In many religions, menopause or andropause are seen as a natural transition phase in life.
There are different interpretations of this stage from a moral perspective. Some believe that it marks the beginning of a spiritual journey towards enlightenment, while others view it as a time when women and men need to be more selfless and focus on their duties towards family and society.
In Hinduism, menopause is associated with the goddess Parvati, who is depicted as a symbol of fertility and abundance. According to mythology, after she lost her husband Shiva's love, she went into seclusion for years and finally emerged as the goddess of power and knowledge. This story suggests that menopause can be a time for inner transformation and personal growth. In Islam, menopause is believed to be a blessing from Allah that allows women to take on new roles such as grandmotherhood or mentorship. Muslim scholars have even recommended that menopausal women should seek out opportunities to serve their communities.
Christianity has a more mixed approach. While some Christians see menopause as a sign of aging and decline, others view it as an opportunity for renewed sexual intimacy within marriage. The Bible says that sex is meant to be enjoyed between a man and woman, so long as both partners consent and have mutual respect. Therefore, it may be argued that couples experiencing menopause or andropause can still enjoy healthy sexual relationships if they prioritize communication and empathy.
In Judaism, the Talmud provides a range of interpretations about menopause and andropause. Some rabbis believe that these phases are part of God's natural design and should not be feared. Others suggest that women and men should focus on spiritual pursuits during this period. There is no blanket rule in Jewish law about how much sex married couples should have after reaching menopause or andropause, but there is an emphasis on maintaining physical and emotional closeness through other forms of intimacy.
Different religious traditions offer diverse perspectives on menopause and andropause. It's up to individuals to explore these ideas and find meaning in them based on their own beliefs and experiences.
How is menopause or andropause morally interpreted in religious sexual ethics?
Menopause (the permanent cessation of menstruation) or andropause (a decrease in testosterone production) are considered normal biological processes that occur with age in some religions' sexual ethics. The menstrual cycle is seen as a gift from God or nature, so it being ended by menopause may not be viewed negatively but rather as part of the natural order of things.