In many religions, there is a tension between following one's desires for pleasure and performing one's duties according to the teachings of their religion. This tension can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and confusion among believers who may be tempted to pursue forbidden pleasures but feel guilty about doing so.
Some scholars argue that this ambivalence can also create a sense of freedom and self-reflection.
One example of religious teaching producing ambivalence between pleasure and duty is found in Islamic law, which prohibits adultery but allows polygamy. The Quran states that Muslim men are allowed to have up to four wives, but they must treat them equally and provide for them financially. This teaching creates an ambivalent situation where a man might desire to have multiple partners, but he is also taught that it is his duty to take care of all of them equally. As a result, he may feel conflicted about whether or not to indulge in this desire because of the potential consequences.
Another example is Christianity's view of sex outside of marriage. While Christians believe that sex should only occur within the confines of marriage, there are many cases where individuals engage in sexual activity before marriage or outside of it. In these situations, Christians may experience guilt and shame because they know that what they are doing goes against their faith, yet they still desire to satisfy their physical needs. Some believers may even turn to pornography as a way to satisfy their desires without actually engaging in real-life intimacy.
Buddhism emphasizes detachment from worldly pleasures, including those associated with sexuality.
Many practitioners find themselves drawn to romantic relationships and desire intimate connections. They may struggle with feeling guilty when they pursue such relationships because they go against their beliefs.
Religious teachings can produce feelings of ambivalence regarding pleasure and duty by creating a tension between following one's natural urges and obeying the rules set forth by their religion. For some people, this may lead to feelings of freedom and self-reflection, while others may struggle with guilt and confusion.
It is up to each individual to decide how they will navigate this tension based on their personal beliefs and values.
In what ways does religious teaching produce ambivalence between pleasure and duty?
Religious teachings are often associated with a sense of obligation towards one's faith, which can create a conflict between personal desires for pleasure and fulfillment and the demands of religious doctrine. This ambivalence is exacerbated by the fact that many religions emphasize self-denial and abstinence as virtues, leading followers to feel torn between their natural inclinations and their spiritual commitments.