A religious community is a group of people who share common beliefs and practices related to religion. In such communities, there may be rules and regulations that govern the personal lives of members including their sexual orientation, preferences, and relational behaviors.
Many religions consider homosexuality a sin and prohibit same-sex relationships within the community. This has led to discrimination against gay individuals leading to isolation from society. Communities like Christianity believe that heterosexual marriage is the only acceptable form of relationship. This has influenced the attitudes towards sex and sexuality among its adherents.
In Islam, for example, the Quran teaches that male and female should be separated when not married to avoid illicit acts. The community strongly discourages premarital and extramarital sex. Adultery is considered a serious crime punishable by death. This explains why Muslims have strict marital norms. They view sex as an act between husband and wife. As such, they do not participate in casual or one-night stands.
This restriction does not apply to other faiths where sex outside marriage is acceptable.
Sexual orientations are broad categories of human behavior based on physical, emotional, romantic, and spiritual attractions. Communities that frown upon certain sexual orientations influence how members relate with others.
Catholicism believes that homosexuality is a sin and condemns it. It promotes heterosexual relations and considers all other forms immoral. Members of such communities are expected to identify themselves as straight and avoid any form of same-sex intimacy.
Religious practices also affect how people relate with each other socially. In Christianity, dating is allowed but under close supervision. Parents play a significant role in choosing partners. There are many rules governing dating including the age difference between partners, dress code, and the duration of courtship. Most religious couples avoid heavy petting and wait until after marriage to consummate their relationship. This has influenced their perception of sex and relationships significantly.
Communal observation influences the way people perceive and practice sex and sexuality. Religions promote abstinence until marriage, which is crucial for healthy sex lives. Masturbation is discouraged because it hinders self-control. Premarital sex is considered immoral, so the community strives to prevent it through strict rules. The church encourages its adherents to engage in procreative sex within marriage for the propagation of mankind.
This does not apply to non-Christian religions where sex before marriage is acceptable.
Cultural and social factors shape how individuals view sexual orientation, preference, and relational behavior. A person's upbringing influences their attitude towards sex and sexuality. If they grow up in a conservative environment, they may be more likely to have traditional views on these issues. People from liberal backgrounds may be more open to experimentation and adventure.
How does communal observation in religious communities influence sexual orientation, preference, and relational behavior?
Communal observance of religion may have an impact on one's sexual orientation, preferences, and relational behaviors. Studies suggest that individuals raised in religious communities where homosexuality is condemned are more likely to suppress their sexual identities and engage in heterosexual relationships out of social pressure (Goldberg et al. , 2019).