The following religions are included in this study: Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Shintoism, Confucianism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Baha'i Faith, Paganism, Mormonism, Quakerism, Scientology, Satanism, Neopaganism, Wicca, and Native American religions such as Cherokee, Navajo, Lakota, Ojibwe, Hopi, Apache, Inuit, Iroquois, Mayan, Aztec, and more.
In Latin America, religion plays an important role in structuring moral codes around premarital sex, erotic desire, and relational ethics. The way these concepts are viewed varies between different religious traditions and cultures, but there are some common themes.
Most Christian faiths, including Catholicism, view sexual intimacy as sacred and special, and therefore should be reserved for marriage. Premarital sex is considered sinful and can lead to damnation or excommunication from the church. Some branches of Protestantism have relaxed views on premarital sex, but many still view it as immoral.
In Islam, sex outside of marriage is forbidden under any circumstances. Muslims believe that sexual intimacy should be saved exclusively for a husband and wife who are legally married. Premarital relationships are discouraged and often frowned upon by society.
Buddhist teachings emphasize moderation and self-control when it comes to sexuality. Monks and nuns take vows of celibacy, while laypeople are encouraged to engage in sexual relations within marriage.
Buddhists also value nonattachment and detachment from worldly desires, so they may not place much importance on romantic love or physical pleasure.
Hinduism has complex views on sexuality. While many Hindus believe that sex is a natural part of life, they also believe that excessive indulgence leads to spiritual impurity. Certain positions and acts are forbidden in traditional Hinduism, such as oral sex and anal sex. Many Hindus believe that sex should only occur within marriage, and adultery and prostitution are taboo.
Sikhism emphasizes chastity and abstinence until marriage. Premarital sex is discouraged and viewed as a threat to moral purity. Once married, however, couples are expected to enjoy each other fully without shame or guilt. Shintoism is similar in its approach to sexuality - it values harmony and respect between partners, but places a strong emphasis on modesty and restraint.
Confucianism and Taoism both view sexuality as an important part of life, but with different emphases. Confucians emphasize filial piety and family responsibility, which can lead them to view sex as something that should be saved for marriage. Taoists see sex as a natural force that should be embraced and integrated into one's spiritual practice.
Zoroastrianism has strict rules around sexuality, including the prohibition of homosexuality and extramarital relationships. Jainism promotes celibacy and self-control, but recognizes that some people will inevitably engage in sexual activity. The Baha'i Faith believes that all forms of sex outside of marriage are wrong, but that couples who do so should not feel ashamed or guilty.
Pagan religions vary widely in their views on premarital sex, erotic desire, and relational ethics. Wicca, for example, celebrates sexual pleasure as a sacred act that can be used for healing, empowerment, and connection to nature. Neopagan groups may have more relaxed attitudes towards sexual intimacy, depending on the group.
Native American traditions also have diverse perspectives on sexuality. Cherokee culture sees sex as a sacred bond between two individuals, while Navajo tradition focuses on creating balance and harmony within a relationship. Lakota Sioux believe that sex is a natural part of human experience and should be enjoyed without shame. Hopi culture encourages monogamy, fidelity, and respect for one another. Inuit traditional beliefs stress modesty and discretion in sexual behavior. Mayan society values chastity before marriage, while Aztec culture saw premarital sex as acceptable if it was done with caution and restraint.
Latin American religious cultures tend to emphasize moderation, control, and responsibility when it comes to sexuality. While there is variation among different faiths and cultures, most share a similar set of principles around how sexual behavior should be conducted.
How do Latin American religions structure moral codes around premarital sex, erotic desire, and relational ethics?
Latin American religions generally consider premarital sex as a violation of morality and frown upon it. Erotic desire is seen as a natural human impulse that needs to be controlled through religious values and teachings. Relationship ethics are often influenced by family expectations, social norms, and cultural traditions.