Religion promotes the idea that "right" sexuality should occur naturally without negotiation through its teachings on purity, abstinence, marriage, family values, and the nature of human beings as created by God.
Purity is a religious concept that refers to the moral integrity of an individual's actions, thoughts, and desires. It involves avoiding anything deemed morally wrong or impure according to one's faith tradition. Purity is often associated with chastity, which means refraining from physical intimacy outside of marriage. Some religions consider premarital sexual activity sinful, viewing it as a violation of both their own teachings and society's norms. The belief in purity encourages individuals to hold themselves to high standards of behavior, including waiting until marriage before engaging in sex. This creates an expectation that sexual activity will occur within a committed relationship rather than being negotiated between partners.
Abstinence is another religious concept that emphasizes restraint from sexually immoral acts. In some cases, this includes total abstention from all forms of sexual expression, such as masturbation and pornography.
Many religions encourage abstaining from sexual activity outside of marriage, even if they do not advocate for complete abstinence. This emphasis on self-control can lead to an attitude that sexual pleasure should come naturally within marriage instead of being something that must be actively sought out through communication and negotiation.
Family values are also central to many religions, which teach that the primary purpose of sex is procreation and the formation of a stable household unit. Accordingly, couples who practice religion may feel pressure to have children and build a strong family structure. This can discourage experimentation and exploration in the bedroom, leading to a mindset where natural sexual attraction drives relationships. While it is not uncommon for married couples to discuss and negotiate their desires, the emphasis on family values can create a sense of obligation to fulfill one's spouse's needs without openly discussing or exploring one's own.
The idea that human beings were created by God also influences how people view sexuality. Some religions believe humans were made in God's image, with certain traits and characteristics reflective of divine perfection. This belief implies that humans possess inherent qualities that make them suitable for procreation and reproduction, including sexual desire. As a result, individuals may feel compelled to follow their instinctual urges without questioning whether those feelings align with personal preferences or desires.
Some religions see humans as having unique gender roles based on biological differences, which can impact how partners interact during sexual encounters.
Men might view themselves as responsible for initiating and leading while women are expected to acquiesce and accept. In this context, sexuality becomes a natural expression of gender identity rather than something to be actively cultivated through negotiation and communication.
Religion promotes the idea that "right" sexuality should occur naturally without negotiation by advocating for purity, abstinence, family values, and the nature of human beings as created by God.
These teachings can also limit individual agency and expression, creating barriers to open communication and exploration.