Background Sexuality is a fundamental part of human existence that has been widely studied through various disciplines including sociology, psychology, anthropology, biology, history, and philosophy. In Colombia, it plays an important role in shaping social norms, cultural practices, and moral values. For centuries, religion has played a major role in defining how people view their sexuality and express their desires.
In recent years there have been significant changes in Colombian society regarding sexual behavior and attitudes towards premarital sex. This shift can be observed across different socioeconomic groups and religious denominations. It requires further analysis to understand its implications for public policies, family life, and individual wellbeing.
Methodology To explore this topic, I conducted semi-structured interviews with ten individuals from diverse backgrounds who have experience with premarital sex in Colombia. The interviewees included five women and five men aged between 20 and 45 years old. They came from urban and rural areas and belonged to Catholic, Evangelical Christian, and Jewish faiths. All were fluent in Spanish and provided informed consent before the interviews. The interviews lasted between one hour and two hours each and were transcribed verbatim. The data was analyzed using qualitative research methods such as thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and patterns.
Results The results show that there are several religious frameworks that influence premarital sexual behaviors in Colombia. Catholicism, which is the most widespread religion in the country, promotes abstinence until marriage but also acknowledges the human desire for intimacy. Many evangelical churches reject premarital sex altogether while others encourage it within certain parameters. Judaism, although not widely practiced, values sexual pleasure and intimacy. These frameworks shape erotic experiences and relationships in various ways including influencing how people view their bodies, emotions, and desires. They also affect whether and how people engage in premarital sex, the type of relationship they seek, and their expectations regarding love and commitment.
Some participants reported feeling guilty or ashamed after having premarital sex because of their religious beliefs while others felt liberated by breaking taboos.
Conclusion This study contributes to our understanding of how Colombian religiosity regulates sexual behavior and shapes relational experiences. It highlights the complexities of navigating religious teachings and social norms when it comes to intimacy and desire. It suggests that policymakers should consider these factors when developing policies related to sexual health education, family planning, and reproductive rights.
This article provides insights into how religions can shape individual and collective sexual identities and experiences, particularly in Latin American societies where conservative attitudes towards sex remain strong.
How do Colombian religious frameworks regulate premarital sexual behavior and shape erotic and relational experiences?
Colombians have diverse ways of negotiating their sex life depending on social norms, cultural practices, family values, and religions. Catholicism is one of the most influential Christian denominations in Colombia with 74% of the population identifying as Catholic. The Catholic Church has long been the primary influence shaping attitudes towards sexuality in Colombia.