Sexuality is an integral part of human nature. It defines our lives from birth to death. We cannot escape it nor can we control it.
Society has created rules, regulations, laws, norms, and belief systems that govern our personal lives. One such system is religious absolutism which imposes strict guidelines on people's private lives, including their sexual behaviors. This article explores how religious absolutism impacts sexual self-forgiveness, which is essential for a healthy relationship between individuals and themselves.
Religious absolutism is a set of principles that holds one religion above all others and deems it the ultimate truth. These religions often have very rigid codes of conduct regarding sexual behavior, including premarital sex, extramarital affairs, masturbation, homosexuality, and other sexual acts considered immoral. People who violate these norms are seen as sinners and are punished accordingly. The punishment may be severe or subtle, but its effect on sexual self-forgiveness is long-lasting.
According to psychology experts, forgiving oneself after committing sexual sins is crucial for emotional wellbeing. When someone feels guilty about their actions, they are less likely to enjoy life fully and have positive relationships with others. They also develop anxiety and low self-esteem due to constant negative thoughts about their behavior. Self-forgiveness is a way to heal this damage and move forward in life.
Religious absolutism makes it difficult for people to forgive themselves because they believe that their transgressions cannot be excused under any circumstances. Religion teaches them that they must repent, confess, and seek divine intervention before achieving peace. But even if they follow all the steps required by their faith, they still feel guilt, shame, and embarrassment over their past mistakes. This can lead to further isolation and hopelessness, making them avoid intimacy altogether.
Religious absolutism has a detrimental impact on sexual self-forgiveness. It creates an environment where individuals feel trapped between two opposing forces: their desires and their belief system. As a result, many people struggle with their sexuality throughout their lives and suffer from various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. They become preoccupied with their past wrongdoings, leading them down a path of self-destruction.
Religious absolutism affects sexual self-forgiveness negatively by imposing strict rules that make it challenging to forgive oneself. Individuals who adhere to these principles may struggle with their sexuality, leading to a range of psychological problems. Therefore, it is essential for religions to reconsider their approach to sexuality, allowing people to embrace their bodies without judgment or condemnation.