Masturbation

What is the current Church policy on masturbation?

The Church teaches that masturbation and pornography use are sins,[1] but they are not serious enough to trigger a membership council.[2] However, certain cases of pornography use may result in disciplinary actions.[3]

What about for people that are married? Is masturbation a sin?

The term 'masturbation' in this context refers to a solitary act outside of the context of the marital relationship.[4] "Foreplay" or "petting" or manual stimulation within the context of marriage is not the same thing as masturbation.[5]

Is masturbation a violation of the law of chastity?

Yes. The law of chastity, as taught by the Church, includes a prohibition against masturbation.[6] Christ taught that whoever lusts after a woman "hath committed adultery with her already in his heart," and masturbation involves lust.[7] Although Christ's language is geared towards men, the Church noted that the law of chastity applies to both men and women.[8]

Can you get a temple recommend if you masturbate?

It depends. Temple recommend questions—including "Do you strive for moral cleanliness in your thoughts and behavior?" and "Do you obey the law of chastity?"—give bishops an opportunity to counsel or give instruction to people struggling with masturbation.[9] However, there are no specific guidelines on what would merit withholding a temple recommend in this context.[10] This decision is left up to the discretion of the bishop. [11]

Does the Church have a policy about bishops asking about masturbation?

No. It's considered within the bishop's purview to ask about the law of chastity.[12] This may include asking about masturbation.

Isn't it kind of creepy for a bishop to ask people if they masturbate?

Potentially. If one sees a bishop as a spiritual counselor, and the law of chastity as a spiritual law, then it may be awkward, but not necessarily creepy. But if one doesn't recognize the bishop or the law of chastity as valid, then yes, it may seem creepy to discuss personal sexual matters with a bishop.

There have been cases when bishops have abused their roles and done creepy and/or illegal things. In these cases, they are subject to Church discipline and/or legal action.[13]

Are you supposed to confess masturbation to bishops?

Possibly. Masturbation is not considered a serious sin, but it can be spiritually damaging, especially if coupled with pornography use.[14] If masturbation is a problem that is impacting your personal well-being, your relationships with others, or your spirituality, then yes, you should probably talk to your bishop.[15]

What if I'm a woman and I'm more comfortable talking to my Relief Society president?

Talking with your Relief Society President is perfectly acceptable, but as the local priesthood leader, the bishop holds priesthood keys to help with repentance and spiritual well-being, so it's important to meet with them as well.[16] But it's also a Church policy to let interviewees request another adult be present in interviews, such as a Relief Society President.[17]

Read more in Temple Garments

Does the Church have a policy about masturbation and qualifying to serve a mission?

No, not specifically, but priesthood leaders do ask prospective missionaries about pornography use.[18] Readiness to serve a mission is determined by the missionary, their bishop, and their stake president.[19]

Does For the Strength of Youth specifically mention masturbation?

Not specifically. The word "masturbation" doesn't specifically appear. It says, "In your choices about what you do, look at, read, listen to, think about, post, or text, avoid anything that purposely arouses lustful emotions in others or yourself."[20]

Is the word "masturbation" specifically mentioned in any Church handbook?

Yes, it is mentioned in the General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints[21] and the Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ.[22]

A scan of the cover of To Young Men Only, a 1980 pamphlet published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that teaches against masturbation, based on Boyd K. Packer's 1976 general conference talk. — *To Young Men Only*, a 1980 church pamphlet addressing masturbation, based on Boyd K. Packer's 1976 general conference talk.

Did the Church ever teach that masturbation caused homosexuality?

No, not really. Masturbation causing homosexuality is not doctrinal or has ever been generally taught in the Church, however there are several sources that drew a correlation between masturbation and homosexuality.

In 1969, Spencer W. Kimball said that masturbation could lead to mutual masturbation with members of the same-sex, which could then lead to "total homosexuality."[23] A 1981 internal publication for bishops stated that early-life masturbation could reinforce homosexual interests.[24] And a 1992 guide for bishops states that "pornography and masturbation almost always accompany homosexual transgressions."[25]

Why do some therapists, even Latter-day Saint therapists, teach that masturbation is okay?

Latter-day Saint therapists have a variety of religious and philosophical approaches to their practices. Some of these practices appear to be in harmony with the gospel, and others are less so. Mainstream psychology treats masturbation as acceptable human behavior.[26] Some Latter-day Saint therapists may subscribe to this view.

Some faithful Latter-day Saint therapists have used masturbation as a therapeutic approach to sexual dysfunction.[27] However, this practice does not involve pornography and is restricted to specific issues within the context of a marriage relationship.

Doesn't the medical community say that masturbation is a normal and healthy activity and can reduce the risk of prostate cancer?

Yes, the medical community does say that it is a normal activity.[28] Some studies have indicated that it may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but there is no consensus on this topic and it is a subject of ongoing research.[29]

Is masturbation addictive?

"Addiction" is considered a loaded term to researchers for various reasons.[30] But yes, masturbation, especially when coupled with pornography use, can become a compulsion that is difficult to control.[31]

Can the pressure to quit a masturbation habit lead to suicide?

Possibly. Like other social, cultural, or religious norms, extreme guilt over masturbation could, in theory, contribute to suicide. However, there are no studies that have rigorously connected anti-masturbation religious beliefs with a higher likelihood of committing suicide.

The Facts

The Church teaches that masturbation and pornography use are sins and a violation of the law of chastity.
Church policy is that masturbation and pornography use are not typically serious enough sins to warrant a disciplinary council.
Bishops and stake presidents don't have specific directions on masturbation/pornography and temple or mission worthiness.
The Church published a pamphlet in 1981 that noted the correlation between masturbation and homosexuality but did not specifically make the claim that masturbation caused homosexuality.
Masturbation and pornography use can be, in layman's terms, "addictive" but there is no scientific consensus on how to classify compulsive masturbation and pornography use.
There is no scientific consensus on whether masturbation decreases rates of prostate cancer.

Our Take

The law of chastity can be a difficult subject. Sexual topics can also be uncomfortable to talk about with anyone—let alone a bishop—since they are deeply personal and sometimes feel taboo.

It can also be frustrating to feel like the Church is trying to dictate its members’ sexual behaviors, especially when mainstream society doesn’t see anything wrong with actions like masturbation, and some may even say it has health benefits.

Masturbation is against the law of chastity, and it is a sin. It can cause very real problems with spirituality, feelings of worthiness, self-esteem, and relationships—especially when coupled with pornography.

Regulating sexual behavior can be very difficult, so understanding the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its role in changing hearts and behavior is important. The law of chastity, like other commandments, is less about controlling our behavior, and more about strengthening ourselves and our connection with God.

If you, or someone you love, are struggling with pornography or masturbation, the Church has resources at Addressing Pornography and Combating Pornography. The talk "His Grace is Sufficient" may also be a helpful resource.

What's Your Take?

Matt
“I think one of the biggest problems with masturbation is that it prevents you from forming real relationships with real people. It actually makes it harder to connect with someone! It's no wonder those who struggle with this habit often feel lonely.”
Gerald
“Paul the Apostle said he had a thorn in the flesh and that he besought the Lord thrice, only for the Lord to say, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." I feel that masturbation is a thorn in the flesh and grace of Christ is my hope.”
Anna
“It's important to view masturbation and pornography use as unhealthy behaviors and not as bad behaviors that may create feelings of shame leading to further use. Having a good support system and patience with oneself is key.”
Seth
“We are to avoid sin and anything "like unto it." And, " the least degree of sin is not acceptable in the kingdom of God." Where a question arises, we should seek perfection of chastity. We should not be fence-sitters in absolute obedience.”
Mark J.
“I believe that the statements put forth are accurate and well said. Sexual feelings and acts are sacred and meant to be shared in a trust-filled and solemnized bond between a man and woman. Any sexual activity outside of that denigrates the sacred union.”

Read More Difficult Questions

98 Primary Sources

Footnotes

[1]↩︎
Masturbation and pornography use are listed in the 2020 General Handbook, the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, and the Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ as sins or transgressions.
[2]↩︎
The 2020 General Handbook explicitly states that masturbation or pornography use is not grounds for a membership council. However, child pornography use and/or "intensive or compulsive use of pornography that has caused significant harm to a member’s marriage or family" is grounds for Church disciplinary action.
- General Handbook states Church does not hold disciplinary councils for masturbation. Also discusses role of Bishops.
[3]↩︎
Pornography use may result in a disciplinary council in cases of child pornography and "intensive or compulsive use of pornography that has caused significant harm to a member’s marriage or family."
- General Handbook states Church does not hold disciplinary councils for masturbation. Also discusses role of Bishops.
[4]↩︎
In the popular Latter-day Saint book on marriage and sexuality, And They Were Not Ashamed: Strengthening Marriage Through Sexual Fulfillment, describes the term 'masturbation' as:
Masturbation (or solo self-pleasuring) is touching one's body for self-pleasuring outside the husband/wife relationship. It is an impulsive means of self-medicating or self-satisfying, and can send an unfortunate message to the spouse that he or she is not good enough in bed.
- Laura Brotherson discusses masturbation in a therapeutic and marital context.
[5]↩︎
In the popular Latter-day Saint book on marriage and sexuality, And They Were Not Ashamed: Strengthening Marriage Through Sexual Fulfillment, states:
While sexual touching or "petting" outside of marriage is inappropriate, within marriage it is a wonderfully right and proper part of lovemaking. Sexual stimulation involves touching the sexual part of each other's body to arouse sexual emotions.
- Laura Brotherson discusses masturbation in a therapeutic and marital context.
[6]↩︎
The General Handbook for leaders lists masturbation under the "Failure to Comply with Some Church Standards" subsection of Section 32.6 "Severity of the Sin and Church Policy".
Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ reads:
You should avoid any thought or action that would separate you from the Spirit of God. This includes but is not limited to . . . arousing sexual feelings . . . masturbation; and viewing or using pornography.
The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet states, "Do not do anything . . . that arouses [sexual feelings] in your own body."
[7]↩︎
This scripture is found in Matthew 5:28. Matthew 5:27-30 depicts Christ discussing the commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery."
New Testament scholar Craig Keener explained:
In this context, the hand might refer to self-stimulation, as in similar Jewish texts concerning lust as adultery. . . . Jesus is declaring in a graphic manner that by whatever means necessary, one should cast off this sin (Col 3:5 seems to interpret Jesus' amputation saying thus). One must repent to be ready for the kingdom of heaven (4:17).
- Biblical scholar Craig S. Keener summarizes Jesus's teachings on lust.
[8]↩︎
For example, a Church pamphlet used for teaching the law of chastity states that the law "applies to both men and women."
Similarly, President Ezra Taft Benson taught, "[The law of chastity] is the same for all—it is the same for men and women; it is the same for old and young; it is the same for rich and poor." Elsewhere, he said, "The Church has no double standard of morality. The moral code of heaven for both men and women is complete chastity before marriage and full fidelity after marriage."
The Church's essay on the topic declares that "all sexual relations outside of marriage violate the law of chastity and are physically and spiritually dangerous for those who engage in them" (added emphasis).
[9]↩︎
The two cleanliness questions are prefaced with: "The Lord has said that all things are to be 'done in cleanliness' before Him (Doctrine and Covenants 42:41)."
Section 26.3 of the General Handbook states:
Sometimes members have questions during a temple recommend interview. The priesthood leader may explain basic gospel principles. He may also help members understand the temple recommend questions if needed.
- Record of temple recommend interview questions.
- Church official instructions for issuing temple recommends - notes interviewee may bring a parent or other adult.
[10]↩︎
There are no specific guidelines on moral cleanliness or chastity in the context of masturbation. The general instructions in section 26.0 of the General Handbook that state:
Authorized priesthood leaders conduct temple recommend interviews and issue temple recommends to members who answer the [temple] interview questions appropriately and sincerely.
[11]↩︎
Bishops are tasked with being a "common judge" and have the responsibility to "issue a recommend only if the member answers the temple recommend questions appropriately." They are instructed to "affirm, through the interview, that the member is worthy."
However, bishops "should not present [their] personal beliefs, preferences, or interpretations as Church doctrine or policy."
- Record of temple recommend interview questions.
- Church official instructions for issuing temple recommends - notes interviewee may bring a parent or other adult.
[12]↩︎
The General Handbook gives specific instructions about how to conduct worthiness interviews.
Failure to Comply with Some Church Standards A membership council is not held for the actions listed below. However, note the exception in the last item. • Inactivity in the Church • Not fulfilling Church duties • Not paying tithing • Sins of omission • Masturbation • Not complying with the Word of Wisdom • Using pornography, except for child pornography (as outlined in 38.6.6) or intensive or compulsive use of pornography that has caused significant harm to a member’s marriage or family (as outlined in 38.6.13).
- General Handbook states Church does not hold disciplinary councils for masturbation. Also discusses role of Bishops.
[13]↩︎
There have been bishops or other church leaders arrested for sexual abuse.
For example, one bishop in California was excommunicated for stalking a member of his ward and her children and was later charged with sexual abuse.
Another bishop in Utah confessed to possessing child pornography images and taking pictures of children during ward functions. In this case, the Church spokesperson stated:
When local leaders learned of these allegations, this individual was immediately removed from any position that would place him in close contact with youth or children. This is done to ensure the safety of others and to allow this individual to address these serious allegations.
- 2KUTV reports on a bishop that was excommunicated for abusing children.
- KUTV report of a bishop convicted of child pornography charges.
[14]↩︎
In the April 2005 General Conference, Dallin H. Oaks gave a talk decrying the use of pornography:
Pornography impairs one’s ability to enjoy a normal emotional, romantic, and spiritual relationship with a person of the opposite sex. It erodes the moral barriers that stand against inappropriate, abnormal, or illegal behavior. As conscience is desensitized, patrons of pornography are led to act out what they have witnessed, regardless of its effects on their life and the lives of others. . . . Let us all improve our personal behavior and redouble our efforts to protect our loved ones and our environment from the onslaught of pornography that threatens our spirituality, our marriages, and our children.
- Dallin H. Oaks condemns pornography use; warns that it is spiritually damaging.
[15]↩︎
The General Handbook states that Bishops "counsel ward members who seek spiritual guidance, who have weighty personal problems, or who have committed serious sins, helping them draw on the healing power of Jesus Christ."
- General Handbook states Church does not hold disciplinary councils for masturbation. Also discusses role of Bishops.
[16]↩︎
The Doctrine and Covenants states that bishops are "judges in Israel" (D&C 58:17–18; 64:40; 107:68, 72, 74–75) and the Church handbook explicitly lists "common judge" as one of the responsibilities of the Bishop.
However, the general handbook stipulates that the "Bishop may ask his counselors, elders quorum and Relief Society presidents, and others to counsel ward members about some matters. However, only the bishop counsels ward members about matters of worthiness, abuse, and approval to use fast-offering funds."
- Church official instructions for issuing temple recommends - notes interviewee may bring a parent or other adult.
- General Handbook states Church does not hold disciplinary councils for masturbation. Also discusses role of Bishops.
[17]↩︎
In 2018, the Church made it an official policy that people can request that a third person be present during Bishop's interviews.
- Tad Walch in Deseret News reports on Church explicitly allowing others to sit in on Bishop interviews.
[18]↩︎
In October 2017, the First Presidency issued a letter with specific questions to ask prospective missionaries, including questions about the law of chastity (including masturbation) and pornography.
- First Presidency letter stating that pornography use should be a standard question when interviewing prospective missionaries.
[19]↩︎
The First Presidency gave the following guidance:
The bishop and stake president represent the Lord in conducting thorough interviews to certify that each missionary candidate is worthy to serve and that he or she has been, is now, and will continue abiding by the standards described in the enclosed interview questions. The bishop and stake president should seek the gift of discernment as they interview missionary candidates, so that they may understand the individual’s mind, heart and capacity to serve (see 1 Samuel 16:7).
- First Presidency letter stating that pornography use should be a standard question when interviewing prospective missionaries.
[20]↩︎
The current (2022) edition of For the Strength of Youth states:
In your choices about what you do, look at, read, listen to, think about, post, or text, avoid anything that purposely arouses lustful emotions in others or yourself. This includes pornography in any form. If you find that situations or activities make temptations stronger, avoid them. You know what those situations and activities are. And if you aren’t sure, the Spirit, your parents, and your leaders can help you know. Show your Father in Heaven that you honor and respect the sacred power to create life.
The previous version (2011) of For the Strength of Youth states something similar:
Do not do anything else that arouses sexual feelings. Do not arouse those emotions in your own body. Pay attention to the promptings of the Spirit so that you can be clean and virtuous.
- FSY teaches against pornography and masturbation.
- 2022 edition of the For the Strength of Youth website discusses sex and sexual behavior.
[21]↩︎
The General Handbook notes that masturbation does not require a membership council. However, masturbation is still listed as a "failure to comply with some church standards."
- General Handbook states Church does not hold disciplinary councils for masturbation. Also discusses role of Bishops.
[22]↩︎
The Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ states:
You should avoid any thought or action that would separate you from the Spirit of God. This includes but is not limited to adultery; fornication; same-sex activity; oral sex; arousing sexual feelings; inappropriate touching; sending or receiving messages, images, or videos that are immoral or sexual in nature; masturbation; and viewing or using pornography.
- Official missionary handbook, discusses masturbation.
[23]↩︎
Kimball noted this idea in The Miracle of Forgiveness:
What is more, it too often leads to grievous sin, even to that sin against nature, homosexuality. For, done in private, it evolved often into mutual masturbation—practices with another person of the same sex—and thence into total homosexuality.
- Spencer W. Kimball discusses homosexuality and masturbation in The Miracle of Forgiveness.
[24]↩︎
The publication was entitled "Homosexuality" and was intended to educate priesthood leaders on how to counsel homosexual members of the Church:
Early masturbation experiences introduce the individual to sexual thoughts which may become habit-forming and reinforcing to homosexual interests.
It later read:
Masturbation is a sin, but is not homosexuality when practiced alone. When individuals of the same sex masturbate each other, it is a homosexual act. Self-masturbation is almost universal among those who engage in homosexual behavior, and is a very difficult habit for most to overcome.
- LDS publication for bishops states that masturbation is almost universal for homosexuals and is a difficult habit to overcome.
[25]↩︎
"Understanding and Helping Those Who Have Homosexual Problems: Suggestions for Ecclesiastical Leaders" was published in 1992 for bishops.
Pornography and masturbation almost always accompany homosexual transgressions. These deviant practices musts be overcome before homosexual problems can be resolved.
- Guide from the Church for Bishops that says masturbation almost always accompanies homosexual transgressions.
[26]↩︎
In 1972 the American Medical Association declared that masturbation was "normal" and has become accepted as a positive sexual behavior by mainstream psychological and medical practitioners.
- Planned Parenthood article states that the American Medical Association pronounced masturbation as normal in 1972.
[27]↩︎
For example, in the popular Latter-day Saint book about marital sexuality And They Were Not Ashamed, Laura Brotherson introduces the concept of "intimate learning" within the bounds of "the husband/wife relationship."
The author makes a distinction between this and "masturbation (or solo self-pleasuring) [which] is touching one's body for self-pleasuring outside the husband/wife relationship."
- Laura Brotherson discusses masturbation in a therapeutic and marital context.
[28]↩︎
Masturbation has not been considered a pathology or diagnosable condition by the medical community for over a half-century.
The scientific community recognizes masturbation as normal, but studies disagree on whether it helps or hurts mental health, sexual health, and intimate relationships.
- Sexual Medicine Reviews article on prostate cancer and masturbation research indicates that the data is inconclusive.
- Archives of Sexual Behavior review of literature on masturbation and sexual health.
[29]↩︎
There is suggestive evidence in the literature that frequent ejaculation helps prevent prostate cancer, but the findings are not consistent and vary across contexts.
For example, some argue that masturbation ejaculation has different effects than ejaculating from penile-vaginal intercourse, and some have only found a protective effect of ejaculation for 30-40-year-olds with new sexual partners.
The extent and contexts in which ejaculation may help prevent prostate cancer is still an unsettled, open area of debate and research.
[30]↩︎
For example, some see labeling behavioral, hard-to-break habits as "addictions" as inappropriately placing such behavior in the same category as hard drug addiction. There's also a dispute about whether pornography addiction is an uncontrollable behavior or if religious beliefs contribute towards identifying one's self as a pornography addict.
While the 2014 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders considered adding "hypersexuality" as a diagnosable disorder, the manual did not include it due to lack of research on the question.
- APA article notes that the DSM-5 considered including pornography addiction, but decided there was not enough evidence.
[31]↩︎
For example, the Reddit support group, "r/NoFap," for people that struggle with pornography and masturbation addiction with over 800,000 registered users.
Academic papers often avoid using the term "pornography addiction," but they do address problematic or compulsive pornography use.