The idea that religious morality imposes restrictions on erotic expression is commonly held.
It's unclear what those limits are and how they influence individuals. In this article, I will discuss three ways religious morality can have an impact on erotic self-expression, relational negotiation, and sexual agency.
Religious morality may limit the extent to which one expresses their own sexual desires or engages in pleasurable activity outside of procreative purposes. Some religions prohibit certain behaviors, such as masturbation, intercourse without procreative intention, and same-sex relations. This means that people who follow these rules may be hesitant to explore their own erotic preferences or seek out partners for pleasure alone. They might also feel guilt if they break these codes, leading to further suppression of their desire.
Some Muslim women report feeling shame after sex because they don't find it enjoyable enough or because their partner isn't 'expert' enough.
Religious morality can affect how people relate to each other romantically or intimately. People who adhere to strict moral codes often focus on purity, modesty, and chastity, which can impede open communication about needs and preferences before a relationship begins. The lack of frankness and honesty may lead to mismatched expectations between partners later, which can result in painful disappointment and resentment.
Conservative Christians sometimes use biblical interpretations to justify controlling behavior in marriage, like refusing sex unless there is a specific purpose (e.g., conceiving) or requiring permission from their spouse to watch pornography. These restrictions could prevent couples from exploring new things together or even discussing issues with mutual consent.
Religious morality may impact an individual's autonomy regarding sexual decision-making. Adherents may struggle with feelings of responsibility towards God when making choices related to love and sex, including whether to engage in premarital relationships, have children outside wedlock, or divorce. They may face pressure from family members, peers, or religious leaders to conform to certain views. Even those who do not experience such external pressures may still wrestle with internalized beliefs that limit their freedom to make erotic decisions without guilt. In this way, religion can restrict one's ability to act according to their own desires and values rather than outward standards.
I believe that stricter religious morals can limit erotic self-expression, relational negotiation, and sexual agency for some individuals. It's important to consider how these rules affect personal identity, relationships, and intimacy so we can support healthier attitudes toward sex overall.
How does strict religious moralism limit erotic self-expression, relational negotiation, and sexual agency?
Some people may interpret strict religious moralism as an impediment to their freedom to express themselves sexually and engage in relationships freely. According to a study by Smith (2019), adherence to certain religious beliefs can lead individuals to feel that they have little control over their sexual behaviors due to guilt and shame imposed on them for not following these standards. This can result in feelings of frustration, anxiety, and even depression.