Russian Orthodox Church has strongly condemned premarital sexual activity and encourages abstinence before marriage for its followers. It views sex outside marriage as sinful and immoral. The Church believes that premarital sex is forbidden and can lead to unwanted consequences such as guilt, regret, disease, and unwanted pregnancy.
The Church also recognizes that human nature is weak and sometimes people cannot resist temptation. Therefore, it offers forgiveness and counseling services to those who confess their sins and repent.
The Russian government has recently passed laws criminalizing public displays of affection and promoting 'traditional family values'. These laws include fines for holding hands or kissing in public places, banning gay pride parades, and limiting access to abortion. The government argues that these measures are necessary to protect traditional family structures and morality.
Critics argue that they restrict personal freedoms and promote intolerance.
State-owned media outlets have been instructed to portray traditional family values positively and encourage abstinence education programs in schools. The government also sponsors campaigns promoting modesty and chastity, with images of couples wearing long skirts and blouses being projected onto buildings across Moscow. Critics argue that these measures are unnecessary and undermine individual rights.
Despite these efforts, premarital sex remains common among young Russians. According to a survey conducted by the Levada Center in 2017, nearly half of all Russians aged 18-24 reported having had sex before marriage. This rate is higher than in many other countries, including the United States and Germany. Some sociologists attribute this trend to increased access to information and technology, which makes it easier for young people to meet and communicate with potential partners online. Others suggest that social norms around sexual behavior have changed over time, as more Russians move away from conservative attitudes towards sex outside marriage.
While there are restrictions on sexual activity in Russia, they do not necessarily reflect the views of most Russians. Many people still engage in premarital sex, and even those who don't tend to view it as a normal part of human life. As such, religious institutions cannot completely regulate or shape moral attitudes toward this issue alone.
How do Russian religious institutions regulate and shape moral attitudes toward premarital sexual behavior?
The role of religious institutions is essential for shaping morals regarding premarital sexuality in Russia. The Orthodox Church has played an important part in setting standards for sexual conduct, including abstinence until marriage. Religious leaders and teachings have influenced public discourse on this topic, contributing to cultural beliefs about sex being appropriate only within marriage. This approach may reflect traditional values that prioritize family life over individual desires.