The Biblical Design Purpose of Sex Applied to Issues of Personal Sexuality

Abstract

This dissertation argues that the Bible provides a clear, inherent design purpose for human sexuality and that this design serves as the measure for determining ethical sexual activity. Historically, both Western civilization and the church have largely condemned autoeroticism, often referred to as masturbation, viewing it as immoral due to perceived causes (e.g., insanity, immaturity) or adverse effects (e.g., “spilling the seed,” feminization). While these historical, consequentialist arguments frequently lacked compelling theological or scientific support and have been largely discarded, their abandonment has left the contemporary church without a framework for addressing this.A survey of modern Christian ministry and counseling voices reveals arguments in favor of a limited permissibility for masturbation. This thesis engages these views, demonstrating their inconsistency with biblical teaching and highlighting the potential negative consequences, such as sexual challenges in marriage, lust, irregular marital intercourse, increased selfishness, and enslavement to other sexual sins. Chapter 3, the core of the thesis, outlines and expands on the Bible’s six design purposes for sexuality: consummation of marriage, procreation, unity in marriage, expression of affection, abatement of temptation, and the giving and receiving of mutual pleasure. These purposes are exclusively fulfilled within the covenantal union of one male and one female. By systematically applying this six-fold framework, the dissertation demonstrates that autoeroticism fundamentally deviates from God’s design purpose for human sexuality. Consequently, it should not be promoted, encouraged, or condoned as a healthy practice within the church, but rather abstained from. Finally, the dissertation offers practical suggestions for equipping local churches and educational settings to utilize this theological argument. By understanding the biblical design purpose of sex, the church can confidently address not only the ethics of autoeroticism but also a broader range of complex sexual issues confronting believers today.