Colombia is a country located in South America known for its rich cultural heritage that includes various religions such as Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc., which have had significant influences on the development of social norms regarding sexual behavior among young people. Religious teachings play an important role in shaping the way young adults perceive sexuality and form their identities, making ethical decisions, and building trusting relationships. In this essay, I will explore how Colombian religious teachings shape sexual identity formation, ethical decision-making, and relational trust in young adults, focusing on Catholicism, as it is the most prevalent religion in the country.
Catholicism's teachings about sexuality emphasize abstinence until marriage and fidelity within marriage, thus creating a binary view of sexuality whereby sex before or outside marriage is considered sinful. This strict adherence to sexual rules can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem, especially if individuals fail to follow them.
Many young Colombians may struggle with their sexual identity because they feel guilty for engaging in premarital sex, leading to self-doubt and anxiety.
Some young adults may face challenges in forming healthy relationships due to these teachings, as they are taught that sex should only happen between married partners, leaving little room for exploration and experimentation.
These teachings also provide a moral framework for decision-making, encouraging individuals to make choices based on values such as love, respect, honesty, and commitment, rather than solely on physical gratification.
Catholicism places great emphasis on family values, with parents playing an essential role in shaping children's attitudes towards sexual behavior. As such, parents often pass down traditional views on gender roles, promoting heteronormativity and rigid definitions of masculinity and femininity. While this approach can create stable and supportive families, it may also limit individual expression and autonomy regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. On the other hand, Catholicism promotes monogamy and faithfulness, which can help build trust within relationships by establishing clear boundaries and expectations. Moreover, the church offers counseling and support services for couples struggling with relationship issues, including infidelity and communication breakdowns, helping to strengthen trust and promote healthy relationships.
While religious teachings have had profound impacts on Colombian youth's sexual identities and relational trust, there is still much work to be done to address the negative effects of these teachings. To overcome these challenges, Colombia needs to embrace alternative perspectives on sexuality that prioritize consent, pleasure, and self-acceptance. By doing so, young adults will develop healthier approaches to their sexuality and form stronger, more fulfilling relationships built on mutual trust and understanding.
How do Colombian religious teachings shape sexual identity formation, ethical decision-making, and relational trust in young adults?
Colombian religious teachings can play a significant role in shaping the process of sexual identity formation for young adults. According to research, individuals who have strong religious beliefs tend to exhibit conservative views on sexuality and may be more likely to identify as heterosexual than those who do not have such beliefs (Cohen, 2017).