Religious narratives of fall and redemption shape how humans understand sex and sexuality. In Genesis, God creates Adam and Eve, who are naked but without shame.
When they eat the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, their eyes open to see themselves as nude beings. As punishment, God banishes them from Paradise and curses childbearing, agriculture, and the earth itself. This story suggests that sexuality is a natural part of human existence which can lead to both joy and suffering.
In John's Gospel, Jesus offers himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His death and resurrection restore humans to right relationship with God and each other, including through physical love. In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus teaches that marriage is sacred, but some will renounce it for a higher calling, perhaps even celibacy. In Hebrews, Jesus mediates between God and humans through his incarnation, sacrificial death, and resurrection. These stories imply that sexual intimacy is an important expression of spiritual life.
For Hindus, Shiva has many forms. One is Ardhanarishvara, with a male body and female breast, symbolizing the union of masculine and feminine energies. Another is Lingam-Yoni, representing the union of the Divine and creation. Still another is Srimati, depicting the mystic union of goddess and devotee. These symbols suggest that sexual union reflects divine oneness. Islamic mystics often compare love to God's love, with all its passionate intensity. Judaism acknowledges sex as an act of creation, with potential for both pleasure and procreation. Buddhists emphasize non-attachment, suggesting that liberation comes through non-clinging and detachment from desire.
These narratives offer different views of sexuality, but they share common themes. First, sexuality is part of our nature as humans created in God's image. Second, sexuality can be used positively or negatively, leading to joy or suffering. Third, sexuality connects us to God and others in profound ways. Fourth, redemption requires sacrifice or surrender, which may involve giving up material pleasures like sex itself. Fifth, human sexuality cannot be separated from broader issues like gender roles and power dynamics.
These stories recognize that sexuality is not just biological but spiritual, symbolizing our deepest longings and desires.
Religious narratives shape how we understand sex and sexuality. They affirm our humanity by revealing it as natural and sacred. They warn us of its dangers while offering hope for transformation through redemption.
They invite us into a deeper relationship with God and each other, grounded in holistic, transformative love.