The notion of sexual ethics can be defined as an examination into human conduct relating to sexuality, including actions that pertain to intercourse, sexual orientation, reproductive behavior, marriage, sexual activity, etc. Religious sexual ethics is a discipline within religious studies that looks at how religion affects various aspects of people's lives, particularly their sexual lives. In this context, it refers to the moral guidelines set forth by religions regarding sex, which may include prohibitions on certain types of activities, such as premarital or extramarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, incest, bestiality, or pedophilia. These regulations are often seen as divine instructions issued by God through His prophets and imposed on humans through scripture and tradition.
Religious sexual ethics have been studied from different perspectives, with some scholars focusing on how religion impacts individuals' emotional responses to sex while others concentrate on its role in society's rules governing sexual behaviors.
Little attention has been given to the ways in which religious teachings conceptualize erotic imagination, fantasy, and longing for intimacy. This paper will examine these concepts in depth and consider how they relate to the broader topics of religious sexual ethics.
One way of understanding eroticism is through the prism of desire, attraction, and pleasure. Eroticism describes the feeling of being attracted to another person physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. It can be aroused by physical features, mental abilities, psychological states, or spiritual experiences. Desire, meanwhile, signifies the yearning for something that one lacks but wants to possess. Pleasure, on the other hand, refers to the enjoyment experienced when achieving or receiving what one desires. Accordingly, eroticism comprises all three elements: attraction/desire/pleasure.
In many religions, especially Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, eroticism is considered a powerful force that needs to be controlled and subdued. The Quran says: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and protect their private parts." (24:30). This verse commands Muslims not only to guard against lustful thoughts and actions but also urges them to suppress their natural inclinations towards women. Similarly, the Torah forbids Jews from engaging in intercourse with close relatives or bestiality because it considers such practices unnatural and deviant. In addition, Christians believe that sex outside marriage is immoral since it violates God's commandments, while some denominations also condemn same-sex relationships as sinful. These strictures suggest that religions see eroticism as potentially disruptive, leading people away from righteousness if left unchecked.
Erotic fantasy is defined as imagining sexual encounters between oneself and another person(s), including those who are real or fictional characters. Some scholars view it as an essential part of human nature; others argue that it can lead to destructive behaviors. Religious teachings often portray fantasizing about sex negatively because it may distract individuals from focusing on more important matters like spiritual growth and service to others.
Catholic doctrine holds that masturbation is wrong because it separates the soul from its body and leads to physical pleasure rather than spiritual enlightenment. Buddhist teachings caution against indulging in lustful thoughts, which cloud one's mind and prevent self-realization. Hinduism sees erotic fantasies as a dangerous illusion that prevents attaining nirvana or liberation from suffering.
Many religious traditions recognize that erotic imagination has positive aspects too.
Judaism encourages married couples to cultivate intimacy through sexual acts, including roleplaying, which involves acting out fantasies with each other during lovemaking. Islam permits polygamy under certain conditions, acknowledging that men have stronger libidos than women and need multiple wives for fulfillment. Christianity recognizes that sex within marriage is holy and not sinful, so long as both partners consent freely. These allowances demonstrate how religions can accommodate sexual desire while still upholding their values.
Emotional longing is the yearning for something or someone missing but needed intensely. It can be triggered by various factors such as loneliness, lack of companionship, or unmet needs. In terms of religion, emotional longing often takes place when people seek God or divine love, leading them to feel an intense attachment towards Him/Her. Such feelings are seen as natural, especially if they drive individuals towards spiritual transformation.
Some religious interpretations consider emotional longing as a distraction from true piety or even heretical because it diverts attention away from worship and obedience to religious laws.
Sikhism emphasizes detachment from worldly desires to achieve enlightenment, meaning that emotional longing should not interfere with one's devotion to God.
This article has explored how religious sexual ethics conceptualize erotic imagination, fantasy, and longing for intimacy. While some traditions view these concepts negatively and see them as impediments to righteous living, others recognize their importance in human lives and incorporate them into their teachings.
Understanding how religion views sexuality helps us appreciate its impact on our daily interactions with others and ourselves, shaping our beliefs, behaviors, and identities.