Religious cosmologies that divide body and soul can lead to sexual shame and bodily alienation. This is because they promote the idea that the physical world is impure and inferior compared to the spiritual realm. This means that people may feel ashamed of their bodies and view them as objects rather than subjects. This can result in feelings of disconnection from one's own body, which can be harmful for self-esteem, health, and sexual functioning.
In some religions, such as Christianity, the belief is that humans are created in the image of God, but also have a sinful nature due to the Fall of Adam and Eve. This dualism between spirit and flesh suggests that the body should be controlled and restrained, leading to negative attitudes towards sexual desire and behavior. Some religions even go so far as to believe that sex is inherently sinful, which further reinforces shame around intimacy.
This separation between spirit and flesh has also led to gendered oppression, where women are seen as temptresses who must be submissive to men in order to avoid sexual transgression. The fear of female sexuality being linked with sin can create deep insecurities about one's own desires and identity. Men may also experience internalized homophobia or other forms of repression if they do not conform to rigid masculinity norms.
These religious cosmologies often place emphasis on abstinence before marriage and fidelity within it, which can contribute to a lack of understanding about consent and pleasure. Sexual education is limited to heteronormative ideas and the focus is on procreation rather than enjoyment. As a result, individuals may struggle to navigate their sexual desires and experiences outside of what is considered acceptable by society.
Religious cosmologies that divide spirit and flesh can lead to damaging consequences for individuals' relationships with themselves and others. By promoting a view of the physical world as inferior and sinful, these beliefs perpetuate feelings of shame and alienation around sexuality, gender, and power dynamics. It is important to recognize how these ideologies shape our perceptions of ourselves and our sexuality, so we can work towards more inclusive and empowering understandings of intimacy.