Religious Devotion Eroticizes Obedience, Patience, and Self-Control
Religion can be defined as an institutionalized system of beliefs, practices, ethics, and values that are shared among individuals within a given community or society. It is often characterized by a set of rituals, myths, and ceremonies that provide meaning and purpose to life. Religion has been a source of comfort, inspiration, and guidance for many people throughout history.
Religion also has its dark side, which includes the exploitation of power, oppression, and control. In this essay, I will explore how religious devotion eroticizes obedience, patience, and self-control.
Obedience is a critical aspect of religious devotion, and it refers to the act of following rules and regulations prescribed by one's faith. The concept of obedience is rooted in submission to authority figures such as priests, pastors, rabbis, imams, etc., who serve as intermediaries between God and humanity. These leaders have absolute power over their followers and must be obeyed without question. The level of obedience expected from religious adherents varies across religions, but some communities go to extremes, demanding total compliance to their teachings.
The Unification Church requires members to surrender all property and possessions to the church leader, Moon Sun Myung, and live in communal housing.
The eroticization of obedience occurs when it is tied to sexual pleasure. Religious leaders may use sexual arousal as a tool to manipulate their followers into submitting to them sexually. They promise rewards, such as heavenly pleasures, in exchange for complete obedience. This form of control can lead to abuse and exploitation, especially among vulnerable individuals such as children or women. Often, these individuals are brainwashed into believing that they cannot disobey their spiritual leader without facing severe consequences. Sexual deviance within religious institutions has been reported worldwide, with many leaders using their positions to prey on those under their care.
Patience is another crucial virtue cultivated through religious devotion. It involves enduring hardship, suffering, and perseverance until reaching a desirable outcome. Patience allows one to wait patiently for divine intervention, trusting that everything happens according to God's plan. In Christianity, patience is associated with forgiveness, humility, and tolerance, while Islam encourages patience during times of adversity. Some religions even require followers to perform specific acts of patience, such as fasting or prayer.
The eroticization of patience occurs when it is linked to delayed gratification. Religious adherents must exercise self-control by delaying gratification until receiving divine reward.
Muslims believe that Allah will grant those who fast during Ramadan eternal salvation in paradise. This concept of delayed gratification creates an illusion of power over time and space, where waiting becomes a source of pleasure and satisfaction.
The act of waiting itself can be eroticized, creating feelings of arousal and excitement.
Self-control is a critical aspect of religious devotion, involving the ability to control one's actions and emotions. The concept of self-control is rooted in modesty and restraint, which are essential values in many religions.
Buddhism teaches moderation in all aspects of life, including sexual behavior. Self-control helps individuals resist temptations and focus on spiritual growth.
The eroticization of self-control occurs when it is tied to sexual denial. Religious leaders may demand abstinence from members or restrict their sexual activities. This form of control creates feelings of deprivation and frustration, leading to intense sexual desires. Some communities, like the Mormon Church, practice chastity until marriage, promising eternal rewards for those who remain celibate.
These restrictions often lead to sexual exploration outside the confines of religion, resulting in hypocrisy and shame among followers.
Religious devotion has eroticized obedience, patience, and self-control through promises of eternal rewards and delayed gratification. These concepts have been used as tools of manipulation by religious leaders, causing harm to vulnerable individuals. Sexual exploitation within religious institutions must be addressed to prevent further damage.
Individuals must recognize the power dynamics at play and exercise agency over their bodies and minds to avoid falling prey to such manipulations.