Many religious communities believe that their god has specific rules about how people can express sexuality. This includes what type of relationships they are allowed to have, what types of behaviors are acceptable, and who is responsible for making decisions related to sex.
Some religions allow marriages between cousins but prohibit same-sex unions. Others restrict all forms of non-marital sex, including premarital sex and extramarital affairs. These restrictions may be enforced through laws or internal codes of behavior. Some communities also dictate what kinds of clothing members must wear and when, which can influence how people interact romantically and sexually.
There may be strict rules around gender roles, such as requiring men to dominate women or prohibiting them from participating in public life. Such regulations often reinforce traditional hierarchies within the community, particularly those based on age, social class, and power.
These communities view eroticism as something dangerous that should be controlled, limited, or even eliminated altogether. They may require members to follow very specific guidelines for physical contact, such as handshakes, hugs, and kisses. Many emphasize modesty and chastity, expecting everyone to dress conservatively and avoid displays of affection. In some cases, this means no touching at all outside of marriage. Community leaders monitor and enforce these rules by watching for infractions, such as kissing or holding hands during prayer services. Those who break them face consequences like expulsion from the group or excommunication.
Militarized religious groups take things a step further by using force to control sexual behavior.
Some fundamentalist churches have been known to kill members suspected of having illicit relationships or engaging in homosexuality. Their leaders use violence, threats, and manipulation to ensure compliance with their views. This approach is not only cruel but also counterproductive since it drives many away from religion altogether. People seeking intimacy may look elsewhere instead, where they are free to explore their desires without fear of punishment. As a result, militarized religious groups lose members and weaken their influence over society.
How do militarized religious communities regulate erotic behavior, consent, and sexual agency among members?
Religious groups that emphasize military values often view sex as an aspect of the body that should be controlled and restrained. Erotic behavior is seen as a distraction from spiritual pursuits and may be discouraged through various means such as mandatory celibacy or strict guidelines for marriage and procreation. Consent is often viewed as irrelevant since it is assumed that a follower's sexual desires should align with those of their leader or their deity.