The notion that sex is an act between consenting adults has been challenged in recent years as cases of sexual assault and harassment have come to light. But what role does religion play in this issue? Religious doctrine dictates how people view sex and can influence their behavior. This paper will explore how different religions conceptualize sexual exploitation and discuss its impact on both perpetrators and victims from a psychological perspective.
Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Shintoism all consider sex outside of marriage unacceptable for varying reasons.
Christians believe that sex should be saved exclusively for marriage because it was created for procreation rather than pleasure. They also see adultery as sinful and immoral because it violates commitments made within marriage. In Islam, extramarital relationships are forbidden, but rape is seen as acceptable if the woman is not married or chaste enough to refuse intercourse. According to Buddhist tradition, lust is one of the five poisons that block enlightenment; therefore, sex must occur within marriage and must not be selfish. Hindus believe that sex is sacred and should only take place between husband and wife. The Japanese Shinto religion believes that sex should be restricted by social rules and norms, such as marrying before having sex.
Psychologically, research shows that those who abuse power over others often use sex as a tool for domination. Victims may experience feelings of shame, guilt, humiliation, anger, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Perpetrators may feel remorse after the act but continue to engage in sexual assault due to addiction or lack of empathy towards their victims. Religions that view sex as taboo can create an environment where victims fear reporting incidents due to stigma or cultural pressure. This can lead to further psychological damage, as they may question their own worthiness and self-esteem. Religious doctrine also influences how perpetrators view themselves and their actions, leading them to minimize responsibility for their behavior or blame their victim.
How do religious doctrines conceptualize sexual exploitation, and what are the psychological and relational consequences for both perpetrators and victims?
Religious doctrines conceptualize sexual exploitation as a sin that undermines human relationships with God and other humans. In Christianity, it is considered an act of lustfulness and a violation of the commandments, while in Islam, it is viewed as a moral transgression and a serious offense against Shariah law.