Religious communities have long had to deal with the tension between the desire for pleasure and fulfillment, the obligations imposed by their faith, and the doctrines that govern how they conduct themselves. This is because religion involves a code of behavior that governs what people can and cannot do, which often conflicts with their natural desires.
Some religions prohibit certain kinds of sexual activities like premarital sex or same-sex relations while others allow them within specific parameters. Religions also dictate the kind of relationships one should have, such as monogamy versus polygamy, and this affects their sexual behavior.
We will examine how religious communities negotiate these tensions between desire, obligation, and doctrinal prescriptions. We will look at how they reconcile their beliefs with their behaviors, and how they ensure that their actions are consistent with their values and principles.
Some religions believe that sex outside marriage is immoral but permit marriages between cousins who are closely related. In such cases, it becomes difficult for the community to know when to draw the line and limit sexual activity. Another case is the Catholic Church's teaching on the use of contraceptives, which has been a major controversy in recent times. The church teaches that using birth control is wrong since it violates God's plan for procreation.
Some members of the clergy have argued that preventing overpopulation through birth control is morally acceptable, especially when the family size exceeds its capacity.
Religious communities also deal with tension between the desire to be faithful and loyal to one partner and the need to seek fulfillment elsewhere. Some religions condone adultery or infidelity under certain circumstances, such as if the spouse refuses to satisfy their needs or cheating is not against God's law. Others advocate for monogamy as the only acceptable form of relationship, which makes it challenging for people who desire intimacy outside their marriage.
The tension between pleasure-seeking and abstinence is another issue that religious communities grapple with. Some religions prohibit any form of sexual stimulation except for procreation while others allow masturbation or other forms of self-gratification within set limits. This creates confusion among believers who may want to indulge themselves without going against their faith.
We will look at how religious communities handle issues related to gender roles and power dynamics.
Some religions dictate that women should remain submissive to men and obey them in all matters. Women are expected to dress modestly, cover their bodies, and be obedient even in bed. This creates a conflict because they may desire physical contact but feel guilty about being sexually aggressive. In contrast, some religions allow for sexual freedom, where both parties can explore each other's desires without fear or judgment.
Religious communities struggle to reconcile their beliefs with their behavior, leading to conflicting actions. They must balance their obligations to their faith, family, and society while negotiating their individual desires and expectations.