Sexual morality is deeply rooted in religion, and it has been so for centuries. Religions teach their followers to refrain from certain sexual behaviors that they consider immoral, such as premarital sex, adultery, and same-sex relationships.
Research suggests that this moralizing influence may go beyond behavioral restrictions and extend to shaping how people evaluate potential partners, make decisions about sexual interactions, and even think about their own body and sexual desires.
I will explore how engagement with sacred texts, rituals, and religious art can shape sexual moral reasoning, erotic cognition, and partner evaluation. To do so, I will discuss three main aspects of sexual morality influenced by religion:
1. Religious beliefs and attitudes about sex
2. The role of the clergy in mediating sexual ethics
3. The impact of religious iconography on sexual desire and arousal.
Let's look at religious beliefs and attitudes about sex. Studies have shown that individuals who attend church services regularly tend to have more conservative views on sexuality than those who don't.
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that frequent churchgoers were less likely to approve of premarital sex, casual sex, or nonmonogamy than infrequent churchgoers (Baumeister et al., 2008). This difference was especially pronounced among women, suggesting that religious institutions play an important role in shaping gendered perspectives on sexuality.
The clergy plays a critical role in transmitting religious teachings and norms related to sexuality. Clergy members are often seen as moral authorities within their communities, and their opinions carry significant weight when it comes to what is considered right and wrong. In some cases, priests, pastors, and imams may even prescribe specific sexual behaviors or proscribe others based on their interpretation of religious doctrine.
Catholic priests are not allowed to marry or engage in any form of sexual activity, which means they must remain celibate throughout their lives. Other religions, such as Islam, have stricter rules regarding extramarital sex, including punishments for adultery ranging from flogging to stoning. These strictures can influence how people view themselves and their own sexual desires, creating feelings of shame and guilt around certain behaviors.
Religious iconography can also impact sexual morality by providing visual representations of idealized relationships and bodies. Images of saints, angels, and other holy figures have long been used to convey messages about purity, chastity, and piety.
Research suggests that these images can also promote unrealistic expectations about physical appearance and sexual behavior. A study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found that exposure to religious art influenced women's perceptions of attractiveness and body ideals (Fetcho & Chong, 2013). The authors suggest that this may lead individuals to feel pressure to conform to certain beauty standards or reject partners who don't meet them.
Religion plays a complex role in shaping our attitudes toward sex and intimacy. While religious teachings and norms vary widely across cultures and denominations, the moralizing influence of institutions like churches, mosques, and temples continues to shape how we think about ourselves and our sexuality. By exploring these influences, we can better understand how religion shapes our sexual decision-making processes and develop more inclusive approaches to sexual health education and support.
How does engagement with sacred texts, rituals, and religious art shape sexual moral reasoning, erotic cognition, and partner evaluation?
Religious beliefs and practices have been shown to play an important role in shaping individuals' moral values, including their attitudes towards sex and intimacy. Engagement with sacred texts, rituals, and religious art can influence how people think about and evaluate various types of behavior related to sexuality, such as premarital sex, infidelity, and non-monogamy.