One thing that is essential for human beings to understand is that they are both physical and emotional creatures. They have many needs, some of which need to be met physically while others can only be satisfied emotionally. Sexual desires are one such desire that humans feel naturally, which means that it is ingrained within their very nature.
There are also spiritual and moral obligations that humans must uphold as part of their life. This creates an interesting dilemma where these desires clash with each other because individuals want to satisfy them but also abide by what society expects from them regarding morals.
Religious moral systems come into play since they seek to balance innate sexual needs with aspirational spiritual goals. These moral systems aim to create a framework through which individuals can live fulfilling lives according to their values. While many religions agree on basic principles like honesty, kindness, charity, and patience, they differ when it comes to sex.
Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions all condemn extra-marital sex. This implies that they believe in fidelity as long as the couple involved in the union is married under their doctrine. They often encourage monogamy and discourage adultery.
Religion does not simply advocate against premarital or extramarital sex; it also teaches about self-control. Many people argue that sex before marriage has no bearing on the quality of a person's relationship once they get married. It could even contribute to more significant marital issues if not practiced properly during courtship. Moreover, some religions argue that unbridled lust leads to negative consequences for individuals, including depression, guilt, anxiety, and mental illness. Sexual sins can lead to physical and emotional damage too, such as STDs and unwanted pregnancies.
Religious leaders and scholars emphasize that self-denial is part of spiritual growth. Therefore, they advise their followers to avoid anything that causes them to lose sight of this purpose. They urge individuals to maintain chastity until they are ready to marry.
Religious morals require people to seek pleasure within themselves rather than through sexual encounters with others.
Humans cannot deny their natural desires forever, which may cause feelings of dissatisfaction and frustration. Whenever they feel tempted, they should rely on God for help because He provides divine intervention when needed.
How do religious moral systems balance innate sexual needs with aspirational spiritual goals?
Religious moral systems attempt to reconcile innate human sexual desires with aspirational spiritual goals by using principles such as abstinence and moderation, emphasizing the importance of marriage for procreation and companionship rather than gratification, and encouraging monogamy within that context.