In many African societies, religious beliefs have had a significant impact on shaping cultural values related to premarital sexual behavior, morality, and erotic desire among the youth. These values are passed down from one generation to another through customs, traditions, and social norms that are usually observed during childhood. In most cases, these norms are enforced by the parents, educators, religious leaders, and community elders. Despite this, the role of religion has become more critical in guiding the moral reasoning of the African youth regarding their sexual behaviors, especially considering the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy. This essay explores how African religious norms shape premarital sexual behaviors, moral reasoning, and regulation of erotic desires among the youth.
Religious Beliefs
The core beliefs of most African religions revolve around the teachings of God and his expectations regarding human conduct. Religious norms emphasize celibacy before marriage for both males and females because it is considered ungodly to engage in sexual activities outside wedlock.
Christianity and Islamic religions advocate for abstinence until marriage as part of their core principles. As such, most African cultures adhere strictly to this principle despite the changing dynamics. The Bible states that "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure" (Hebrews 13:4). In Islam, the Quran affirms that "Do not approach unlawful sex" (7:26-28), thus prohibiting premarital sexual relations.
Moral Reasoning
Religion provides a clear understanding of what is morally right or wrong, which shapes the behavior of Africans. Religion also influences the way individuals perceive themselves, others, and the world they live in. It defines acceptable behaviors and those that are contrary to the will of God. Therefore, religion has provided guidelines on how the youth can manage their sexual desires without compromising their faith. Some religions have rules on courtship, including the length of time required before marriage. They encourage young people to refrain from being intimate with one another until they become husband and wife. This means that dating and romantic relationships among the youth are often discouraged since they may lead to premature intercourse.
Regulation of Erotic Desire
African religions promote chastity and frown upon promiscuous behavior, especially before marriage. These religious norms influence the way the youth think about sex and their erotic desires.
Islamic teachings emphasize modesty and abstinence as essential elements of maintaining purity.
Some religious norms allow for premarital sex but under strict conditions. The Shariah law permits couples who have reached puberty to engage in sexual activities outside wedlock, provided they get married within three months after conception. African religions emphasize self-control, restraint, and responsible decision-making when it comes to sexual desires.
African religions play an integral role in shaping the cultural values related to sexual behaviors, moral reasoning, and regulation of erotic desire among the youth. Religious beliefs guide the conduct of individuals regarding these issues by advocating for chastity and abstinence.
How do African religious norms shape premarital sexual behavior, moral reasoning, and regulation of erotic desire among youth?
African cultures are generally conservative regarding sex and marriage. In many African societies, marriage is viewed as an institution that should be entered into only after a couple has decided they love each other. This means that young people must wait until they have developed their own sense of self and their sexuality before committing themselves to marriage. The traditional African culture also teaches young people not to engage in casual sexual encounters but rather to save themselves for marriage.