Lebanese society is multicultural and diverse, with many different religions coexisting harmoniously alongside one another. Religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping the values and behaviors of individuals within the community, including those related to sexual morality. This study will examine how religious teachings about sexual morality impact the ethical reasoning, relational decision-making, and intimate conduct of young adults in Lebanon.
The Islamic religion places great emphasis on sexual purity and prohibits premarital sex, extramarital affairs, adultery, and homosexuality. In addition, it encourages modesty in dress and behavior, which can influence the way young people interact with others of the opposite sex. Christianity also has strict rules regarding sexual conduct, including the requirement that marriage must take place before sexual relations.
Christian communities are more open to premarital relationships than Islamic ones.
Some Christians may engage in casual dating or cohabitation without feeling guilty. Moreover, they may view sexual intercourse as an expression of love between two consenting adults rather than purely for procreation.
Judaism also promotes abstinence until marriage but allows for physical touch and kissing outside of marriage. Young Jewish adults may feel pressure to uphold traditional values but may also seek out same-sex partners or experiment with drugs and alcohol. The Druze religion does not explicitly prohibit sexual activity outside of marriage; however, it discourages it and views it as an act between man and woman. They believe that sex is only permitted for procreative purposes and should be confined to marriage.
Despite these differences, all religions share a common belief that sex is sacred and should only occur within marriage. This value is reflected in the laws and customs of Lebanese society.
Marriages are arranged by families, often before the couple reaches adolescence, and divorce rates are low due to cultural stigma.
Family honor and reputation are essential, meaning that public displays of affection or promiscuous behavior can damage a family's standing in the community.
Young adults in Lebanon face various pressures from their religious teachings related to sexual morality. These include expectations regarding chastity, modesty, and sexual orientation. They must navigate complex social norms while trying to maintain personal integrity and avoid shame. As such, they may make choices based on their moral compass and community standards instead of individual desires.
This can lead to feelings of guilt or confusion, especially if they do not align with their own beliefs.
Religious teachings about sexual morality shape ethical reasoning, relational decision-making, and intimate conduct among young adults in Lebanon. While there are some variations across different faiths, most people feel obliged to uphold traditional values and practices. The impact of religion on sexuality is far-reaching, affecting everything from dating rituals to relationship dynamics.
In Lebanon, how do religious teachings about sexual morality shape ethical reasoning, relational decision-making, and intimate conduct among young adults?
The prevailing religious norms of Lebanon are deeply ingrained in its citizens' moral codes, and these values are reinforced through socialization processes that begin at an early age. The influence of religious beliefs on personal choices such as sexuality is particularly strong and can be seen in the prevalence of conservative views on intimacy and sexually related issues, including relationships, marriage, dating, and gender roles.