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HOW RELIGION SHAPES SEXUAL INTIMACY AND ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS

3 min read Theology

Religious doctrines are often seen as moral guides for people to follow in their daily lives. They set out rules and regulations that must be followed in order to lead a virtuous life and avoid sin. These doctrines dictate what is right and wrong, good and bad, permissible and impermissible. In some cases, these doctrines also extend to the bedroom where they prohibit certain activities considered immoral or forbidden. One such activity is sexual dissatisfaction, which can take various forms but is usually associated with feelings of longing, frustration, disappointment, anger, and resentment toward one's partner.

This desire can be a natural part of human existence, and it should not be suppressed or repressed because it could cause problems later on.

Religion plays an important role in shaping people's views on sex, intimacy, eroticism, relationships, and romance. It provides guidance on how to behave and express themselves in these areas, even though it may not always reflect real-life situations.

Religious teachings often emphasize the importance of chastity and abstinence before marriage, which means that unmarried individuals cannot engage in sexual activities until after the wedding day. This doctrine discourages them from exploring their sexual desires, leading to a lack of knowledge about the pleasures of sex and intimacy. As a result, many people who marry have trouble satisfying their partners because they have never learned how to communicate effectively about their needs and wants.

Religious doctrines also place restrictions on premarital sex, which is seen as a sinful act. This makes young adults feel guilty about exploring their sexuality and creates barriers between them and potential partners. Instead of learning to understand and explore each other's bodies, they are forced into relationships based solely on religious guidelines. They may end up marrying someone they don't really love just for the sake of conforming to societal norms. In addition, some religions prohibit homosexuality or same-sex relationships, causing emotional pain and trauma for those who identify as LGBTQ+.

Religious doctrines promote gender roles and power dynamics that can limit individual freedom. These doctrines reinforce the idea that men are supposed to be dominant while women must be submissive and obedient. Women are expected to keep quiet and accept whatever their husbands say or do without question. Men, on the other hand, are allowed to express themselves freely and even force their wives into certain behaviors. Such expectations often lead to dissatisfaction among both parties, especially if one partner has different needs than the other. Without proper communication and understanding, it becomes difficult to resolve these conflicts.

Religious doctrine plays a significant role in shaping people's views on eroticism and intimacy. It imposes strict rules and regulations on behavior, making it difficult for individuals to fully express themselves and discover what they like or dislike. This suppression of erotic dissatisfaction not only harms personal growth but also negatively impacts marital satisfaction. Therefore, there is a need for more open discussions about sex, sexuality, and relationship dynamics so that everyone can feel comfortable exploring their desires and needs.

How does religious doctrine suppress the articulation of erotic dissatisfaction?

Religious doctrines often discourage open communication about sexual desire or discontent because they prescribe specific gender roles, relationships, and behaviors that may not be aligned with an individual's personal needs or preferences. This can lead individuals to feel ashamed, guilty, or fearful of sharing their true feelings or desires with others, including their partners or members of their faith community.

#religion#sexuality#morality#intimacy#eroticism#romance#chastity