Religious Morality and Sexual Preferences Negotiations
Sexual preference is an individual choice that influences one's personal life decisions, such as whom they are attracted to physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It is a subjective issue where individuals may have different opinions depending on their social backgrounds, cultural experiences, and religious beliefs. Religions play an essential role in influencing people's values, behaviors, and attitudes towards morality. This essay will explore how religious morals influence negotiations of sexual preferences through examining biblical teachings about sexuality, societal perspectives on sexuality, and religion's impact on marriage.
Biblical Teachings About Sexuality
The Bible provides several passages concerning sexual practices and activities considered moral or immoral based on Christian doctrines.
The Old Testament prohibits incestuous relationships (Leviticus 18:6), homosexual relations (Leviticus 20:13), adultery (Exodus 20:14), bestiality (Leviticus 20:15-16), and premarital sex (Matthew 5:27). The New Testament also condemns fornication (Galatians 5:19), sexual immorality (Revelation 21:8), pornography (Ephesians 5:3), and promiscuity (Proverbs 6:29). These verses show that the Bible views sex as a sacred act between one man and one woman within marriage.
Society Perspectives On Sexuality
In contrast to the Bible's stance on sexual morality, society has evolved its approach to sexuality over time. Before the industrial revolution, societies were agricultural, and people lived close to nature. Hence, they viewed sex as a necessary function of reproduction, which was encouraged by their religion. In addition, marriage was essential in those days because it ensured the continuity of family lines, ownership of land, and inheritance rights.
With modernization, societal norms changed due to technological advancements and cultural changes. People started living in cities instead of villages; therefore, societies started focusing more on romantic love and personal fulfillment than procreation.
Religion's Impact on Marriage
Religions have also influenced marriages by setting specific requirements for individuals to be wedded legally or spiritually.
Christianity requires couples to follow certain principles before getting married, such as abstinence from sex before marriage, monogamy, and commitment to each other until death do them apart. Islamic law permits polygamy but limits men to four wives at most. Judaism also supports polygamy but prohibits same-sex unions. Buddhism and Hinduism allow homosexual relationships but require celibacy and renunciation of desires. Thus, religious teachings influence how people view sexual preferences regarding marriage.