The cosmos is everything that exists in the universe, including all planets, stars, galaxies, matter, energy, time, space, and life forms. It includes the physical, mental, and spiritual worlds. Religious beliefs about the nature of the cosmos can influence how people view non-procreative sexual intimacy because they affect what people think about themselves, their place in the universe, and their relationship to God or gods. This article explains how three religious cosmologies influence views on non-procreative sexual intimacy: Judaism, Christianity, and Hinduism.
Judaism
According to Jewish tradition, humans are created "in the image of God," which means that they have an innate dignity and worth. Jews believe that God created the universe out of nothingness through divine speech, so human beings are special creations who can reflect God's power. Judaism teaches that sex is sacred but also has limits; it must be between married partners and must produce children for continuing the race. The Torah forbids homosexuality and other non-reproductive behaviors as perversions, but it does not condemn masturbation or heterosexual sex without procreation. Jews see reproduction as a natural way to express love between husband and wife, but they do not worship sex itself. They regard it as a means to a higher end: a loving union with God and each other.
Christianity
Christians believe that Jesus Christ was both fully human and fully divine, and his sacrifice atoned for sins committed by all people everywhere throughout history. Christians hold that everything in the universe is part of God's creation, including time, space, matter, energy, life forms, and personalities like Jesus Christ. Therefore, Christians may view any physical activity - such as touching, kissing, holding hands, hugging, or sexual intercourse - as spiritual as well as physical. Some Christians consider it acceptable for couples to engage in non-procreative intimacy within marriage because it shows their love for one another; however, some Christians view all sexual acts outside of marriage as sinful. Christian beliefs about the sanctity of life can lead to disagreement about when a fetus becomes a person, which affects opinions on abortion, contraception, and birth control.
Hinduism
Hindus believe that the universe exists in cycles of creation, destruction, and renewal called yugas (ages). During the Age of Brahma, souls are reborn many times into physical bodies until they become enlightened and join Brahman (the Supreme Being) permanently. Hindus believe that humans have an innate divinity, and their body is sacred since it houses their soul. There is no clear prohibition against homosexuality or masturbation in Hinduism, but there are social norms against them.
Hindus generally see sex as a private act between husband and wife that should not be performed lightly or without reverence. They regard sexual pleasure as a means to a higher end: union with God through meditation, prayer, and selfless service.
Religious cosmologies influence views on non-procreative sexual intimacy by shaping how people think about themselves, their place in the universe, and their relationship to God or gods. Judaism sees sex as sacred but also has limits; Christianity views physical activity as spiritual; and Hinduism emphasizes personal responsibility and devotion to God over lust for material pleasures.
Human sexuality involves complex psychological, emotional, spiritual, and physical factors, so any discussion of its morality requires careful consideration of multiple perspectives.
How does religious cosmology influence views on non-procreative sexual intimacy?
In many religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, there are strict rules regarding sex outside of procreation. These rules vary depending on the religion and its interpretation of sacred texts such as the Bible, Quran, Torah, Vedas, and Tao Te Ching. Generally speaking, these religions view sex as an expression of love between husband and wife within marriage for the purpose of having children.