The concept of sexual control can be defined as the management of one's own body, desires, actions, behaviors, and interactions related to sexuality and intimacy. This control can be understood within the context of various religious traditions, both mainstream and nonconformist, as well as personal preferences, beliefs, values, and lifestyles.
There is no universal standard for sexual control that applies to all people or groups; instead, different cultures, subcultures, and individuals may have unique perspectives on what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable sexual behavior.
One aspect that sets apart marginalized or esoteric sects from mainstream religions when it comes to sexual control is their focus on individual freedom and expression. In contrast to more conservative traditions, which tend to emphasize abstinence or monogamy as the ideal state for individuals and couples, alternative spiritualities often advocate exploring one's sexuality through multiple partners and practices such as Tantra, BDSM, and polyamory. While these practices are generally discouraged in traditional religions like Catholicism and Islam, they are embraced by many New Age and Neopagan communities.
Another difference between mainstream and marginalized religions lies in their approaches to gender roles and sexual identity. Mainstream religions typically adhere to binary gender identities (male/female) and heteronormativity (attraction to members of the opposite sex), while some marginalized ones embrace non-binary genders and homoerotic relationships.
Native American tribes often had third genders and practiced same-sex marriage long before European colonization, and modern witchcraft communities celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity.
The use of sexual energy and eroticism also differs significantly between mainstream and marginalized religions. Mainstream faiths often view sex as something sacred and reserved only for marriage, whereas alternative spiritualities see it as a path to self-discovery and liberation. Some groups even promote group sex or orgies as a way to achieve enlightenment or connect with divine energies.
Sexual control varies greatly across different religious contexts, from conservative orthodoxies that emphasize chastity and procreation to progressive subcultures that encourage experimentation and expression. Both types of traditions have their advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately, each individual must decide what works best for them based on personal beliefs and values.
What are the comparative dynamics of sexual control between mainstream religions and marginalized or esoteric sects?
As compared to mainstream religions that often emphasize the importance of heterosexuality as a means of procreation and continuing lineage, marginalized or esoteric sects may offer more diverse perspectives on sexuality. Some sects even have alternative sexual practices such as orgies, polyamory, and sexual magick rituals.