The following is an excerpt from the article "Religious Sexual Morality". It is a detailed explanation of how various religions view and regulate sexual behavior, including traditional Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shinto.
Traditional Christianity
Christian beliefs about sex are based on Old Testament laws that state that marriage is between one man and one woman for life and that all other sexual acts outside of this union are sinful.
Within the last century there has been a significant shift towards more liberal attitudes towards homosexuality, contraception, premarital sex, and cohabitation. This change was brought about by theologians like Martin Luther King Jr., who argued that religious morals should be adapted to modern times rather than resisting cultural transformation.
Islam
In contrast to Christianity, Islam has remained largely unchanged since its beginnings in the seventh century AD. The Qur'an explicitly prohibits adultery, fornication, homosexuality, incest, pedophilia, and rape as well as other forms of non-consensual or coercive sex. Muslims believe that these behaviors are not just immoral but also destructive to society at large. In recent years, some scholars have suggested that Islam could benefit from modernization by allowing greater freedom in terms of gender roles and sexual expression.
Judaism
Judaism also places strong emphasis on monogamy and fidelity within marriage.
Jewish law allows for divorce if either spouse commits an act of infidelity or engages in behavior deemed inappropriate by their community (such as prostitution). Similarly, Jewish tradition encourages celibacy before marriage for both men and women so they can focus on spiritual development instead of physical desires. There is no clear consensus among rabbinical authorities regarding homosexuality or transgender identity; some view it positively while others consider it taboo or sinful.
Hinduism
Hindus typically see sex as a natural part of life that should be enjoyed responsibly between committed partners. Most sects permit premarital sex as long as it does not interfere with one's ability to remain focused on spiritual pursuits. While there is no official stance towards homosexuality or transgender identity, many devout Hindus believe that same-sex relationships violate natural order.
Buddhism
Buddhists teach that all physical pleasures must be approached with moderation lest they become addictions or distractions from spiritual enlightenment. This includes avoiding excessive consumption of food, alcohol, and other substances but also abstaining from casual sex outside of committed relationships. Some forms of tantric yoga practice involve non-traditional forms of intimacy such as partnered meditation or sexual rituals meant to heighten awareness rather than achieve pleasure alone.
Confucianism
Confucianism emphasizes respect for authority figures like parents, teachers, elders, and rulers above all else - even family members themselves! This means that certain sexual acts (such as incest) may be viewed as unacceptable because they undermine social harmony rather than simply immoral. Homosexuality was historically accepted in China until the Tang Dynasty when it became associated with foreign influence and imperial decadence; today most modern Chinese view it negatively along with any form of non-reproductive behavior.
Shinto
Shintoism is a nature-based religion which views all lifeforms as sacred including humans who should honor each other by engaging in consensual acts of affection only within marriage. There is no specific rule regarding premarital sex but practitioners often wait until they feel spiritually ready before committing to one another physically. Incest, adultery, rape, and bestiality are considered taboo due to their violation of natural order.
In what ways does religious sexual morality adapt or resist cultural transformation?
Religious sexual morality is an integral part of many cultures around the world and has been shaped by various factors over time. While some religions have been able to adapt to cultural changes and remain relevant, others have struggled to maintain their position as moral authorities due to changing social norms. One way that religious sexual morality can adapt to cultural change is through interpretation and reinterpretation of scripture and tradition.