bcspace wrote:Okay, I think we can all agree that masturbation does not in and of itself lead to exhibitionism or homosexuality. However, counsel was given on how one might stop masturbating.
Critics, your challenge is to provide better and more realistic advice than Petersen, Packer, or your favorite LDS bogeyman on how to stop masturbating while still remaining true to LDS doctrine. If you can't, your criticism of the advice is not valid and out of context.
One, two , three.... Go!
I think the advice that
should be given is that moderation is the key.
Masturbation is a healthy, natural part of human development. It allows one to understand his/her body and what is pleasurable. Someone who masturbates, and understands his/her body can better communicate sexually to his/her partner, and develop a healthy intimate relationship. If one is to remain a virgin until marriage, this is something that is extremely helpful in securing a happy, healthy marital intimacy.
BC wrote:Example, how does one tell if it's out of control?
If the masturbation is being done to such a frequency that it interferes with the capacity to perform normal daily activities, then it poses a problem, and should be looked at as an addictive situation.
If this is the case, then basically, the person simply needs to occupy him/herself with other activities that will distract him/her from masturbation. For example, the more active the person is with work, sports, music, etc., the less time the person is going to have to devote to masturbation.
Masturbation creates a "high". If you are masturbating too much, then you need to find other ways to create a "high" that are more "socially acceptable". There are ways to do that through discovering talents and achievements through sports, music, writing, theater, service.
I DO NOT, however, feel that a youth, or anyone for that matter, who has a "problem" with masturbation should be punished by the Church.
If someone is interested in serving his/her fellow man by going on a mission, why should this person not be allowed to go simply because they masturbate before going to bed once in a while? Wouldn't immersing one's self in Church service make this person less likely to masturbate. First of all, his/her days are filled with service. He/she isn't going to have a lot of excess time.
That's my two cents....from your rebel LDS friend(foil).
