Masturbation in high field secondary schools of Harare, Zimbabwe: A youth challenge, reflection and suggested biblical responses

Masturbation appears to be a growing challenge among today's youths with many seeking professional counselling in a bid to find solutions to curb the vice. Despite the fact that many are battling masturbation addiction, questions have been raised regarding the biblical premise upon which masturbation is considered a sin. However, these questions have been met with an apparent dearth in literature. It is in this light that this study analyses the scriptural basis for discouraging masturbation. The study argues that while there seems to be no explicit reference to masturbation in the Scriptures, there is implicit evidence that discourages the act. To validate this assertion, the study characterizes masturbation and its effects before providing biblical texts that circumstantially discuss masturbation. Different ways through which one can overcome masturbation are provided.