framework.===Literature=== In October 1972, an important censorship case Reformation was held in Australia, leading to formally expressed at the banning Council of [[Philip Roth]]'s novel ''[[Portnoy's Complaint]]'' Trent, particularly in that country due to its masturbation referencesDecree on Justification in 1547. The censorship led to public outcry at Council taught that salvation begins with God's grace rather than human effort; however, it also taught that people must cooperate with that grace and that God gives grace through the sacraments of the timeChurch. <ref>[http://wwwThis included confession.crikey.com.au/Politics/20060829-Censorship-A person who committed serious sin after baptism was expected to repent, confess the sin to a priest and-Don-Chippreceive absolution.html Crikey - Don Chipp: larrikinThe absolution was understood as a real means through which Christ granted forgiveness, censor, and party founder - Don Chipp: larrikin, censor, and party founder<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>rather than simply an announcement that forgiveness had already taken place apart from the sacrament.
Catholic theology therefore speaks of sacramental grace: the belief that God truly gives grace through sacraments such as baptism, confession and the Eucharist. The Reformers rejected this understanding of justification. They argued that a sinner is made right with God through faith in Christ alone, entirely because of God's grace, and not through the sacraments or good works. The central disagreement was therefore not about whether grace was necessary - both Catholics and Protestants affirmed that - but about how grace is received and how a sinner becomes right with God. Further disagreements then developed within Protestant Christianity about how God's grace brings a person to faith. In the Reformed or Calvinist tradition, God does more than make salvation possible. His grace effectively brings those he calls to repentance and faith. Salvation therefore begins with God's action rather than with an independent human decision. The Arminian and later Wesleyan tradition also teaches that people cannot turn to God without his grace; however, it teaches that God first gives prevenient grace ''(grace enabling a human response)'', allowing people genuinely to repent and believe while still allowing them to refuse God's grace. [[John Wesley]] spoke of this grace coming before conversion and enabling a person to respond to God. He also spoke of God's grace continuing throughout the Christian life: bringing conviction of sin, justification and sanctification. == Grace in Language and Popular Culture ==The theological importance of grace profoundly influenced the English language. The English word came through Old French from Latin gratia, with meanings including favour, goodwill, gratitude and pleasingness. Over time "grace" acquired several related meanings: divine favour, elegance or beauty, courteous behaviour, a prayer of thanks before a meal and even an ornamental musical note. Perhaps the best-known cultural expression of Christian grace is [[Amazing Grace]], written by [[John Newton]] in 1772 and first published in ''Olney Hymns'' in 1779. Newton had earlier participated in the Atlantic slave trade and later became an outspoken opponent of it. His hymn interpreted salvation autobiographically as the rescue of a sinful and undeserving person through God's grace. It eventually became one of the best-known Christian hymns in the English-speaking world. The idea has also continued within modern popular music. U2 concluded their 2000 album ''All That You Can't Leave Behind'' with the song ''Grace'', personifying grace as something operating outside ordinary systems of repayment and retribution. Its memorable concluding image is: "Grace makes beauty out of ugly things." The line captures one genuine dimension of the Christian idea: grace does not simply overlook what is damaged but can transform it. The secular use of "grace" to describe beauty, elegance or generosity is therefore not entirely disconnected from the theological meaning. In each case there is an idea of something good that is given, bestowed or present beyond what strict necessity requires. == Theological Discussion ===== Grace is more than "unmerited favour" === Grace is frequently defined in evangelical Christianity as "unmerited favour". This is a useful definition, particularly because it captures the fact that grace cannot be earned. Yet by itself it is incomplete. Biblically, grace is not only God's favourable disposition towards a person. Grace acts. God graciously chooses, calls, forgives, gives, rescues, justifies, strengthens, transforms and preserves. A fuller definition might therefore be: Grace is God's freely given favour expressed through his loving action towards those who have not earned it, ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ and active in saving, transforming and sustaining his people. === Grace begins with God === The fundamental direction of grace is from God towards humanity. Christian salvation does not begin when a person makes himself sufficiently virtuous to attract God's attention. It begins in the character and initiative of God ([[1 John 4:19]]). This priority runs throughout Scripture. God called Abraham. God heard Israel in slavery. He sent the prophets. He sent his Son. Christ died for sinners. God raises the spiritually dead to life. Grace means that God's saving action is fundamentally gift before achievement. === Grace and justice === Grace does not mean that God ceases to care about justice. This can already be seen in [[Exodus 34]]:6-7. The same revelation that declares God compassionate, gracious and abundant in steadfast love also declares that he does not simply treat guilt as though it did not exist. The cross brings these themes together. [[Romans 3]]:24-26 presents justification as a free gift of grace while simultaneously presenting the death of Christ as the means by which God demonstrates his righteousness. Christian grace is therefore not divine indifference towards evil. Forgiveness is possible because God himself acts decisively against sin through Christ. === Grace and faith === The New Testament repeatedly connects grace with [[Faith]] ([[Romans 4:16]] and [[Ephesians 2]]:8-9). Faith is not a price paid for grace. It is the means by which the believer receives what God gives. This distinction is crucial. Faith does not become a superior kind of religious work by which someone earns salvation. The object of faith is Christ, and its significance lies in receiving and trusting what Christ has accomplished. === Grace and works === Masturbation Grace excludes boasting in works as the ground of salvation, but it does not abolish obedience. The sequence of [[Ephesians 2]]:8-10 is important: grace → salvation through faith → new creation → good works. Good works are not the cause of salvation but one of its intended results. The same pattern occurs in Titus. Grace appears, brings salvation, and then trains God's people to live differently. In other animal species words, grace brings transformation. A person who concludes that grace gives permission to live indefinitely without repentance has misunderstood what biblical grace does. === Grace and human freedom ==={{main | Animal sexuality#Autoeroticism One of the longest-running theological questions concerns the relationship between God's grace and the human response. Scripture clearly presents God as taking the initiative. No one comes to Christ apart from the Father's drawing ([[John 6:44]]), and God works within believers both to will and to act (masturbation[[Philippians 2:13]])}}. Yet Scripture also continually commands people to repent, believe, obey, persevere and not resist God. Different Christian traditions construct the relationship between these truths differently. Reformed theology emphasises God's effectual calling and sovereign grace. Arminian and Wesleyan theology emphasises grace that precedes and enables the human response while allowing that grace to be resisted. Whatever theological model is adopted, the biblical order should remain clear: humanity does not first become spiritually capable and then summon God's assistance. God's grace comes first. === Grace and the Holy Spirit === Masturbatory behavior has been documented Grace can also be understood in a very wide range Trinitarian way. Grace originates in the loving purpose of the Father, is revealed and accomplished through the Son, and is applied and made effective in believers through the [[Holy Spirit]]. Grace is the activity of the living God. The Spirit gives life, produces holiness, distributes gifts, strengthens believers and forms the character of Christ within them. The New Testament's language of grace therefore overlaps with its teaching about the indwelling and transforming work of the Holy Spirit. === Grace and Christian character === Those who receive grace are called to become gracious. Jesus repeatedly connected the mercy received from God with mercy shown towards other people. The servant who had been forgiven an enormous debt but refused to forgive another person's small debt had failed to understand the mercy he had received ([[Matthew 18]]:21-35). Paul similarly connected God's forgiveness with Christian forgiveness ([[Ephesians 4:32]]). A theology of grace that produces pride, contempt or cruelty contradicts the character of speciesthe grace it claims to defend. Individuals The recipient of some species have grace has no basis for spiritual superiority. Everything has been known received ([[1 Corinthians 4:7]]). === Grace as the shape of salvation === Grace should therefore not be confined to create tools one stage of Christian salvation. It is grace when God calls. It is grace when God forgives. It is grace when God justifies. It is grace when God adopts. It is grace when the Spirit transforms. It is grace when God gives gifts for masturbation purposesministry.It is grace when Christ sustains a believer through weakness. And it will be grace when Christ finally raises his people and brings them into eternal life. Christian salvation begins, continues and ends with the generosity of God. ==Quotes== U2: Grace makes beauty out of ugly things ==Video==<ref nameYouTube>title=The Grace Narrative - Dr. Timothy Kellerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezXufQWvIlw&rel=1embed_source_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/ezXufQWvIlw&rel=1wrap = yeswidth=500height="Bagemihl,1999"400</YouTube> {{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Christian doctrine and debates]][[Category:Christian doctrine and debates]][[Category:Videos]][[Category:Pages with YouTube content]]