Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 11/12/2008

Question
Hello Pastor,

    I have a couple of questions for you. I heard that masturbation is a sin.  Why is it a sin?  Where does it say that in the Bible.  I've heard the whole thing about Onan, but that doesn't really deal with masturbation.
    Also, is birth control a sin?  If yes, then why?  And if no, then where in the Bible does it say that it is permissible?  I know that the Roman Catholic Church teaches against birth control, do Baptists teach the same thing? Please explain.

Thanks
Jim

Answer
Hi Jim,

Thanks for these great questions.

Masturbation is a sin in that it is sexual fantasy.  Jesus warned about that on the sermon on the mount.

Matthew 5:27-28
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

You are right, Onan has nothing to do with masturbation.

I do not believe birth control is a sin.  There is nothing forbidding it, but there is nothing condining it either.  We do know that children are a blessing from the Lord, but I do not see where they are a requirement.


Psalm 127:3-5
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.   

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don