Religious teachings often have strong opinions about which sexual behaviors are acceptable and which ones are forbidden, including those related to gender roles, marriage, premarital sex, extramarital sex, homosexuality, masturbation, contraception, abortion, pornography, fetishism, transgender identity, crossdressing, bestiality, incest, necrophilia, voyeurism, exhibitionism, masochism, sadomasochism, rape, pedophilia, ageplay, and others. These belief systems can be enforced through social norms, community pressure, family expectations, legal restrictions, cultural taboos, religious proscriptions, and even divine punishment. The influence of these religious perspectives on erotic identity may be more powerful than the influence of science, art, law, economics, politics, psychology, or sociology. The resulting patterns of behavior can vary widely from culture to culture and religion to religion.
When people grow up within a specific religious context, they learn what is expected of them in terms of sexual expression, how to respond to stimuli, and what kind of emotional bonds to seek out.
Christian fundamentalists might be taught that all forms of sex outside of heterosexual marriage are sinful. This creates an expectation for lifelong monogamy, strict adherence to male-female divisions, and abstinence until marriage. In contrast, Eastern religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, or Taoism may allow polygamous relationships, polyamorous arrangements, and casual sex with consenting adults. Some cultures permit ritual prostitution, while others forbid it. Some faiths emphasize female submission and obedience, some emphasize gender equality. All of this can shape how individuals view themselves, their desires, and their needs when it comes to intimate relationships.
Many people struggle to reconcile conflicting messages about sexuality.
Someone raised in the Catholic church may have been told that masturbation is a grave sin but still find pleasure in solo play. They may feel guilty about their feelings towards pornography or kinky fetishes. Others may feel shame around homoerotic attractions or transgender identities. Religious taboos can also encourage secrecy, which leads to isolation, confusion, self-doubt, fear, anxiety, and even depression. It's not uncommon for believers to deny or repress parts of themselves to avoid religious condemnation. On the other hand, they may cling tightly to their religion if it provides a sense of security, purpose, and belonging.
For those who reject traditional views on sex, there may be no easy escape from religious influence. Parents, friends, teachers, neighbors, and communities may judge them harshly for violating sacred beliefs. Even secular cultures tend to have strong opinions about what constitutes "normal" or acceptable behavior. Many people are forced to choose between hiding who they truly are and risking social ostracization, exclusion, or even physical harm. This means that erotic identity is often shaped by both internal and external forces - personal feelings, family history, cultural norms, political ideologies, legal codes, and religious proscriptions. The result is often a mix of shame, guilt, conflict, and fear along with pride, joy, freedom, and fulfillment.
The intersection of religion and sexuality has sparked debate among scholars, activists, psychologists, doctors, politicians, artists, scientists, and laypeople alike. Some argue that faith promotes healthier relationships, stronger families, and greater happiness. Others believe it stifles personal growth, limits creativity, and encourages abuse. There's little agreement about how best to address these issues or whether change is possible. But one thing is clear: taboos can play a powerful role in determining what we think, feel, desire, and do when it comes to our deepest longings, desires, needs, and fantasies.
What role do religiously mediated taboos play in shaping erotic identity?
Religious teachings can have a profound influence on individual's erotic identity, and cultural norms regarding sexuality may be conveyed through religious taboos. Religious beliefs often dictate how individuals view their sexuality, what they are allowed to engage in sexually, and with whom they are permitted to engage sexually.