How does a crisis of beauty influence the perception of erotic desire, bodily self-esteem, and sexual satisfaction among religious adherents?
The human body is an object of desire, and its appearance can affect how people perceive it. People may find themselves attractive when they feel healthy and confident about their bodies, but also when they believe others do so.
For some individuals, such beliefs are challenged when they experience a crisis of beauty that distorts their perceptions and feelings. This paper will discuss this phenomenon, focusing particularly on religious believers who often struggle with their physical attraction to themselves or others due to the values imposed on them by religion. Beauty is subjective, yet religious dogmas teach that physical beauty is God's work, and those who embrace beauty are closer to Him/Her. The paper argues that such a teaching leads to a disconnect between personal self-worth and perception of beauty, which may have detrimental effects on the individual's wellbeing.
People may face various forms of crises in beauty, including aging, illness, disability, scars, deformities, and accidents. In general, these events trigger insecurities and low self-esteem, especially if the person was previously confident about his/her looks.
An elderly man may fear rejection because he no longer resembles the idealized image of masculinity promoted by society. He feels unattractive and inferior to younger men and worries that women will no longer love him. Similarly, a woman may lose confidence after losing her hair due to cancer treatments. She starts feeling ugly and thinks she has lost her femininity. People may also suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), where they obsess over perceived flaws in appearance and feel ashamed or anxious about them. Such negative thoughts impact their mood, behavior, and relationships.
Someone who suffers from BDD may avoid socializing because he/she fears being rejected for not meeting other people's standards.
Religious beliefs often reinforce this discomfort with one's body, creating additional problems for religious adherents. Many religions promote an idealized version of physical perfection, which is impossible to achieve in reality. This creates frustrations and feelings of guilt among followers who cannot meet those standards. Religion teaches that God created humans in His/Her likeness, so any deviation from that design is sinful or wrong. As such, many believers see themselves as imperfect creatures who must strive to become more like Him/Her through purification rituals or repentance. They may try to change their bodies through diets or cosmetic surgeries but still struggle with self-image issues. Moreover, some cultures link beauty to spirituality, viewing it as a sign of piety. Therefore, those who do not fit the beauty standard are seen as less holy or worthy of God's love.
Religion can make some individuals think that sexual pleasure is immoral or sinful, causing anxieties around intimacy and eroticism. All these factors contribute to the crisis of beauty among religious people, making them feel unworthy of affection and love.
The effects of the crisis on sexual desire are significant because it affects how people perceive others and themselves sexually. A person may find another attractive yet be too ashamed to approach him/her out of fear of rejection due to his/her flaws. Alternatively, they might seek validation through casual encounters rather than long-term relationships, leading to risky behaviors or hurtful experiences. Someone who sees him/herself as ugly may avoid intimacy altogether, feeling undeserving of love or afraid to reveal their body to others. This can lead to loneliness, depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. In general, the crisis of beauty harms an individual's sense of self-worth, creating barriers between him/her and potential partners.
The crisis of beauty can cause serious problems for religious adherents struggling with their physical appearance and sexual desires. Religion teaches that beauty equals holiness, while societal norms promote specific body types, implying that imperfect bodies are rejected. Such beliefs create disconnect between personal self-esteem and perception of beauty, resulting in negative feelings about one's body and sexuality. To overcome this challenge, religious communities should embrace diversity and acceptance, encouraging individuals to celebrate their uniqueness rather than seeking conformity.