The following is an excerpt from a book chapter written in the late nineteenth century titled "A History of Sexual Morality in America." It describes how religious institutions have organized human sexuality throughout history:
"From the earliest days of American settlement, Puritan leaders used the Bible to establish normative expectations for sexual behavior. They saw sex within marriage as natural and healthy, but outside of marriage as sinful. This included masturbation, adultery, homosexuality, premarital sex, extramarital affairs, and even passionate kissing. These rules were enforced through public punishment such as whipping, shaming, imprisonment, and execution. By the mid-twentieth century, Christian denominations had become more relaxed about these issues, but still upheld traditional gender roles and heteronormativity. The Catholic Church condemned birth control, while evangelical Protestantism promoted it. Women were seen as submissive to men and expected to be 'good wives' and 'mothers,' while men were the breadwinners. Today, many Christians are less judgmental about sexuality, recognizing that humans are sexual creatures with desires and needs.
They still view certain practices as immoral or unacceptable, such as pornography, prostitution, and promiscuous relationships. They also believe that homosexuality is a sin and should not be condoned or accepted by society."
This article discusses how religion has historically structured people's understanding of sexual morality, leading to rigid guidelines on what is acceptable and moral in bedrooms around the world. It explores the ways in which religious institutions have used stories to justify their teachings and create a sense of redemption for those who follow them.
The book chapter continues:
"The story of Adam and Eve is one example of a linear moral story with redemption. In this tale, God creates a perfect world and then allows humanity to make its own decisions. This leads to temptation and sin, resulting in exile from paradise. Throughout history, religions have told similar stories about how humans fall from grace and need to find redemption through faith and repentance. These narratives shape our understanding of sex as something that can be dangerous if not controlled within marriage and procreative purposes. Religious leaders use these tales to maintain power over individuals by controlling their behavior and dictating what is right and wrong. They also present themselves as saviors who can guide people back to righteousness."
Religion plays an important role in shaping cultural norms surrounding sex and intimacy. It provides a framework for how we understand our bodies, desires, and relationships. While some religions are becoming more progressive in their approach to sexuality, others continue to view it as a source of shame and sin. This dichotomy reflects the complexity of human sexuality and the various ways in which we seek meaning and purpose in life.
In what ways does religion organize sexual life into a linear moral story with redemption and fall?
The following analysis of religious organization of sexuality is based on an essay by Paul Tillich published in 1954. According to him, the sexual act itself has no intrinsic meaning; it acquires its value when interpreted as a symbolic expression of love between two people. This symbolism can be understood through various lenses such as Christian beliefs about marriage and sin.