Expert: Charlie B - 4/28/2011

Question
"Masturbation is considered ‘an intrinsically and gravely disordered action.’ But moral responsibility should be judged in terms of one’s ‘immaturity, force of acquired habit, conditions of anxiety, and other psychological and social factors."--Catechism of the Catholic Church

I suffer from mental disorders and habit, I'm a recent convert and even through RCIA I thought masturbating was ok, it was after I was a "Catholic" that i found out otherwise, I do not feel guilty about this either, what should I do? I trust in god that He knows my intentions and heart though.

Answer
Shawn,
Thanks for your question.  Truly, there's not a harder question that I answer on this forum than ones on this topic.  I've both struggled with this question and yet have come to some peace and understanding of truth on it.

Though a tough topic by its nature, I have some easy & straight-forward answers.  Let's begin classifying masturbation as a moral or venial sin.  In your RCIA classes, they called it a moral sin, right?

While I'm loyal to the Magisterium and Vatican, I believe that masturbation is a venial sin, as do many priests.  As such, when you go to Confession, you simply say to the priest, "I have been impure with myself."   Nothing else needs to be said and he'll know of what your speaking.  In my 15 years as a Catholic (convert like you), I've never had a priest ask me a follow up question to confession of this sin.  Not once.  Again, it's six words stated to the priest at confession, and move on to more sins to confess.  That, in and of itself, should give you some solace.

To be clear, your impure thoughts of sex by and of themselves aren't sin; however, if you ACT upon those thoughts and commit adultery or sex out of marriage, that's a different story ... it's a serious moral sin.  I've heard Bishops & other clergy say the thoughts of lust of women is not a sin but actually quite natural in our humanness (but not encouraged, of course), but when you ACT upon the thought (not masturbation), then you've crossed the line.  That doesn't mean that dwelling on thoughts of lust is healthy for you as a Christian -- avoid it when you can, & suggestions below on how-to.

Now, that said, it's interesting what the Catechism says:  'force of acquired habit' doesn't hold any weight as a consideration to me; habits can be broken, yes?  Of course.
 'Conditions of anxiety' also don't hold weight as a reason to me, although I understand the context.  'Psychological factors', I understand as valid, but I partially accept 'social conditions' --  an example is a military service member overseas away from his wife for long, extended periods -- that would be a 'social condition' in my opinion.   

So in summary, habits can be broken with grace from God, discipline and focused effort on your part -- try to deflect your thinking to something else when you feel the thought of lust that leads to masturbation.  Go read a book instead.  Spend time in prayer.  Go paint or draw or create something new.  Time is a precious thing, and using it wisely is important.  Be careful to avoid boredom by setting yourself daily 'to-do' lists that keep you busy.  Hope that helps -
God bless,
Charlie

PS -- thanks for the last evaluation, and if the spirit moves you, I'd appreciate your eval. thanks