Religion is often associated with moral virtues that emphasize selflessness, purity, and abstinence from sinful behaviors such as lust, greed, and wrath.
Some religious texts also contain passages that suggest that individuals may experience feelings of sexual desire and attraction to others. This has led to the interpretation that these desires are natural but must be controlled or repressed for spiritual growth. As a result, religion can encourage reinterpretation of discomfort as virtue when it comes to sexual expression.
One way this occurs is through the practice of celibacy, where individuals choose to abstain from all sexual activity outside of marriage. This often involves strict rules about contact between genders and dress codes that discourage displays of physical attractiveness. The idea behind this is that by avoiding temptation, one can better focus on their relationship with God and develop spiritually.
This approach can lead to feelings of guilt and shame around normal sexual urges, which can become internalized as a source of personal weakness rather than a part of human nature.
Another way religion encourages reinterpretation of discomfort as virtue is through the concept of chastity. In many religions, premarital sex is seen as immoral and discouraged, while adultery is strictly forbidden. This can create an environment where individuals feel pressure to suppress any romantic or sexual interests until they find a partner. Once married, the focus shifts towards maintaining fidelity and avoiding extramarital affairs. Again, this can create a sense of guilt and shame around desires that are considered "wrong," leading to the need for self-control over these emotions instead of accepting them as part of life.
Some religious teachings suggest that sexual pleasure can be achieved within marriage and should not be sought outside of it. This implies that intimacy and closeness are necessary components of a healthy relationship but must be expressed in specific ways.
Many Christian denominations believe that the missionary position is the only acceptable form of intercourse because it allows both partners to look upwards towards heaven during lovemaking. Other positions may be deemed sinful or unholy. By limiting the ways in which people express themselves physically, religion can encourage reinterpretation of discomfort as virtuous by teaching that certain types of expression are morally wrong.
Religion often promotes abstinence, repression, and restriction when it comes to sexual expression.
This approach can lead to feelings of shame and guilt around normal human urges, encouraging individuals to view their desires as sources of weakness rather than natural aspects of being. As a result, individuals may seek to control these impulses through disciplined behaviors, such as celibacy or strict adherence to conservative sexual norms, creating an environment where comfort with one's own body and feelings becomes seen as a source of strength rather than weakness.