Introduction to Sexual Self-Esteem
Sexual self-esteem is an essential aspect of one's overall sense of worthiness and can have significant impacts on individual's physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. The term "sexual" refers to all aspects of human sexuality, including but not limited to sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual practices, sexual behaviors, and body image. It encompasses both physical and psychological dimensions of sexuality and includes feelings about oneself regarding sexual desire, ability, performance, pleasure, and attractiveness. Self-esteem, in turn, is defined as a person's general evaluation of their own value, worth, and competence based on their abilities, characteristics, achievements, and experiences. Thus, sexual self-esteem entails how individuals perceive themselves sexually and evaluates their sexuality against society's norms or expectations. This article explores the relationship between religious education and sexual self-esteem and examines the role of doctrinal teaching in influencing intimate confidence.
Religious Education and Sexual Self-Esteem
Religion plays a crucial role in shaping people's belief systems, values, morals, and attitudes towards life, including sex and sexuality. Many religions consider sex to be sacred and holy and emphasize its purpose within marriage as procreation and fulfillment of God's divine plan. Consequently, many religions promote chastity, fidelity, and monogamy before marriage and prohibit premarital and extramarital sexual activities. Such teachings may influence an individual's perception of their own sexual desires and practices, leading to either positive or negative sexual self-esteem.
A strict interpretation of Christian doctrine that views sex outside of marriage as sinful can lead to shame and guilt, while a liberal interpretation that allows for consensual non-marital sex can promote sexual liberation and empowerment. In contrast, a Muslim woman may feel conflicted about her body's natural reproductive functions due to religious teachings that discourage birth control, which may negatively impact her sexual self-esteem.
Doctrinal Teaching and Intimate Confidence
Doctrinal teaching refers to the rules, principles, and beliefs taught by religious institutions and leaders to followers regarding behavioral norms, moral standards, and ethical conduct, including sexuality. These teachings are often transmitted through scriptures, rituals, sermons, prayers, and other forms of communication. The content of doctrinal teaching on sexuality varies across different religions, cultures, and subgroups but generally falls into three categories: restrictions (prohibitions), regulations (rules), and recommendations (guidelines). Restrictions involve prohibiting specific behaviors deemed immoral, such as adultery, homosexuality, masturbation, pornography, and prostitution. Regulations establish limits within acceptable boundaries, such as abstinence until marriage, faithfulness in marriage, monogamy, modesty, and privacy. Recommendations emphasize personal responsibility, accountability, respect, and love towards others and suggest optimal practices for intimacy within relationships.
Impacts of Doctrinal Teaching on Sexual Self-Esteem
The impact of doctrinal teaching on sexual self-esteem can be positive or negative depending on how individuals interpret it and apply it to their lives. Those who strictly adhere to religious teachings may feel shame, guilt, fear, and anxiety about their sexuality, leading to low self-esteem and poorer overall wellbeing. Others may use these teachings to validate their choices and attitudes toward sex and develop a sense of identity that is consistent with their beliefs, promoting higher self-esteem.
A Catholic woman who follows her church's strict stance against birth control may feel empowered by her decision to have many children within marriage, while a Muslim man who adheres to his religion's conservative approach to sexuality may experience feelings of discomfort and shame due to its repressive nature. On the other hand, those who reject religious teachings entirely may struggle with feelings of alienation and isolation from their faith community and family, which can also negatively affect their sexual self-esteem.
Religious education plays an important role in shaping individuals' perceptions of themselves and their relationships, including sexuality. Doctrinal teachings influence sexual self-esteem positively or negatively, depending on one's interpretation and application. Religious institutions should create a safe space for open dialogue about sex and promote inclusivity, acceptance, and compassion towards diverse sexual identities and practices to foster healthy sexual self-esteem and intimate confidence among followers.
What is the relationship between religious education and sexual self-esteem, and how does doctrinal teaching influence intimate confidence?
Religious teachings often address sexual matters. The way religions deal with sex can vary widely but most religions have some form of doctrine on it. Religions may dictate what is acceptable when it comes to having sex, who you should have sex with (or not), how many times you should engage in sex, whether sex has to be only for procreation purposes, etc.