Self- Abuse

The world is full of double beds
And most delightful maidenheads,
Which being so, there’s no excuse
For sodomy of self-abuse.
--Hilaire Belloc

The sin of Onan is the same today as always. Masturbation and contraception are generally humorous topics in today's culture, but the fact is that both are grave matter and therefore possibly mortal sins if done willfully and with full knowledge.

Why have we decided that shameful self-pleasure is humorous, and we look with disdain and pity on those who seek self control and mortification?

Christ interpreted the 6th Commandment "that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." These are strong words that call us to a faithful and pure existance. An existance that our modern culture refuses to understand. They point at the Church and call us "sex obsessed", all the while drowning in immoral media and celebrity gossip of the most sordid variety.

Let us return to the true meaning of love and sexuality. Easter is a time of rebirth and renewal. Those of us in the married vocation (and everyone for that matter) could spend some time studying Blessed John Paul II's Theology of the Body. If you are not ready for the whole thing, try the Beginner's book.