Whether the act of onanism is a [[sin]] is subject to dispute, as onanism is a commonly used birth control method also called ''coitus-interruptus'' or withdrawal. The [[Roman Catholic Church]] and other popular sources interpret this passage as a condemnation of [[sexual intercourse]] which does not permit [[human reproduction|reproduction]]. Thus, the [[Roman Catholic Church]] considers onanism (including self abuse) to be sinful. The traditional [[Jewish]] view of the Biblical passage suggests that Onan's sin may have been in disobeying an order from God, or even the lack of putting the family needs before his own. | Whether the act of onanism is a [[sin]] is subject to dispute, as onanism is a commonly used birth control method also called ''coitus-interruptus'' or withdrawal. The [[Roman Catholic Church]] and other popular sources interpret this passage as a condemnation of [[sexual intercourse]] which does not permit [[human reproduction|reproduction]]. Thus, the [[Roman Catholic Church]] considers onanism (including self abuse) to be sinful. The traditional [[Jewish]] view of the Biblical passage suggests that Onan's sin may have been in disobeying an order from God, or even the lack of putting the family needs before his own. |