Internal conflicts are often experienced when it comes to sexuality and religion because they both have different interpretations on how one should live their life. Religious beliefs teach that sex is reserved for marriage between a man and woman while others believe in having multiple partners. These differences can lead to internal conflicts within individuals who struggle to reconcile these two beliefs which can affect their overall morality and decision making abilities.
If an individual has strong religious beliefs but also desires to engage in non-marital sex, this could create a moral dilemma where they would need to choose whether to follow their heart or their faith. This article will explore how internal conflicts about sexuality influence religious commitment and moral decision making.
Impact on Moral Decision Making
The first way internal conflicts about sexuality influences religious commitment and moral decision making is through conflicting messages from society. Religion emphasizes abstaining from premarital sex whereas popular culture promotes casual relationships, hookups, and even pornography. In a study done by Smith et al., participants were asked to rate how much pressure they felt from each source regarding their sexual decisions, with results showing that religiosity was associated with lower levels of peer and media pressure (2014). This shows that those who hold firm beliefs in religion tend to be less influenced by external forces such as media and peers when it comes to making moral decisions surrounding sexuality.
This does not mean that all religions are the same in their views on sexuality. Some may permit certain forms of sexual behavior while others strictly forbid them altogether. Therefore, depending on one's own religious background, different strategies might be needed for navigating this conflict.
Different Religious Views on Sexuality
Islam teaches that any form of sexual activity outside marriage is haram, meaning forbidden or unlawful (Shah & Shah, 2019). This includes masturbation, homosexuality, adultery, and premarital sex. In addition, Islam encourages modesty in dress and behavior which can also impact an individual's decision-making process when it comes to engaging in non-marital sex. On the other hand, Hinduism has no clear stance on premarital sex but frowns upon adultery, prostitution, and polygamy (Ray, 2017). Judaism allows for consensual sex between married couples but discourages anything outside of marriage (Kraemer & Brown, 2013). Christianity teaches abstinence until marriage but permits intercourse within marriage (Miller et al., 2015). These varying viewpoints can cause confusion for individuals trying to reconcile their sexual desires with their faith. They must decide whether they want to follow their religion or society when faced with conflicting messages about what is morally acceptable.
Impact on Religious Commitment
The second way internal conflicts about sexuality influence religious commitment is through feelings of shame and guilt. If an individual experiences a sexual encounter before marriage despite believing otherwise, they may feel guilty for going against their beliefs or feel ashamed if discovered by others in their faith community (Grogan, 2018). This could lead them to question their commitment to their religion altogether as they struggle with the conflict between personal desire and religious values.
Some religions have found ways to reconcile this issue such as forgiveness and redemption. In Christianity, repentance is encouraged after committing sin so that one can receive salvation through Christ's sacrifice (Hudson, 2019). Other religions offer similar paths towards atonement and acceptance which allow for continued spiritual growth even amidst sexual temptations and transgressions.
Forgiveness and Redemption
In Islam, confession and prayer are key steps towards forgiveness from Allah (Shah & Shah, 2019). Hinduism emphasizes karma where good deeds will help offset past sins while Judaism allows for repentance and fasting as a means of atoning for wrongdoings (Kraemer & Brown, 2013). All these strategies aim to provide a path forward following mistakes or transgressions rather than condemning individuals who made them. By offering a way out of guilt and shame, religions give hope to those struggling with internal conflicts related to sexuality.
Internal conflicts about sexuality influence religious commitment and moral decision making in various ways. While some may find relief in forgiveness and redemption offered by certain religions, others may feel stuck in a constant battle between desires and beliefs. It is important for individuals struggling with these issues to seek guidance from trusted sources within their faith community who can offer support and understanding during times of crisis.
How do internal conflicts about sexuality influence religious commitment and moral decision-making?
Internal conflicts about sexuality can lead to difficulties in maintaining strong religious commitments and making moral decisions, as individuals may struggle with reconciling their personal desires with religious teachings and beliefs. These conflicts can also affect an individual's self-esteem and identity, leading them to feel guilt, shame, and confusion about their place within their community and society.