Australia is a diverse nation with various religions practiced by its citizens. Religious beliefs and values have an impact on individual's lives, including their views on sex, sexuality, and relationships. Adolescence is a crucial stage where one's personality develops, and teenagers may be influenced by what they learn from their surroundings, including religious teachings. This article will explore how contemporary religious teachings regarding premarital sex influence adolescent sexual identity, relational development, and experiences of guilt or shame.
The Christian faith has been a dominant religion in Australia for centuries. The Bible, which is considered the sacred scripture of this religion, outlines that sex should only occur between married partners.
The New International Version (NIV) states in Proverbs 5:18-20: "Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your well -should your springs flow in the streets? Should you share your intimate parts with strangers?"(Prov 5:18-20). This verse implies that sex outside marriage is immoral and dangerous, as it compares it to drinking water from contaminated sources.
The NIV further explains in Hebrews 13:4 that the husband and wife are bound together by God, suggesting that any sexual activity outside marriage is a violation of this union.
Islam, another significant religion in Australia, also forbids premarital sex. The Quran, Islam's holy book, considers sex to be a private matter between husband and wife. It states in Surah Al-Noor (24:30) that "tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest"(Quran 24:30), implying that men should not lust after women who are not their wives.
The Hadith, which is the collection of traditions narrating the sayings and deeds of the prophet Muhammad, describes how those who commit adultery will face severe punishment in the afterlife.
Buddhism, on the other hand, views sex as a natural human need and encourages individuals to control their desires. Monks and nuns take vows of celibacy, while laypeople can have relationships within marriage.
Buddhism discourages excessive sexual behavior, as it interferes with spiritual development. The Dhammapada, a sacred text of Buddhism, says in Verse 267 that one should "control his senses like a horse held by a bridle," implying that sexual desire must be controlled.
Hinduism is another popular religion in Australia, where sex is seen as part of life but only appropriate for procreation and marital bliss. The Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture, advises against having sexual relations with anyone outside of marriage, stating that "the man who seeks pleasure in another's wife is sinful." This verse implies that infidelity damages the institution of marriage and is morally wrong.
These religious teachings highlight the importance of abstaining from premarital sex and maintaining moral standards regarding sexual conduct. They also suggest that indulging in sexual activity outside marriage may lead to guilt or shame and disrupt relational development during adolescence.
Not all adolescents adhere to these teachings, leading them to experience feelings of guilt or shame.
Contemporary religious teachings regarding premarital sex influence adolescent sexual identity, relational development, and experiences of guilt or shame. While some teenagers may follow religious teachings and avoid premarital sex, others might feel guilty about their actions despite knowing they are immoral according to their faith. It is essential for parents, teachers, and other role models to provide guidance and support to help young people navigate these challenges and make informed decisions regarding sex and relationships.
How do contemporary religious teachings in Australia regarding premarital sex influence adolescent sexual identity, relational development, and experiences of guilt or shame?
The belief system in Australia is diverse, but most religious belief systems discourage premarital sex and emphasize abstinence until marriage. Adolescents who identify with these beliefs may experience feelings of guilt or shame if they engage in premarital sex and may struggle with their sexual identity as it does not align with their religious values. Premarital sex can also negatively impact relationship development by creating tension between partners and increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancy.