Religious guidelines are meant to regulate social behavior in society. Religion is an important part of many people's lives around the world, and it has a significant impact on how they conduct themselves in their daily life. In this context, religions usually lay down rules and principles that govern human behavior. These guidelines cover different areas of human existence from politics to ethics, morality to social interactions. As such, religion plays a role in determining how people interact with each other socially, economically, politically, and even sexually.
Religious doctrines have undergone changes after the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these changes include the redefinition of sexual relationships and how people express their desires. This essay examines how post-pandemic religious sexual guidelines influence sexual desire, erotic expression, relational negotiation, intimacy satisfaction, and relational trust.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions across all aspects of human endeavor. It affected healthcare, education, politics, economy, and social interactions among others. The pandemic forced several nations into lockdown, which meant that people had to remain indoors for long periods without interacting with others physically. People could meet and communicate virtually, but there was no way one could replace physical contact or touch. Many people missed being close to loved ones and partners, as they were deprived of hugs, kisses, and other forms of body contacts that symbolize intimate love and affection. Sexual activities became limited during this period due to restrictions imposed by various governments on movement. Couples could not travel to visit each other, attend parties, or even share bedroom moments like they used to. They could only engage in virtual communication, which is very different from personal interaction.
While many couples maintained a safe distance between themselves while dating online, others found it hard to sustain the relationship since some felt lonely, depressed, or unloved. Those who lived apart struggled to stay connected and maintain a bond with their partner, which led to breakups or divorces.
Those who remained in relationships worked out new ways of meeting their needs, including masturbation, watching pornography, sending nude photos, and video calls. These methods helped them satisfy sexual desires, although many still felt empty without the physical presence of their lover.
Religious teachings provided guidance on how couples should conduct themselves sexually during the pandemic. Some religions allowed people to get intimate if both partners agreed and practiced safety measures such as masks, gloves, and sanitizers. Other faiths insisted on abstinence until things got back to normal.
Post-pandemic guidelines have changed everything about sex and its expression. Religious authorities realize the effects of isolation on human beings' psychological state and are doing everything possible to help members meet their emotional needs.
They also emphasized caution when expressing sexual desire or engaging in eroticism. In these times, religions discourage risky behaviors, such as extramarital affairs, public displays of affection, sexual touches at gatherings, and one-night stands. They encourage self-control and restraint when it comes to intimacy, so that individuals do not end up hurting each other. Since most people were forced to remain indoors for long periods, intimacy has been redefined in various ways. Couples can now embrace technology to enhance communication and stay connected physically despite social distancing rules.
Religious leaders have instructed followers to use online dating services rather than random hookups. People who want to date others are advised to register with legitimate dating sites to avoid being conned. The church encourages virtual dates since they allow participants to know each other before meeting in person. This is meant to reduce chances of STDs or contracting HIV from promiscuous relationships. Some churches organize video calls where singles can interact with potential partners without meeting face-to-face. These measures are meant to protect the flock against temptations and diseases associated with casual encounters.
Religious teachings encourage couples to talk things out before getting intimate. They should discuss how they feel about sex and what pleases them to establish a common ground. Religious authorities suggest open and honest dialogue when it comes to intimacy. It is important for couples to discuss their desires freely and negotiate on how they intend to express themselves sexually. This helps prevent hurt feelings, misunderstandings, resentment, disappointments, and regrets later.
If one partner wants an active sex life while another prefers something more mundane like cuddling or kissing, such issues must be discussed before engaging in sexual activities. This way, no party feels used or rejected afterward.
Some religions emphasize trust as a prerequisite for any intimate relationship. Couples must trust each other and respect boundaries to sustain their love life. Trust ensures that there are no secrets in the relationship, which allows couples to focus on building confidence in each other. The clergy warns members not to cheat or play games because this breaks the bonds between lovers. People who cannot trust their partners cannot build long-term relationships since they always fear betrayal. As such, religious guidelines caution followers against promiscuous behavior but urge them to remain faithful to their spouses or partners. Those who want to have multiple sexual partners are discouraged from doing so. Members of some faiths are required to confess sins related to sex to maintain spiritual health.
Post-pandemic religious sexual guidelines influence sexual desire, erotic expression, relational negotiation, intimacy satisfaction, and relational trust among people. These rules help couples understand what makes each other happy or unhappy when it comes to sex. They enable individuals to communicate openly about their needs and desires without being judged. Religious teachings encourage self-control and abstinence in situations where risky behaviors would endanger others' lives. Most importantly, these guidelines promote trust in relationships, which is necessary for sustaining any union.
How have post-pandemic religious sexual guidelines influenced sexual desire, erotic expression, relational negotiation, intimacy satisfaction, and relational trust?
Research has shown that religious beliefs and practices can influence people's attitudes towards sex and relationships (Fortin et al. , 2018). During the COVID-19 pandemic, many religions around the world issued new guidance on sexual behavior to prevent the spread of the virus.