potato991: “It doesn't really matter what the Church's official position is - it only matters what is in scripture. In scripture, there is nothing that indicates masturbation is a sin.”
These first Christians gave their possessions, their families and even their lives to serve the Lord and us, but to you! it does not matter. Did the Almighty came to your home and delivered you personally the Bible? Where did you and I get the infallible Bible? Was it not for the sacrifices of these first Christians that we can boast today on the Bible? Are you aware that there were many books claiming the title of the “Gospel” and “Acts” but The Church rejected these as untruthful? Were the Church to be fallible then the Bible you are in possession of may not be infallible either. On whose authority do you trust that the Bible you have is infallible? Yours?
These first Christians were enlightened by the Holy Spirit to teach the whole world the Truth of Salvation but according to you(!) their position does not matter when it pertains to masturbation!! Do you really desire the truth or is it that you only want what you desire?
What does it mean when Apostle Paul says, “ 25... every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. 27 ... I keep under my body (I control my body), and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.) (1Cor. 9) Self control does not mean to give in to every impulse.
And also, “7: For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
8: I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
9: But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn [from sexual desire].” (1Cor. 7)
If masturbation was acceptable in Christianity then Apostle Paul would have told them to masturbate so that they would not burn from sexual desire and be forced to get married and be encumbered in their plans for a carefree life; like some people...
potato991: “The Church has made mistakes before, it is fallable like man.”
I mentioned the Church BEFORE the separation. After the separation it is your and my responsibility to examine - from all aspects - all these “Churches” and pray and pray and pray so that it may be revealed to us which is the True Church of God; the One which even the gates of hell (actually Hades) cannot overcome; for it is this One Church which gave us and still gives the Truth of salvation to the world.
1Tm 3:15 “... that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
The “ground” and the “pillar” of the truth is the Church. This Church upholds the Truth of salvation and this Truth includes the Bible.
potato991: “Onan was punished for disobeying God's command (not impregnating his brothers wife) - not for spilling the seed.”
There is no such command in the Old Testament. Onan could have refused to perform the “duty” without any repercussions from God. Deut 25:7-10 It was permitted to refuse. He did not have to try to impregnate his dead brother’s wife. The only unaccounted factor in the equation is his choice to spill his seed. He used Tamar as an instrument for masturbation.
potato991: “As I pointed out, women do not spill seed, so the same rules don't apply. I doubt God only condemns men for masturbating.”
When Christ says, “I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Mt 5:28) does it mean that He excludes women? I am afraid no.
When I said that, "Its wording implies only a religious answer, for it does not inquire if masturbation is wrong, but if it is a sin and consequently it prevents us of applying notions belonging to natural law or any other ethical system."
(you responded) potato991: “Since when does God punish people for doing things that are not wrong?”
It may take 10,000 years or even longer till something is “proven” right or wrong. The question was posted in a Christian thread; not in a scientific – philosophical, medical, psychological, sports related, etc. The question inquires if it is a sin in Christianity. Is this too difficult to understand?
At any rate I lack the time to continue with the rest of your “arguments” and my response is getting a little longer than the usual ones so I think I will stop here. I believe I have said enough on the issue.