The Bible does not mention masturbation or state whether or not masturbation is a sin. The passage most frequently associated with masturbation is the story of Onan in Genesis 38:9–10. Some interpret this passage to say that “spilling your seed” is a sin. However, that is not what the passage is saying. God condemned Onan not for “spilling his seed” but because Onan was rebellious. Onan refused to fulfill his duty to provide an heir for his deceased brother. The passage is not about masturbation but about fulfilling a family obligation.

A second passage sometimes used as evidence that masturbation is a sin is Matthew 5:27–30. Jesus speaks against having lustful thoughts and then says, “If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.” While there is clearly a connection between lustful thoughts and masturbation, it is unlikely that Jesus was alluding to the specific sin of masturbation in this passage.

The Bible nowhere explicitly states that masturbation is a sin, but there is no question that the actions that usually lead to masturbation are sinful. Masturbation is nearly always the result of lustful thoughts, inappropriate sexual stimulation, and/or pornography. It is these problems that need to be dealt with. If the sins of lust, immoral thoughts, and pornography are forsaken and overcome, masturbation will become much less of an issue and temptation. Many people struggle with guilt concerning masturbation, when, in reality, they would be far better off repenting of the sins that lead them to masturbate.

With that said, is masturbation itself a sin? While the Bible does not directly answer this question, there definitely are some biblical principles that can be applied to the issue:

(1) “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). If we cannot give God glory for something, we should not do it.

(2) “Everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). If we are not fully convinced that an activity is honoring to God, it is a sin.

(3) “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Our bodies have been redeemed and belong to God.

(4) “The fruit of the Spirit is . . . self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). Masturbation is almost always a sign of a lack of self-control.

These great truths should have a powerful impact on what we do with our bodies. In light of these principles, many conclude that masturbation is always sinful. Masturbation is a questionable activity, at best—whether it can glorify God; whether it can be done in absolute confidence that it is right; and whether it can honor God as the owner of our bodies.

If done with absolutely no lust, immoral thoughts, or pornography, with full assurance that it is good and right, with thanks given to God for the pleasure it brings (see 1 Corinthians 10:30), is it still a sin to masturbate? The most we can say is maybe not. However, we have serious doubts whether this scenario ever truly exists.

From ancient times until now, many people have tried to replicate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a fundamental belief in Christianity. According to Christian teachings, Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the Son of God, died after his crucifixion and rose from the dead on the third day.

Throughout history, various individuals have attempted to replicate this event, often with disastrous outcomes. One such individual who never lived to tell the story was a man called De Laurence.

De Laurence died mysteriously while attempting to become the new Jesus. He claimed that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were no great feats. After his death, his followers spread his message, stating that he had prophesied his resurrection after three days, just like Jesus Christ.

Surprisingly, he did rise on the third day. However, as he attempted to emerge from his burial chamber, a mighty thunderbolt struck him from the heavens, killing him instantly—affirming that no man can be likened to Jesus Christ, not even De Laurence.

Stories of De Laurence have been told countless times, including the famous Shirley Duppy incident in Rollington Town, which led many people to abandon their homes. Mysterious occurrences were reported, such as rocks being thrown at houses with no visible stone thrower, rain falling only in a specific area, and cribs catching fire without harming the babies inside.

One unforgettable tale is of a woman who had been pregnant for fourteen months. She sought help from a spiritualist, who gave her a remedy and instructed her to sit over a pail upon returning home. When she did, instead of giving birth, an egg emerged. Inscribed in blue ink on the egg were the words: LEAVE MY MAN NORMAN ALONE! The story goes that Norman’s baby’s mother had visited an Obeah man, who was a disciple of De Laurence, to cast a spell on her rival.

It is said that De Laurence only haunted those who owed him, demanding payment through supernatural means.

De Laurence practiced Hindu occultism and mastered it to some extent. Contrary to popular belief, he was a white man who deeply understood the power of the mind.

De Laurence was born on October 31, 1868, in Cleveland, Ohio, as the eldest child of William and Mary (née Walker) Lawrence. He was married twice—first in 1897 to Orrie Eckert in Ohio and later, around 1905, to Pauline McAdoo in Illinois.

De Laurence passed away on September 11, 1936, in Chicago at the age of 68.