Today, many people are aware that Christian teachings about sex have impacted societal norms for centuries, but it may surprise some to learn that they also played an important role in shaping Portuguese culture as well. From the earliest days of Portuguese history, the Church had significant influence on all aspects of life, including sexual ethics. As such, Catholicism has historically influenced sexual norms in Portugal, and this can be seen in various ways today.
The church's teachings about chastity and marriage have been influential throughout much of the nation's history. In medieval times, for example, priests would often preach against premarital sex, adultery, and even masturbation, emphasizing that these behaviors were sins that could lead to eternal damnation.
Marriage was viewed as the ideal form of relationship and was encouraged as a way to ensure stability and prevent sexual transgression. As a result, many Portuguese couples chose to marry young and stayed together until death.
The Church's views on contraception were also quite strict. Married couples were expected to engage in intercourse solely for procreative purposes, so condoms, birth control pills, or other forms of contraceptive technology were largely unheard of. This meant that many women became pregnant unexpectedly, leading to high rates of infant mortality and poverty among families. It also contributed to a high number of children per family, which led to overcrowding and limited resources for those who lived in rural areas.
Homosexuality was condemned by the Church as a sin, and same-sex relationships were generally considered deviant behavior. As such, gay men and lesbians faced considerable discrimination and stigma, often having their relationships kept secret or hidden altogether.
However, attitudes began to change, particularly after World War II when Portugal underwent significant modernization. People began to challenge traditional Catholic teachings about sex, recognizing that there were benefits to promoting safe and consensual relationships outside of marriage. This shift can be seen in today's Portuguese culture, where more people are open about discussing sexuality and engaging in activities like non-monogamous dating, kink play, and BDSM. While some individuals still adhere strictly to church teachings, others have developed their own belief systems based on personal experiences, research, and ethical reasoning.
Contemporary individuals negotiate tensions between religious teaching and personal sexual behavior in various ways. Some may practice abstinence before marriage or maintain monogamy within their relationship, while others may engage in open marriages or polyamory. Still, others may choose to remain celibate entirely, prioritizing spiritual growth over physical intimacy.
It is up to each person to decide how they want to navigate this complex issue and find balance between religious tradition and individual choice.
Catholicism has had a profound impact on sexual norms throughout Portuguese history, shaping cultural expectations around chastity, reproduction, and homosexuality. Today, these traditions continue to influence many people's lives, though the Church's hold on society is no longer as strong as it once was. Instead, individuals must now make decisions for themselves about what feels right and true, navigating the tension between faith and pleasure with care and intention.
How has Catholicism historically influenced sexual norms in Portugal, and how do contemporary individuals negotiate tensions between religious teaching and personal sexual behavior?
Catholicism is one of the most influential religions in the world with more than 1 billion followers globally (Johnstone 2018). Its teachings and doctrine on sexuality have had profound effects on cultures around the globe including Portugal. Historically, Portuguese society was highly influenced by Roman Catholicism, which believed that sex should only be practiced within marriage for procreation purposes only and any other form was considered sinful (Machado 2017).