How does religious discourse link sexual obedience to collective survival? One way is through the concept of procreation. Religious teachings often emphasize the importance of having children for the continuation of one's lineage and the community. Sexual intercourse within marriage is seen as an act that produces new life, which can be viewed as essential for the future success of both individuals and society as a whole. In many cultures, unmarried couples are discouraged from engaging in sexual activities because they have no legal framework to ensure that their offspring will be taken care of. This creates a moral imperative for people to conform to certain sexual behaviors, such as monogamy and abstinence outside of marriage.
Another way is through the idea of purity. Some religions believe that maintaining chastity before marriage and fidelity during it helps to preserve the sanctity of the union between partners. This is often reinforced through social norms and taboos against premarital sex, extramarital affairs, and same-sex relationships. These beliefs and practices may also extend to other areas of life, such as modesty in dress and behavior, in order to prevent temptation and sin.
Religious teachings often stress the importance of self-control and avoidance of lust or indulgence in sexual pleasure. This is typically framed in terms of spiritual discipline, with the goal of subjugating physical desires in favor of higher principles. It may involve fasting, celibacy, or rituals designed to redirect attention away from carnal urges towards more "holy" pursuits. The idea is that by limiting sexual gratification, one can resist the corrupting influence of worldly passions and better serve God's will.
There are religious teachings that link sexual obedience to collective survival in terms of morality and ethics.
Some religions view adultery, rape, incest, and pedophilia as crimes against society and violations of divine law. They argue that these actions threaten to undermine social cohesion and family bonds, leading to disorder and chaos. By upholding moral standards for sexual behavior, they seek to create a just and harmonious community where everyone knows their place and follows the rules.
Religious discourse often links sexual obedience to collective survival by emphasizing its role in procreation, purity, self-discipline, and ethical behavior. While these values may differ across cultures and faiths, they share a common aim: to promote stable families, productive societies, and enduring civilizations.