Sexual desires are an integral part of being human, yet some religions have strict laws regarding it. Religious leaders often claim that these restrictions stem from a higher power's will, but what philosophical principles underlie them? This essay explores this question through an analysis of major world faiths.
The Abrahamic traditions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - emphasize purity and order in their moral teachings. Their scriptures describe God creating humans and giving them guidelines for living, including sexual rules. In Leviticus, for instance, Moses instructs Israelites to refrain from certain sexual acts because they involve animals, members of the same gender, or menstruating women. According to Jewish philosopher Maimonides, God wants people to avoid sinful urges and maintain self-control. Similarly, the Quran commands Muslims to practice modesty and abstinence.
A verse forbids sex outside marriage while another encourages marriage as a way to control lust. These texts suggest that desire is inherently dangerous and must be restricted.
Other religions take different approaches. Hinduism views the body as unclean and seeks spiritual liberation by renouncing its pleasures, including those related to sex. Buddhist monastics also limit intimacy due to attachment and suffering, which lead to rebirth. The Bhagavad Gita advises against pursuing sensual satisfaction and instead seeking enlightenment through detachment. Confucianism stresses virtue and social harmony, which may discourage erotic behaviors like adultery. Taoism advocates living in accordance with nature, which involves accepting one's desires within boundaries. Shinto deities have both masculine and feminine aspects, reflecting human duality and complementarity.
What do these beliefs tell us about how we view sexual desire? Religious leaders often argue that it has no moral value beyond procreation. They teach self-denial and restraint to curb impulsiveness and promote holiness. This suggests that humans are fundamentally flawed and need rules to regulate their urges. But some scholars disagree, arguing that desire is essential for fulfillment and personal growth. Others believe that restrictive laws cause shame and guilt, leading to repression and exploitation.
Whether or not to embrace desire depends on individual circumstances and beliefs.
Religious law reflects diverse philosophies of desire. Some emphasize purity and order while others focus on non-attachment and natural balance. These perspectives shape our views of sex, affecting everything from marriage to masturbation. We should examine them critically and consider what works best for us personally.
What philosophical assumptions about human desire underlie strict sexual prohibitions in religious law?
Sexual desire is often seen as an important part of human nature that can be fulfilled only through marriage. Religious laws seek to control this desire by restricting it to certain relationships, such as between a man and a woman within marriage. According to these beliefs, sex outside of marriage is considered sinful and goes against God's plan for humans.