M@sturbation, IVF, Lust, Contraceptives – Catholic priest outlines specific sins violating the commandment against adultery

”Commandment Number SIX

“Thou shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14)

This commandment is rooted in holiness, chastity , fidelity and the proper use of human sexuality according to God’s design.

The Church does not reduce this commandment merely to adultery between married people. It covers the entire moral life of human sexuality: thoughts, desires, actions, relationships, marriage, modesty, dignity of the body, and respect for persons.

Here are the list of some of the sins that fall into this commandment.

1. Lust

The disordered desire for sexual pleasure. Examples: fantasizing sexually about someone, or deliberately entertaining impure thoughts, or reducing another person to an object for pleasure.

2. Masturbation

The deliberate stimulation of one’s sexual organs for sexual pleasure.

3. Pornography

The displaying or viewing of sexual acts to produce sexual excitement.

4. Fornication

Sexual intercourse between unmarried persons.

The Church teaches that sexual union belongs properly within marriage because sex signifies: total self-giving, lifelong fidelity, openness to children.

5. Adultery

Sexual relations where at least one person is married to someone else.

6. Divorce and Remarriage

The Church distinguishes between civil divorce and sacramental marriage.

A valid sacramental marriage is considered indissoluble. If you are sacramentally married, and it is valid, even if you get divorced from the court for your civil marriage, any sexual relationship outside the person you are validly married to sacramentally is considered adulterous.

7. Contraception

Artificial actions intended to prevent conception during sexual intercourse. This also includes pills, sterilization and condom.

8. Homosexual Acts

Sexual acts between persons of the same sex are considered contrary to natural law and a disorder.

9. Rape

Forced sexual violation of another person.

10. Incest

Sexual relations between close relatives where marriage is forbidden.

11. Sexual Abuse of Minors

The Church teaches this is a grave evil and crime. This includes: molestation, exploitation, grooming, coercion.

12. Prostitution

The selling of sexual acts for money or compensation.

13. Seduction and Scandal

The Church condemns: intentionally leading another person into sexual sin, abuse of authority for sexual purposes, manipulation, exploitative relationships.

“Scandal” in Catholic theology means encouraging others into sin.

14. Immodesty

Behavior, dress, speech, or actions that intentionally provoke sexual temptation or degrade dignity.

15. Voyeurism and Sexual Exploitation

These include: spying on naked persons, secret recordings, revenge pornography, coercive sexual behavior, trafficking.

16. Artificial Reproductive Practices

The church is against IVF, sperm donation, surrogacy, embryo destruction.