Sexuality is one of the most important aspects of human life and has been present throughout history. Religious systems have always sought to regulate it because it involves ethical decisions, but they also use it as a tool for social control, creating a moral language based on sexual behaviors that define obedience, rebellion, and belonging within their communities.
The first religious system to be discussed is Hinduism, which developed in India around the third century BCE. Its main principle was karma, meaning that every action leads to an equal reaction. Therefore, all actions must be done according to dharma, which means doing what is right and avoiding the opposite - adharma. In this case, dharma includes purity, chastity, and modesty. Sexual behavior could lead to impurity and therefore, women were expected to be virgins until marriage. Marriage would sanctify them and make them pure again, so they could fulfill their duty as wives and mothers. Men had similar duties, especially if they wanted to have children. It is believed that Hindus were expected to perform rituals to ensure fertility, including praying to specific deities associated with procreation.
Christianity has a more controversial view of sex, associating it with sin and shame, even though it allows it only within marriage. This led to the persecution of homosexuality and other sexual practices outside marriage, as well as to restrictions against abortion and birth control. The church taught that God created humans male and female, and that marriage was meant to be between man and woman.
Some Christian groups like Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons allow polygamy because they believe that it is biblical.
Judaism has a complex view of sexuality and its relationship with morality. On one hand, it considers sex a natural act but also views lust and desire as negative. According to Jewish tradition, Adam and Eve were naked in paradise before eating from the forbidden tree, indicating that there was no need for clothing.
After the fall, they felt ashamed and covered themselves up. Thus, Judaism teaches that men should not look at women lustfully, as this leads to immorality. Women are viewed as temptresses who can lead men astray, but men are responsible for controlling their urges. Marriage is seen as an agreement between two people who commit to each other exclusively until death do them part.
Islamic law, based on Shariah, also places restrictions on sexual behavior. Muslims must marry and have children, as long as they can afford it. Adultery is punishable by stoning if a married person cheats on their spouse. Homosexuality is considered a sin and is often associated with Western culture, which has influenced Islamic countries to criminalize it. Polygamy is allowed, although it requires consent from all wives.
Buddhism takes a different approach to sexuality, considering it just another aspect of life. It encourages monks and nuns to avoid sexual intercourse to achieve enlightenment, but laypeople can enjoy it within marriage.
Buddhist thought teaches that attachment to desire causes suffering, so sexual pleasure cannot be excessive or obsessive. This view has led some practitioners to become celibate or use sex only for procreation.
Religious systems have used sexual behaviors to establish moral codes, creating a language of obedience, rebellion, and belonging. These ethical guidelines may vary depending on the religion but share common principles such as chastity, modesty, and exclusivity in relationships. Understanding these concepts helps us understand how religious beliefs shape societies' views of love, intimacy, and identity.
How do religious systems transform sexual behavior into a moral language through which obedience, rebellion, and belonging are evaluated?
Religious systems typically employ moral codes that regulate sexual behavior as a means of ensuring conformity to social norms and values. Through these codes, they frame sexual conduct as either rightful or wrongful according to specific criteria such as purity, modesty, and chastity, among others. In doing so, they reinforce social hierarchies by distinguishing between those who adhere to these standards and those who deviate from them.