Masturbation from judaism to victorianism

Area of Science:

• Religious Studies
• History of Sexuality
• Medical History

Background:

• Masturbation was historically condemned in Judaism and Christianity due to misinterpretations of Genesis 38:7-10.
• This condemnation established a foundation for religious and social hostility towards sex.
• Official condemnation by Pope Leo IX in 1054 marked a significant point in its negative perception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the historical trajectory of masturbation's condemnation.
• To analyze the evolution of religious and scientific distortions regarding masturbation.
• To highlight masturbation's role as a catalyst for social change in sexual attitudes.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of religious texts and doctrines.
• Examination of medieval and Victorian era scientific and religious literature.
• Tracing the evolution of social attitudes towards sexuality.

Main Results:

• Masturbation was labeled a "secret sin," an "ontic evil," and a threat to humanity.
• From the medieval era to Victorianism, it was falsely associated with unnatural sex, murder, and diabolical practices.
• It was erroneously blamed for numerous diseases, including insanity, neurosis, and neurasthenia.

Conclusions:

• Religious and scientific misconceptions have historically led to severe judgment of masturbation.
• These distortions created a legacy of social and religious hostility towards sexual practices.
• Despite condemnation, masturbation has historically influenced shifts in societal sexual attitudes.