In modern Western culture, many people perceive that lust is an act of indulging one's impulses for immediate sexual pleasure without concern for others. This means that individuals who engage in lustful acts are seen as immoral and selfish because they prioritize their own desires above those of others.
There is another way to view lust; it can also be viewed as a human need for physical connection and closeness.
In religious traditions such as Christianity and Judaism, sexual sin is often framed as a result of temptation from evil forces outside oneself rather than simply an expression of personal desire. According to these religions, humans are created in God's image but are fallen due to original sin, which makes them susceptible to temptations from Satan. As such, even though sexual attraction may feel natural, it must be controlled and suppressed for spiritual reasons.
This religious frame has influenced how Christians and Jews think about their experiences with lust, fantasy, and attraction.
Some Christians believe that masturbation is a form of sexual gratification that goes against God's design for sex, while others consider it a private matter between two consenting adults. Similarly, some Jews view erotic art or literature as pornography and avoid it entirely, while others see it as a harmless outlet for creative expression.
The effects of this religious framing on experiences with sexual desire depend on the individual's beliefs and upbringing. Some people may find comfort in knowing that God loves them despite their struggles with lust, while others may experience guilt and shame over feeling attracted to someone else. Others may try to deny their sexual urges altogether, leading to repressed feelings of anger and resentment.
The religious framing of sexual sin affects individuals differently based on their personal beliefs and backgrounds. While it can create tension and conflict within individuals, understanding this framing can help us better understand how our culture views sex and intimacy.