How do religious metaphors of warfare create adversarial relationships with desire?
Religious metaphors of warfare can be used to create an adversarial relationship with desire, which is often seen as a temptation that needs to be overcome. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and fear around sexual desires, and can cause people to view their own bodies as objects of conflict rather than sources of pleasure. In some cases, this can even lead to self-harming behaviors like sexual addiction or disordered eating. By framing desire as something to fight against, these metaphors reinforce the idea that sexuality is inherently dangerous and must be controlled. This can have negative consequences for both individuals and society as a whole, leading to higher rates of violence, exploitation, and abuse.
One example of how religious metaphors of warfare create adversarial relationships with desire is through the concept of "the battle between the spirit and the flesh." This metaphor frames sexual desire as a temptation from the body, which must be resisted in order to preserve one's spiritual purity. This can lead to a sense of shame and embarrassment around sexual urges, making it difficult for people to talk openly about their desires and seek help when they need it. It can also contribute to a culture where men are taught that women are objects to conquer and possess, rather than equals to respect and cherish.
Another example is the use of language like "sin" and "evil" to describe sexual behavior. This not only creates a moral hierarchy that places certain types of sex above others, but also implies that all sex is inherently sinful unless it is done within marriage or for procreation. This can make it difficult for people to feel comfortable exploring different kinds of sexuality, and may even contribute to feelings of worthlessness or unworthiness. The use of military terms like "offensive" and "defense" in discussions of sexual assault and consent reinforces this viewpoint, making it seem as if sex itself is inherently aggressive or violent.
Some religions use metaphors of battle to justify oppressing LGBTQ+ communities.
Christianity has often used the idea of Sodom and Gomorrah as an excuse to condemn homosexuality, while Islamic fundamentalists have used the concept of jihad to justify violence against gay men and transgender women. These views create an atmosphere of fear and hostility towards queer people, and can lead to physical harm or even death.
Religious metaphors of warfare can have serious consequences for our understanding of desire and sexuality. By creating adversarial relationships with desire, these metaphors can cause shame, guilt, and self-loathing, leading to negative outcomes both for individuals and society as a whole. It's important for us to challenge these ideas and promote a healthier, more positive view of sexuality that celebrates diversity and respects individual autonomy.