Religious authority is the set of doctrines and teachings that define what is right and wrong according to God's will. In general, these teachings are intended to govern human behavior and regulate how people live their lives. Sexuality is an essential aspect of life, but it has been considered taboo for many religions, especially when talking about pleasure and satisfaction. Religious authorities have used this aspect to impose restrictions and control individuals' thoughts, desires, and actions.
Internal conflicts between desire and duty can emerge from the struggle to obey these teachings while seeking fulfillment. How does religious authority shape these struggles?
The Bible is one of the most influential books in history, containing numerous passages related to sexuality.
Genesis states that Adam was created from dust and became a living soul only after Eve was formed from his ribs (Genesis 2:7), indicating that man precedes woman in creation and should be more dominant in relationships. On the other hand, Proverbs says that marriage should be honored among all and the wife must respect her husband, as he is the head of the family (Proverbs 31:28-29). These two verses seem contradictory because they represent different approaches towards sexual relations and gender roles. The first suggests dominance and hierarchy, while the second emphasizes equality and mutual respect. This duality creates tension between what God wants us to do and our natural inclinations, leading to internal conflict.
Religious authorities often consider sex outside marriage a sin. According to the Quran, fornication or adultery (zina) is forbidden unless married couples are legally separated and divorced. In Islam, sexual pleasure within marriage is acceptable if both partners consent and seek to satisfy each other's needs.
Extramarital affairs or homosexuality are prohibited since they violate social norms and disrupt family life. These restrictions generate internal disputes, mainly between men who must fight their sexual urges and women who crave intimacy but lack autonomy over their bodies and decisions. As a result, many people turn to prostitution, which is seen as an act of desperation rather than desire.
Catholicism considers premarital sex immoral, encouraging abstinence until marriage.
Some priests and nuns break this rule by engaging in secret affairs behind closed doors. The Church has long tolerated these practices as long as they remain private and hidden from public knowledge. Still, many believers feel guilty about breaking this commandment, causing significant psychological damage that affects all aspects of their lives.
Religious authority shapes our views on sexuality and relationships through complex and contradictory teachings that create internal conflicts between duty and desire. To avoid such struggles, we need to understand how religion influences our thinking and behavior and learn to reconcile faith with human nature. This way, we can lead happier and healthier lives while obeying God's will.
How does religious authority over sexuality shape internal conflict between desire and duty?
Religious authority over sexuality can have complex effects on individuals' self-perceptions of their desires and duties. Some people may feel conflicted about their beliefs regarding sex within certain contexts, leading to feelings of guilt or shame when they engage in activities that are deemed sinful or immoral by their faith.