Religious narratives are stories that describe events from history or mythology and have deep impacts on people's beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors. Religions often regulate what is proper and improper behavior through prescriptions on sexual ethics, including prohibitions against certain types of interactions or activities between individuals. These rules can be based on moral principles, sacred texts, customary norms, social expectations, cultural contexts, and societal structures. In some cases, religious teachings may contradict each other, resulting in different interpretations among adherents. This essay will explore how religious narratives influence cultural constructions of erotic propriety and transgression using examples from various religions.
The Abrahamic faiths such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam have a strong influence on Western culture, where they were dominant for centuries. Their shared patriarchal heritage emphasizes female modesty and chastity and male dominance over women. The Old Testament contains many stories about promiscuous women who are punished or even killed by God.
Lot's daughters got him drunk and had sex with him to conceive children after the flood. They were called "daughters-in-law" because their father was dead. (Genesis 19:30-38) Some biblical laws prohibit specific sexual acts, such as incest (Leviticus 18), homosexuality (Leviticus 20), adultery (Exodus 20:14), fornication (1 Corinthians 6:9), and bestiality (Deuteronomy 27:21).
These rules often fail to distinguish between consensual adult relationships and nonconsensual violence or abuse, leading to conflicting values and practices.
Buddhist scriptures stress celibacy and renunciation of worldly desires, but also accept marriage as a path to enlightenment if one is unable to achieve inner peace alone. Buddha warned against indulging in lustful desires and recommended monks practice celibacy, while laypeople should marry and raise families. Nevertheless, some Buddhists today believe that erotic love can be an expression of divine love or spiritual devotion, especially when it leads to selflessness and compassion. (Hanayama & Kitamura, 2015) Hinduism recognizes diverse gender identities, including intersex and transgender people, and views physical desire as natural and normal. Some texts discuss polyamory, group marriages, and child-bearing with multiple partners. (Dasgupta, 2009) In Shintoism, sacred sex rituals are performed in shrines to honor kami spirits and create harmony with nature. The act itself is not taboo, but the number of partners and types of sexual activities vary based on local customs. (Murata, 20003)
Confucianism emphasizes social harmony and filial piety, which includes respect for elders and parents' authority over children's choices. Confucian culture values family stability and traditional roles for men and women, such as wives submitting to their husbands and daughters obeying their fathers until they marry. This tradition discourages premarital sex outside of arranged marriages and condemns extramarital affairs.
Some modern scholars argue that Confucianism supports a healthy sexual relationship between spouses because it promotes emotional intimacy and self-control. (Campbell, 2016) Daoism sees pleasure as one of life's essential elements, so erotic relationships can be positive or negative depending on context and intention. Eroticism should balance yin and yang energies and promote spiritual growth through meditation and detachment from desires. (Chan & Tsai, 2014)
Religious narratives influence cultural constructions of erotic propriety and transgression by shaping attitudes towards sex, gender roles, marriage, and family structures. They may differ among adherents due to interpretations, historical contexts, and societal norms. The effects are complex, nuanced, and sometimes contradictory, making it difficult to generalize across all religions or cultures.
How do religious narratives influence cultural constructions of erotic propriety and transgression?
Religious narratives have played an important role in shaping cultural constructions of erotic propriety and transgression throughout history. Religions such as Christianity and Islam have often been associated with strict rules regarding sexual behavior, including prohibitions on premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, and other forms of non-heteronormative relationships.