How does religion use sex? Religious narratives use stories about sex and sexuality to convey themes of obedience, rebellion, and divine favor through metaphors and allegories that teach readers lessons about life and morality. In the Bible, for example, God created Adam and Eve together and told them they could eat from all the trees in the garden except one – the tree of knowledge of good and evil. When Eve was tricked into eating the forbidden fruit, she convinced her husband to do so too, and both were banished from paradise. This story shows how disobeying God's command leads to suffering.
The Old Testament also tells the tale of David and Bathsheba. King David lusted after his neighbor's wife, Bathsheba, and sent messengers to get her while her husband was away fighting in war. After conceiving a child with her, he arranged for her husband's death to cover up the affair. This story illustrates how desire can lead to sinful actions and consequences.
In Islam, Allah says women should dress modestly because men may be tempted by their beauty. The Quran instructs husbands to treat wives kindly, as they are sacred trusts, but allows polygamy if a man fears not honoring them equally. This portrays marriage as an act of submission to God's will, which can include multiple partners if necessary.
Hinduism emphasizes celibacy over sexuality, as illustrated by the ascetic monk Shiva who meditates on a mountain tops rather than being with Parvati, his devoted wife.
Krishna had many lovers, including Radha, whom he married before becoming a god. This shows that sexual pleasure is acceptable when done responsibly and within limits.
Buddhism views sex as a distraction from enlightenment but encourages monks to marry nuns to ensure the order's survival. This acknowledges the importance of reproduction while discouraging excessive indulgence in worldly pleasures.
Judaism teaches that sex should only happen between a man and woman in marriage, with each party giving full consent. The Song of Songs celebrates love and intimacy between spouses as a symbol of devotion to God. In contrast, Tantra uses sex as a way to achieve spiritual union with the divine, with rituals involving multiple partners or even prostitution.
Religious narratives use sexual metaphors to promote obedience, condemn lust, and praise restraint, highlighting the power of desire and its consequences.