Sexuality is an important aspect of human life that affects all aspects of our lives, including our relationship with ourselves, others, and the world around us. It shapes our thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, interactions, and decisions about what to do or not do. Religious teachings have always played a significant role in shaping people's attitudes towards sex, sexuality, and relationships. They influence how individuals view their bodies, the opposite gender, love, desire, pleasure, intimacy, reproduction, marriage, family, and sexual expression. Different religions have different views on these topics, which can vary from one society to another.
In some cultures, there are strict rules on dressing codes and public displays of affection between men and women, while in other societies, these acts may be considered normal and acceptable.
Religion plays a vital role in shaping adulthood. Religion has been linked to many positive outcomes such as physical health, psychological well-being, social support, community involvement, and religious coping strategies.
It can also lead to negative consequences if it creates anxiety, guilt, shame, fear, and mistrust, especially regarding sex. This paper explores how religious teachings shape relational trust, sexual confidence, and intimacy skills in adulthood.
Relationship Trust
Relational trust refers to the degree of confidence we place in another person when we enter into a relationship with them. It involves trusting that they will act responsibly, honestly, loyally, and respectfully towards you. It is built over time through shared experiences, communication, empathy, understanding, and commitment. Research has shown that trust is a critical component of all human interactions, including romantic relationships. People who lack trust find it difficult to connect with others because they do not feel secure about opening up or being vulnerable. Religious teachings on trust often focus on fidelity and faithfulness within marriages. In most monogamous marriages, spouses commit to stay together for life, regardless of their emotional state or circumstances. They view infidelity as a sin and punishable by God.
In Christianity, adultery is condemned as an unfaithful act between married couples.
This teaching shapes adults' attitudes towards marriage and intimate relationships. It instills in them the belief that marriage is sacred and should be protected at all costs. Adults who have been taught these values grow up believing that infidelity is wrong and may struggle with feelings of distrust if their partner cheats on them. The impact of this teaching goes beyond marriage; it also affects other areas of their lives such as friendships, workplace partnerships, business transactions, etc. Those with religious backgrounds are less likely to engage in extra-marital affairs than those without religious affiliation.
Some studies suggest that strict guidelines on sexual morality can cause people to become anxious and fearful of breaking rules, leading to self-doubt and relationship insecurities. This makes them avoid risks and take fewer chances, which could hinder personal growth and development.
Sexual Confidence
Sexual confidence refers to one's ability to express themselves sexually without shame or embarrassment. It includes feeling comfortable talking about sex, exploring different sexual activities, and seeking sexual pleasure. Religious teachings often discourage openness about sex and promote abstinence until marriage. Many religions advocate for modesty, discretion, and fidelity within marriage, making it challenging to talk openly about sex and explore it outside marriage.
Islamic cultures emphasize chastity, purity, and respect for women. Women are expected to cover up their bodies, while men must not look lustfully at them. These teachings create a sense of shame and anxiety around sexuality and intimacy among adults from these societies. They feel awkward talking about sex and have difficulty expressing their desires, leading to dissatisfaction in their relationships.
Some religions encourage couples to discuss sex before marriage to learn how to please each other better and enjoy it more. Catholicism promotes responsible sexual behavior between partners, including communication, honesty, mutual agreement, and responsibility. In these cultures, adults are more likely to be confident in their sexual choices and relationships because they know what to expect and can communicate their needs effectively.
This teaching may make individuals less adventurous and hesitant to try new things, limiting their sexual horizons.
Intimacy Skills
Intimacy skills refer to our ability to connect emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually with others. It involves understanding ourselves and others' emotional states, communicating effectively, resolving conflicts, and building strong bonds. Religious teachings on intimacy vary widely depending on the religion and culture. Some cultures promote physical affection, while others discourage it.
Christianity promotes abstinence until marriage but encourages physical touch as part of marital bliss. Islam allows physical affection within marriage but prohibits intercourse outside it.
These teachings shape how people view intimacy in adulthood. Adults who have been taught that sex is wrong or sinful struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, fear, and anxiety. They avoid intimacy altogether, which leads to isolation and loneliness. Those raised in permissive societies may lack boundaries, causing them to become too dependent on their partner for satisfaction. This creates an imbalance in power dynamics and makes it difficult to maintain healthy relationships over time.
Religious teachings play a significant role in shaping relational trust, sexual confidence, and intimacy skills in adults. The type of teachings we receive affects how we interact with ourselves, others, and our environment.
Rigid rules can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, relationship insecurities, and inhibit personal growth and development. Open communication about sex can help individuals understand themselves better, explore their sexuality freely, and build stronger relationships based on mutual respect,
How do religious teachings on sexual morality shape the development of relational trust, sexual confidence, and intimacy skills in adulthood?
Although different religions have varying perspectives on sexuality, many emphasize abstinence until marriage and faithfulness within marriage. These teachings can impact the development of relational trust, sexual confidence, and intimacy skills in adults by influencing their attitudes towards sex and relationships. Adherents may feel shame about sexual feelings or be hesitant to explore them, leading to low self-esteem and difficulty building trust with partners.