Sexual behavior has been subject to strict regulations for centuries, even millennia. Different societies have developed various rules governing who can do what with whom, when, where, why, and how. Some rules are based purely on religion, others on law, tradition, culture, politics, economics, science, psychology, biology, health, social norms, peer pressure, etc. These rules may change over time and vary between cultures. Religious morality is one of the main sources of these regulations. It includes both explicit commands from religious leaders, texts, institutions, and traditions as well as implicit values derived from their teachings. Religious moralists often consider certain sexual acts and practices sinful and condemn them. They encourage adherents to avoid such sins and follow other rules that promote chastity and modesty. The question arises: How does religious morality influence internalized standards of sexual propriety?
Some background about morality and religion. Morality refers to human ethical principles and codes of conduct. Religion refers to belief in supernatural forces or entities. Moral code is either natural or divine. Natural morality involves human reason and intuition, while divine morality comes from a transcendent source. People acquire morals through learning and experience. They also learn and practice religions, which give them a sense of purpose and community. Religion gives people meaning and direction in life. It shapes their worldview and affects their daily lives. In many cases, it determines their views on sexual behavior.
The most common religious views on sex are monogamy and fidelity within marriage, purity before marriage, and sexual abstinence outside of it.
Christianity promotes monogamy and fidelity, prohibits extramarital sex (including pornography), requires premarital celibacy, and discourages masturbation and homosexuality. Islamic jurisprudence defines acceptable sexual behavior and limits sexual contact between unrelated men and women. Buddhism encourages self-discipline and nonattachment, including with regard to sexual desire. Hinduism emphasizes procreation for family growth and spiritual enlightenment, rejecting homosexuality. Other religions have similar positions, although the details vary.
Religion influences sexual morality in several ways. First, religious doctrines shape societal norms and laws regarding sexuality. Second, they teach adherents what is right and wrong based on moral principles derived from scripture. Third, they cultivate a moral mindset that leads to internalization of those values. Fourth, they provide social support for following such rules. Fifth, they offer spiritual benefits for compliance. Sixth, they punish deviations from these standards. Seventh, they perpetuate the cycle by passing down their teachings to future generations. This creates an ecosystem of religion-driven sexual regulation that shapes individual beliefs and actions.
Followers of certain religions may internalize their religious standards and use them as guides for their own sexual behavior. They believe that obeying their god(s) will lead to rewards in this life or the afterlife, while disobeying will bring divine retribution. Thus, they avoid forbidden acts like extramarital sex and other immoral behaviors. Internalized standards can be strong motivators, even when people leave their faith or doubt its truthfulness.
They may also cause anxiety, shame, and guilt, especially if one fails to meet expectations. Some people may feel guilty about their desires or practices regardless of whether they are religiously acceptable. Others may engage in premarital sex anyway, leading to feelings of guilt and self-loathing. These conflicting emotions can harm individuals' mental health and relationships.
Religious morality has a significant impact on sexual propriety. It shapes societal norms, individual attitudes, and personal beliefs and behaviors regarding sex. Adherents internalize its rules, often without questioning them. They may experience positive and negative consequences based on how well they follow those rules. Religion thus plays a major role in shaping human sexuality, affecting millions of lives worldwide.