Religion

and

Sexuality

By Jennie Gouker

 

                 Faith plays an active role in people’s daily lives, shaping the decisions they make and their views of the world.  Many religions provide specific interpretations of sexuality, sometimes differing significantly among and within groups.  Due to this variety, the teachings included in this article are merely general trends.  Individuals within each religious background may differ in their own beliefs and practices of sexuality.

 

Christianity promotes sexuality for procreation and parenting, physical and psychological unity between spouses, and recreation of Christ’s love for His Church (Budziszewski, 2006; Turner, Center, & Kiser, 2004).  Many Christians believe that sexual acts should occur exclusively within the context of marriage.  A number of key figures in this religion’s history depicted sexuality negatively.  St. Augustine promoted celibacy, and St. Thomas Aquinas suggested that sex only should occur for procreation (Houck, 2006).  Thus, some Christians believe that the human flesh is spiritually weaker than the inner spirit, while others view their whole bodies as holy temples (Ullery, 2004).

 

Judaism encourages sex between married persons for mutual pleasure as well as procreation.  Jews believe that such expression of sexual needs strengthens spousal bonds (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2002).

 

Tantrism, a Hindu, Buddhist, and Taoist philosophy, teaches that sexuality provides energy, spirituality, and transcendence.  Not only physical, tantric sexuality is also a sacred experience.  It initiates passion and intimacy, establishing both oneness and wholeness.  Yin permits men to be sensitive, while yang allows women to initiate sex.  In addition, sex opens the chakras (Turner, Fox, Center, & Kiser, 2006).  However, only when partners see each other as sacred, rather than having selfish motivations, is sex truly spiritual (Ullery, 2004).

 

Taoists believe it is wrong to stifle sexual desire.  Rather, sexual expression between lovers creates harmony and brings unity with the Tao.  Orgasmic sex promotes health, rather than morality (Turner et al., 2006).

 

Religion is only one aspect that shapes individuals’ sexual development.  Yet for many people, faith is a major piece in the formation of their sexuality.

 

 

References

           Budziszewski, J. (2006). What’s good about sex. Retrieved October 9, 2006 from http://www.pureintimacy.org/gr/theology/a0000077.cfm

           Houck, D. (2006). Sexuality: Gift or curse. Retrieved October 9, 2006 from http://www.pureintimacy.org/gr/homosexuality/a0000073.cfm

           Rathus, S. A., Nevid, J. S., & Fichner-Rathus, L. (2002). Human sexuality in a world of diversity (5^th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

           Turner, T. E., Center, H., & Kiser. (2004). Uniting spirituality and sexual counseling. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 12, 419-422.

           Turner, T. E., Fox, N. J., Center, H., & Kiser, J. D. (2006). Uniting spirituality and sexual counseling: Eastern influences.  The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 14, 81-84.

           Ullery, E. K. (2004). Consideration of a spiritual role in sex and sex therapy. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 12, 78-81.