The word "sexual" refers to anything that is associated with sexual behavior, reproduction, or desire. It can be used to describe people who are heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, intersex, or asexual. Sexuality affects all aspects of human life, from food choices to clothing preferences to spiritual beliefs. Religious faiths have their own ways of regulating sexual practices. Some religions prohibit sex outside marriage, while others require it for procreation or pleasure.
Some religious groups may suppress sexuality altogether. This article will examine how sexuality is repressed in different religions.
Christianity
Christianity has several denominations that practice celibacy among its clergy members. The Roman Catholic Church requires priests and nuns to take vows of chastity, which means abstaining from sexual activity until they marry. This tradition dates back to the early days of Christianity when married men were forbidden to become monks. Priests who fail to keep their vows of chastity are expelled from the priesthood and excommunicated from the church. The Orthodox Church also requires celibacy of its clergy but allows them to marry before ordination. Most mainstream Protestant churches do not require celibacy, but many evangelical pastors encourage abstinence from premarital sex. They believe that sex should only occur within the context of marriage between one man and one woman.
Islam
Islamic law (sharia) dictates that sex occurs only inside marriage. Adultery is punishable by death in most Muslim countries. Women are expected to dress modestly, covering themselves from head to toe. Men must avoid gazing at women other than their wives. Homosexuality is considered a sin, as is lesbianism and bisexuality. Transgender people face discrimination in many parts of the world. Some imams have argued that transgenders can be cured through conversion therapy or surgery.
Hinduism
Hinduism encourages celibacy for spiritual advancement, especially for Brahmins (priests). A man may choose to give up his wife to focus on meditation and prayer. Monastic orders such as the Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists practice celibacy. In some sects, widowed women may be required to shave their heads, wear white robes, and live austerely. Hindus believe that caste determines social status, which affects who can have sex with whom. Lower castes cannot marry into higher castes. Sex outside marriage is taboo, as is premarital sex and homosexual behavior. Polygamy was once common among Hindus, but it has been outlawed in modern India.
Judaism
Jewish law permits sex only within marriage. Unmarried people must abstain until they find a spouse. Jews believe that God created human beings male and female for companionship and procreation. Extramarital affairs are strictly forbidden. Same-sex relationships are not recognized by most rabbis.
Some Orthodox Jews accept LGBTQ+ members if they remain celibate. Conversion therapy is often used to "cure" homosexuals of their sexual orientation.
Buddhism
Buddhism does not have a set doctrine regarding sexuality. Each monk or nun decides whether to take vows of chastity based on personal beliefs. Some monasteries permit sexual relations between monks and nuns, while others do not. Meditation and prayer are considered more important than physical pleasure. Buddha himself is said to have refused his wife's request for intimacy after he reached enlightenment. Homosexuality is accepted in some sects, such as Zen Buddhism.
Scientology
Scientologists believe that thetans (spirits) inhabit each person's body. During auditing sessions, members recount past lives and explore suppressed memories. They may reveal traumatic incidents related to sexual abuse or assault. Scientology teaches that sex should occur only inside marriage, with one partner at a time. It encourages members to marry young so they can have children who will become future Scientologists. The church opposes abortion, contraception, masturbation, pornography, and any other activity that could damage the body.
Mormonism
Mormons practice polygamy, where a man may have multiple wives. This was once common but has since been outlawed by the US government. Monogamy remains the norm today. Mormons believe that God created Adam and Eve together and intended them to procreate. Sex outside of marriage is forbidden, except for purposes of procreation within marriage. Homosexual relationships are frowned upon but not explicitly condemned.
Religious faiths have varied views on sexual practices. Some encourage celibacy, monogamy, or polygamy while others oppose homosexuality and premarital sex. Suppressing sexuality can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and repression, which can be harmful to mental health. People should be free to express their desires without fear of judgment or punishment.
What practices suppress sexuality in religious life?
Sexuality suppression is often practiced in religious communities because it is seen as a way to preserve moral standards and maintain purity within the community. Religious leaders may discourage sexual behavior by promoting abstinence until marriage and stressing the importance of modesty and chastity. Some religions also prohibit same-sex relationships and view them as sinful.