Religious teachings about erotic desire and sexual sin have been a source of shame, guilt, and fear for many people who practice them. These beliefs can also shape how individuals communicate with their partners, family members, friends, colleagues, and community members regarding their erotic lives. This paper explores how these ideas impact individuals' relational communication and erotic autonomy.
Shame is an intense feeling of embarrassment, humiliation, and self-loathing often related to negative social judgments or perceived failures. Religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Shinto all contain teachings that condemn certain types of sexual behavior.
The Bible states that "fornication" - defined as sex between unmarried persons - is forbidden (1 Corinthians 6:9). In Islam, adultery is punishable by death, while in Hinduism, premarital sex is seen as impure and disrespectful to God. As a result, some people may feel ashamed of their desires and afraid to express them openly. This can lead to emotional distance from loved ones and difficulty building trust in relationships.
Shaming messages about sex and sexuality are also embedded in broader cultural norms and media messages. People may internalize these ideas without even realizing it, causing them to judge themselves harshly when they experience strong sexual feelings or engage in behaviors they deem immoral. They might avoid intimacy altogether, leading to problems in personal and professional life. Some studies suggest that religious shame surrounding sex can increase mental health issues like anxiety and depression, affecting overall well-being.
Not all religious teachings on sex are negative. Many religions promote monogamy and fidelity within marriage and encourage partners to communicate honestly with each other about their needs and desires. The idea of sacredness and spirituality in sex can enhance intimacy and foster closeness between partners. Religious teachings can help individuals cultivate self-control and discipline in sex, which can benefit their physical and psychological health.
Religious teachings can impact how individuals approach erotic desire and autonomy. While shame and guilt can hinder intimate communication and autonomy, religious teachings can also promote positive aspects of sexuality such as respect, faithfulness, and self-discipline. It's important for individuals to critically examine their beliefs and values to understand the role they play in shaping their erotic lives.
How do religious teachings about erotic desire and sexual sin shape internalized shame, relational communication, and erotic autonomy?
Religious beliefs and practices often address issues related to human sexuality, such as premarital sex, masturbation, adultery, homosexuality, incest, rape, etc. Some religions emphasize the importance of abstinence until marriage while others consider sexual activity within a marital relationship as necessary for its longevity.