Well, needless to say, this is a hot topic, for both men and yes, women too. Yet, it is rarely discussed beyond junior high jokes. What are we to do with this difficult topic on which the Bible has nothing to say?

Most liberal Christians would hold the view that medical knowledge and experience show that it is a great thing for males and females alike. They view it as a safe way for a person to relieve sexual tension in a way that causes no negative side effects to themselves or to others. Sexual fantasy about another person would not necessarily be viewed as a negative thing, despite Jesus' teaching on it in Matt. 5:28 (Reference)

Others emphasize that if God commented on several other sexual practices (Adultery, rape, etc.), God would have commented on this subject if it was a problematic issue. They acknowledge that it can be a problem if it becomes an obsession or addiction. Masturbation is also acknowledged as sinful if accompanied by pornography and/or sexual fantasy, and that there is nothing like the law of gravity which says people have to lust when masturbating. Rather, lust has has come to be accepted by our culture as an undefeatable foe. Many with this view would also hold that masturbation is an effective agent for helping prevent adultery and fornication. (Reference) Additionally, others emphasize that within Scriptural boundaries it can be God-honoring (check out the excellent article here)

The other main view is that masturbation is wrong for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons are that sexual fantasy is too strongly tied to masturbation to be disconnected from it; it is another form of sex, and thus fornication; it can become an addictive habit; and that it increases sexual desire instead of decreasing it. This view advocates stopping masturbation through self-control, prayer, relieving sexual energies in other ways such as service, and the power of the Holy Spirit. (Reference)

• Does the fact that there is nothing in the Bible concerning this subject mean that it must not be a sin? (Is this akin to the issue of slavery on which the Bible says nothing promoting or dispromoting it?)
• How will masturbation affect other areas of a person's life, and will it have any side-effects in relationships?

I won't say that this is an easy issue, I have gone back and forth on it. I have talked to people who span the whole spectrum of views on this subject and all make good points. I do think it is clear from Jesus' command that one is not to look at another person lustfully, and that sexual fantasies of someone other than your spouse is sinful. Moreover, I have seen sexual fantasy and pornography to be very destructive in relationships with others. The person being fantacized about is made into a sex object, and thus there is a loss of respect for others. I think it is very important that we see others not just as objects and bodies, but as humans, as God's creations, who have minds, emotions, and souls. Jesus made such a strong injuction against lust, because it ultimately dehumanizes those who are the object of lust, and makes others inferior whose bodies do not "measure up" to the airbrushed bodies displayed so prominently on billboards and in magazines.

That said, I do not think that it is impossible for one not to lust, though many seem to think differently. However, because the Bible does not say anything directly about it and it would seem that it could help one control their sex drive I would lean more towards the second view.

One thing I wrestled with was, regardless of whether it is sinful or not, is it what is best for a person in the long run? Does it cheapen sex in marriage, does it lead one to view sex as just a physical act, is it something that will be regretted later when one gets married? In other words, if one can, is it best to abstain from the act for a better marriage later on? However, now that I am married, I don't think I needed to worry about these things as much as I did.