The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has strict guidelines for its members regarding sexual practices and behaviors within marriage. These include prohibitions against premarital and extramarital sex, masturbation, homosexual acts, pornography consumption, adultery, and polyamory. Marriage is viewed as a sacred union between one man and one woman, and sexual activity is considered to be an expression of love and commitment within that relationship.
These norms can create conflicts between religious obedience and sexual fulfillment for some members, who may feel torn between their faith and their desires.
Religious Obedience
Members are expected to obey the laws of the church and follow its teachings on sexuality. This includes refraining from sexual activity outside of marriage and limiting it to procreative purposes within marriage. Mormons believe that sexual intimacy should be reserved for the married couple and that all other forms of sexual behavior are sinful. This can lead to feelings of shame or guilt for those who struggle with sexual urges but cannot act upon them.
Erotic Desire
Despite these restrictions, erotic desire is a natural part of human biology. Many people experience intense physical and emotional arousal during sexual encounters. For some Mormons, this can create a tension between their religious beliefs and their own sexual needs. They may find themselves wanting to engage in activities that go beyond what is allowed by the church, but feel guilty about doing so.
Relational Intimacy
Relationships are also important to Mormons, who place great emphasis on the family unit. Sexual intimacy is seen as an expression of love and commitment within marriage. Couples are encouraged to explore each other's bodies and engage in various acts to deepen their connection.
Some couples may feel uncomfortable with certain types of sex or have different preferences, leading to conflicts over how to express their love physically.
Community Cohesion
The church places a high value on community cohesion, which can make discussions about sexual issues difficult. Members are discouraged from sharing private details about their relationships with others and may not feel comfortable seeking help or support for sexual problems. This can lead to isolation and lack of resources for those struggling with their sexuality.
Psychological Management
Members may manage these conflicts through several psychological mechanisms. Some may try to suppress their desires or avoid thinking about them altogether. Others may seek counseling or therapy to address their feelings and find ways to balance their faith and sexuality. Some may even leave the church entirely due to its strict teachings on sexuality.
Navigating the tension between religion and sexuality is a personal journey that requires individualized solutions.
How do Mormon sexual norms mediate erotic desire, relational intimacy, and community cohesion, and how are conflicts between religious obedience and sexual fulfillment psychologically managed?
Mormonism is not only a religion but also a culture with its own set of values, beliefs, and practices that affect sexuality, relationships, and social belonging. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), which is commonly known as "The Mormon Church," has established strict guidelines on sexual conduct, including marriage within the church and abstinence before it.