Religious Philosophy
Religion is a set of beliefs, values, customs, and practices that people follow for moral guidance. It usually deals with matters of faith, spirituality, and how one should live their life according to a set of principles or teachings. In some religions, extramarital sexual desire is seen as immoral and forbidden, while others may have more lenient views towards it.
Islam prohibits extramarital sexual relations unless both partners are single and consensual, while Buddhism encourages celibacy but does not explicitly condemn adultery. The Bible states that adultery is wrong, yet also acknowledges human weakness and provides guidelines on how to avoid temptation.
Christianity
In Christianity, the Ten Commandments say "Thou shalt not commit adultery," which means that extramarital sex is considered a sin. Christians believe that God created humans in his image and designed them to be monogamous within marriage. Adultery can destroy relationships and cause harm to those involved, so it goes against God's design for humanity.
There are also psychological mechanisms used to regulate sexual impulses, such as self-control and accountability.
Hinduism
Hindus believe that lust is a sin because it distracts from higher pursuits like meditation and devotion to God. They encourage abstinence until marriage, then fidelity afterward. They also emphasize the importance of controlling one's mind and body, which can help reduce sexual desires. Meditation practices can calm the mind and strengthen willpower, allowing individuals to resist temptations.
Psychology
Psychologists study the brain and behavior to understand how people think, feel, and act. According to Sigmund Freud, sexual desire is natural and unavoidable, but repressing it too much can lead to anxiety and other mental health issues. He believed that some people develop obsessions or fixations on certain objects or activities due to childhood trauma or repressed desires. Repressing sexual impulses can also lead to physical symptoms like headaches, stomach problems, and insomnia.
How does religious philosophy frame the morality of extramarital sexual desire, and what are the psychological mechanisms used to regulate or repress such impulses?
Although religious philosophies may differ in their stance on the permissibility of extramarital sex, they generally agree that it is immoral and unethical. The moral code of most religions condemns adultery as a violation of marital vows and as an act that can lead to personal and social consequences like guilt, shame, and punishment from God.