Believers are people who have faith in God and follow religious teachings. They believe that their religion is the true path to salvation and eternal life. According to their belief system, there are certain moral codes they must follow to live a good and virtuous life. These include how they interact with others, treat them, behave and conduct themselves.
Sometimes these religious teachings contradict the cultural norms and practices of the society they live in. This poses a problem for believers because they want to obey both their faith and social expectations. So, what do believers do when faced with this dilemma? How can they reconcile their traditional religious teachings with contemporary societal norms?
One way believers adapt their sexual ethics is by ignoring the teachings of their religion altogether. They might argue that culture is more important than religion and therefore should be given priority. Some believers may even choose to disregard their religious teachings, focusing instead on following popular trends. They may justify this decision by saying that their religion is outdated or irrelevant in today's world. Such believers may engage in premarital sex, cohabitation, and other immoral activities despite knowing it goes against their religion. This practice is common among young people who are more influenced by modern culture than religion.
Another way believers adapt their sexual ethics is by selectively applying their religion's teaching. They will apply some rules but not others depending on what suits them.
They might abstain from sex before marriage but have multiple partners afterward. Or they might avoid adultery but engage in casual sex without commitment. Believers who use this approach justify their behavior as necessary to fit into a changing society. They believe that their religion needs to evolve with time to remain relevant.
Such believers risk violating their religious principles and compromising their faith.
Believers can also adapt their sexual ethics by negotiating with cultural norms. They will take what works for them and leave behind what doesn't.
They might allow themselves to engage in premarital sex but only within specific parameters like when they feel ready emotionally and spiritually. Or they might limit their extramarital affairs to just one partner. By doing so, believers can stay true to their belief system while still accommodating cultural practices.
Believers can choose to follow their traditional religious teachings fully. They will stick to the moral codes of their faith regardless of how unpopular they might be in the society. This group of believers will not let popular trends influence their behavior. Instead, they will hold onto their values firmly, even if it means being ostracized or judged by others. Such people may refrain from dating altogether until they find a compatible spouse. They may also shun cohabitation and engagement in anything immoral. These believers are often seen as strict, conservative, and outdated. But they argue that culture should conform to religion rather than the other way around.