Ritual sexual abstinence is the practice of refraining from sex during a specific period for spiritual purposes. It is often observed as a way to purify one's mind, body, and soul and to prepare oneself for a special occasion such as a festival, pilgrimage, or holy day. This practice has been observed in many religions throughout history and continues to be practiced today.
One effect of ritual sexual abstinence is that it influences moral reasoning, cognitive control of desire, and social cohesion within religious communities. When individuals engage in sexual activity outside of marriage, they may feel guilty and experience feelings of shame and regret. This can lead them to seek forgiveness through confession or prayer, which strengthens their connection to their faith community. In addition, when individuals refrain from sexual intercourse, they may become more focused on spiritual pursuits and less distracted by worldly desires. This can also strengthen their bond with other members of their faith community who are also engaged in similar practices.
Ritual sexual abstinence can have negative effects on social cohesion if it is used to exclude certain groups or individuals.
Some religions require women to refrain from sexual activity while pregnant or nursing, which can create tension between mothers and non-mothers within the community.
Some communities use ritual sexual abstinence as a tool to police gender roles, leading to oppression and violence against women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
The impact of ritual sexual abstinence on social cohesion depends on how it is implemented and the larger cultural context in which it takes place.
Ritual sexual abstinence can influence moral reasoning, cognitive control of desire, and social cohesion within religious communities. While it has the potential to promote spiritual growth and strengthen bonds among believers, it must be implemented carefully to avoid exclusionary or harmful outcomes.
How do ritual sexual abstinences influence moral reasoning, cognitive control of desire, and social cohesion within religious communities?
Ritual sexual abstinence is defined as the intentional avoidance of all forms of sexual intercourse, including masturbation, for an extended period of time according to specific spiritual principles (Hudson & Hutchison, 2016). This practice has been observed across various religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism (Kunz et al.