In order to better understand how people cope with their desires and religious beliefs, it is necessary to explore both psychology and religion. Psychologists have studied the ways in which individuals deal with conflicting emotions and thoughts, while religious studies scholars analyze how different religions view human nature and behavior.
Freudian psychoanalysis argues that repression of unconscious urges leads to neuroses, whereas Buddhist meditation emphasizes acceptance of all experiences without judgment.
Let's look at some examples of coping strategies used by people who reconcile desire and religious morality. One common strategy involves reframing one's perspective on desire.
A Catholic woman might view her sexual attraction as "temptation" rather than a sign of sinfulness, while a Muslim man may see his lustful thoughts as a test of faith. Another strategy is substitution, whereby an individual substitutes a more acceptable activity for the forbidden one. A Christian man might replace pornography with reading spiritual books or praying instead of masturbating.
Another way people cope with this conflict is through rationalization, explaining away the contradiction between desire and religious teachings. This can involve justifying the desire itself or reinterpreting religious texts to make them seem less restrictive. A Hindu devotee might argue that sex is only sacred within marriage, so premarital relationships are not truly immoral, or a Mormon woman could interpret polygamy as an opportunity for spiritual growth.
Some individuals simply deny their desires altogether, refusing to acknowledge them even to themselves.
There are also risks associated with these coping strategies. Repressing emotions can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, while avoidance can be unsatisfying and isolating.
Rationalizing or ignoring beliefs can undermine personal integrity and lead to hypocrisy.
Each person must decide what works best for them in terms of balancing their religious values with their own needs and desires.