The meaning behind extramarital sex is different from one religion to another.
Christianity views it as a sin that breaks marital fidelity.
There is no consensus among Christians about how to handle such sins; some think they can be forgiven through repentance while others believe the offenders must confess their sins publicly. Islam sees adultery as an unforgivable act punishable by death or flogging for both parties involved. Hinduism does not condemn all forms of extramarital sex but considers unmarried individuals engaging in intercourse outside marriage to be less pure than those who marry before having sexual relations. Buddhism encourages monogamy but allows polygyny if the husband has multiple wives to provide companionship for him during his old age. Judaism also forbids adultery but permits divorce after three instances of infidelity. In contrast, Jainism believes that celibacy leads to enlightenment so couples should abstain from sexual relationships altogether until they become spiritually mature enough to take vows of chastity together.
There are other religious narratives which explore the concept of temptation related to sexual desires such as the Temptation of Christ, the Garden of Eden story in Genesis where Adam and Eve disobey God's command by eating the fruit, or the mythical tales of Zeus seducing mortal women like Io and Europa. Some religions suggest these stories teach us about our human weaknesses when faced with temptations like lust. Others say they highlight the consequences of giving into them.
Religions have different views on redemption for those who commit sinful acts - some think only divine intervention can save them while others argue that atonement is possible through repentance and good deeds.
Despite the different meanings attached to extramarital sex across various religious traditions, there seems to be a common theme running throughout them all – we must resist temptation despite our carnal urges and seek forgiveness if we fall prey to them. The concept of redemption provides hope for those struggling with guilt over past transgressions but it remains unclear whether or not it truly exists.