The word "religion" derives from Latin religio which means "respect for what is sacred". Religious cultures have different ways of framing sexual pleasure and intimate relationships between people. Some cultures consider it unethical to pursue these pleasures outside marriage or other forms of committed relationships, while others believe that it can be enjoyed within those boundaries but with moderation and self-control. Still, others treat them as immoral acts that are forbidden altogether. In some cases, religious cultures even go as far as prescribing certain positions or practices during intercourse based on their beliefs.
There is no clear consensus among all religions regarding this issue, and each one has its own unique set of rules and regulations. The Bible says, for example, that "you shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination," which could imply that homosexuality is morally wrong. On the other hand, Islam permits sex inside marriage as long as both partners consent and are Muslims. Catholicism views masturbation as a sin, whereas Buddhists believe that it can lead to spiritual enlightenment. It's important to note that many non-religious groups also condemn erotic pleasure and encourage abstinence before marriage.
Some religious texts mention specific behaviors that should be avoided, such as adultery or pornography, but they rarely talk about how to enjoy pleasure in healthy ways. Instead, they often focus on sexual acts that are considered taboo, such as anal penetration or oral sex.
Judaism doesn't approve of same-sex relationships, and some rabbis discourage kissing because it might lead to sinful thoughts. Some Christians believe that women should cover their bodies in public to avoid attracting men's attention. Hinduism emphasizes celibacy and chastity until marriage, while Taoism values balanced energy flow between yin and yang energies. There are even cases where religions forbid touching certain body parts (such as nipples), or wearing revealing clothing. All these restrictions make it hard for people to explore their sexuality fully without feeling guilty.