One of the most important ways that new religions and cults form is through their emphasis on creating distinctive sexual ethics. These rules regulate everything from who can have sex with whom to what activities are permissible within marriage. New religious groups often claim that they have been given direct revelations from God about how to live morally. Sexual taboos are one way that they distinguish themselves from mainstream society.
Scientology teaches members that extramarital sex is forbidden because it disrupts the harmony of family life. Adultery is viewed as immoral and destructive to marriages.
Many Scientologists also believe that members should avoid all forms of sex outside of marriage. This includes masturbation, which is seen as spiritually damaging. Some sects even go so far as to prohibit homosexuality and premarital sex altogether.
Other religions like Jehovah's Witnesses have strict guidelines for how married couples should behave in bed. They must follow specific positions during intercourse and avoid using contraception at all costs. Unmarried partners are expected to remain abstinent until marriage.
JWs encourage men to control women's bodies by discouraging them from pursuing higher education or careers outside the home.
As a result of these unique erotic norms, members may feel pressured into following certain behaviors that might not otherwise appeal to them.
Some members of new religious movements may feel obligated to marry young if they wish to continue practicing their faith. Others might be made uncomfortable by the group's rigid expectations around sexual roles within marriage. Members who do not comply with these rules risk facing social isolation or expulsion from the community.
Understanding how religions formulate their sexual ethics can help us better understand what makes them different from other groups. It can also highlight the challenges faced by individuals who want to leave their communities but still maintain close relationships with family and friends who stay behind.
What are the mechanisms through which sects and new religious movements create unique sexual ethics, and how do these influence members' erotic behavior and relational norms?
In contemporary times, many religions have been experiencing increased popularity due to the emergence of sects and new religious movements. The growth in membership and the need for more members has led to changes in the way these organizations operate.