The subject is one that has been discussed extensively across various cultures and time periods, but it remains a significant topic today due to its direct impact on society. In this article, I will explain how religious teaching creates idealized conceptions of masculine behavior concerning sexuality. While many people assume that religion plays no role in influencing social norms surrounding gender roles, it is evident from the teachings of major religions such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism, among others, that these belief systems have shaped gender dynamics for centuries. This includes sexual expectations about men, which can be seen in their views on marriage, family structure, homosexuality, adultery, prostitution, rape, and other related topics. The article begins with an explanation of how masculinity is defined in different contexts before delving into how religious teachings construct ideals of sexual masculinity.
Masculinity in Religious Teachings
Masculinity refers to a set of attributes that are traditionally associated with males, including strength, power, aggression, independence, self-reliance, assertiveness, ambition, dominance, competition, leadership, risk-taking, risk-taking, and emotional control. These characteristics are valued in societies worldwide and are often attributed to males who have achieved success or status within their communities.
There is no universal definition of masculinity since cultural differences exist between countries, regions, ethnic groups, classes, generations, professions, genders, and personalities.
Some cultures emphasize physical prowess while others value intellectual achievement, and some may place more importance on financial stability than emotional expression. In many cases, masculine traits overlap with those considered appropriate for women but vary based on social norms and context.
Religions have played a significant role in defining masculinity over time by influencing how people think about sex, relationships, and the roles assigned to men in society. According to the Bible, God created Adam first to demonstrate his supremacy over Eve (Genesis 2:18). This narrative has been used as justification for patriarchy throughout history, which involves male privilege and authority over females in various spheres of life. The Quran teaches Muslims to treat wives respectfully, share household responsibilities equally, and provide for them financially (Qur'an 4:34), but it also encourages husbands to beat disobedient wives (Qur'an 4:34). Hinduism views marriage as a sacred union that should be respected, including sexual fidelity and respect for elders (Manusmriti 9.176-9.184). Buddhists believe in celibacy and non-attachment but allow monks to marry if they wish (Tipitaka 10.235). Confucianism values filial piety, which includes respecting parents and family traditions, such as arranging marriages between consenting adults without regard for gender identity or sexual orientation (Analects 1.2). Taoism stresses harmony within relationships, emphasizing mutual respect and compassion between partners rather than power dynamics (Dao De Jing 59).
Ideals of Sexual Masculinity in Religious Teachings
Religions have shaped ideas about masculine behavior concerning sex by influencing how men should act during courtship, intimacy, childbearing, parenting, adultery, homosexuality, prostitution, rape, pornography, and other related topics.
The Bible states that male and female are equal before God (Genesis 1:27) but forbids same-sex relationships due to their association with pagan worship and idolatry (Leviticus 18:22). The Quran teaches Muslims to treat females kindly and protect them from violence (Qur'an 4:36), but it also permits polygamy under specific circumstances (Qur'an 4:3). Hinduism allows widows to remarry but condemns premarital sex outside marriage as sinful (Manusmriti 5.146). Buddhists believe in abstinence from all forms of physical pleasure, including sensory gratification (Tipitaka 3.204), while Confucianism values chastity and fidelity within marriage (Analects 20.1). Shintoism promotes purity and modesty when expressing sexual desires or engaging in intercourse (Kojiki 1.4).
Religious teaching has constructed idealized conceptions of masculine sexuality for centuries, shaping attitudes towards gender roles, social norms, and cultural expectations regarding sex. While there is no universal definition of masculinity across cultures or time periods, most societies value strength, power, aggression, independence, self-reliance, assertiveness, ambition, dominance, competition, risk-taking, and emotional control. Religious teachings have influenced how these attributes are expressed, including whether men should pursue financial stability over emotional expression or treat women respectfully during courtship and intimacy. Understanding the historical influence of religion on ideals of sexual masculinity can help individuals recognize how belief systems shape behavior today and improve relationships between genders worldwide.