Erotic autonomy involves having control over one's own sexual desires and behavior. It means being able to choose who you have sex with, when, where, how often, what kind of sex, etc., without external pressure or interference. Religious mandates typically dictate that people must abstain from certain types of sex, be faithful within marriage, and follow strict rules about birth control and gender roles. How does reconciling these two opposites affect psychological wellbeing?
Let's consider the impact of religious beliefs on sexuality. Many religions teach that sexual pleasure is sinful, dirty, immoral, or distracting from spiritual goals. This can lead to guilt, shame, anxiety, self-loathing, and other mental health issues.
If a person is raised with a religion that emphasizes abstinence before marriage but later has premarital sex, they may feel guilty and confused, leading to depression or suicide attempts.
Erotic autonomy can help balance out this negative impact. When someone feels free to express their sexuality in ways that align with their values and desires, it boosts confidence, self-esteem, emotional resilience, and overall quality of life. They are less likely to suffer from depression or substance abuse related to repressed sexuality.
There may be tradeoffs. If a person engages in non-monogamous activities such as polyamory, polygamy, or swinging, they risk contracting STDs, infidelity, relationship drama, and emotional damage.
Pursuing unhealthy fetishes like BDSM, bestiality, necrophilia, etc., could lead to trauma, addiction, criminal charges, and social stigma.
Reconciling these two views requires careful thought and self-reflection. Some people decide to follow religious rules while still enjoying sexual freedom, through creative solutions like pornography, masturbation, phone sex, cybersex, roleplaying, or fantasy. Others might choose a religion that is more open to erotic expression (eg., Tantra). Still others may leave the faith altogether, embrace atheism/agnosticism, or find alternative spiritual paths. Everyone must weigh the pros and cons based on personal beliefs, relationships, culture, community, and legal constraints.
The psychological implications of balancing sexuality with religion depend on the individual's unique situation. But one thing is certain: having full control over your own body and mind is crucial for healthy mental functioning. By understanding our desires, values, and limits, we can create an empowered lifestyle that honors both ourselves and others - even when it means challenging societal norms.
What are the psychological implications of reconciling erotic autonomy with religiously mandated sexual obedience?
It is essential to examine the intersection of sexuality and religion when considering issues such as reconciliation between one's autonomy and religiously mandated obligations. According to the Psychology Today article "Sexuality and Religion" (2017), there may be a conflict between individual sexual desires and religious beliefs, leading to anxiety and shame. [.