How does internalized religious morality influence what kinds of sexual fantasies people allow themselves to have or suppress?
Sexual fantasy is an imaginative way of exploring one's own physical desires, including those that may be uncomfortable in real life. It can provide pleasure and excitement without involving actual intercourse.
Some people limit their fantasies based on religious beliefs they were taught as children.
When it comes to sexual fantasy, many individuals are shaped by the cultural and moral attitudes they grew up with. These norms include a wide variety of religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others.
The Catholic Church, for instance, has historically condemned masturbation, homosexuality, premarital sex, abortion, adultery, contraception, pornography, and other activities related to intimacy. People who follow this religion might feel guilty about having certain erotic thoughts or urges because of guilt-inducing teachings from childhood. They may find ways to rationalize them away (e.g., "My partner deserves my love and attention more than mere sex") or simply repress them.
Islamic tradition also puts restrictions on sexual behavior, although there are differences between Sunni and Shia views. Muslim couples must marry before engaging in any form of sex, and women cannot show their bodies in public. Therefore, some Muslims may struggle with feelings of shame regarding private lustful dreams about non-spouses, or even their spouse. This can lead to suppressed arousal, which causes stress and affects marital satisfaction.
Jewish culture tends to emphasize modesty and discretion when it comes to sexual expression. Some Orthodox Jews believe that only married couples should have intercourse for procreative purposes, not pleasure. Others take a more liberal approach but still reject non-monogamy, bestiality, incest, and other transgressions.
Even among atheists, secular individuals may have internalized ideas from family members and religious communities about what is normal or acceptable.
They could be scared of getting caught watching porn or imagining rape scenes due to social stigma.
Religious morality shapes how people view sex, both practically and theoretically. It influences the types of fantasies that get explored and those kept hidden.
This does not mean that everyone who has taboo desires is necessarily repressed or guilty. Some may explore these urges openly as part of their kinks or fetishes.