Why are most religions so terrified of free sexuality?

[1137]

I have some thoughts on it I'll list. Besides that, have at it!

- Religions like Christianity or Islam rely on egotism to succeed while sexual freedom is possibly the best tool for lessening the ego.

- Control our most basic needs, control us. If we can't experience the true pleasure we need we will seek it elsewhere.

- Sex is physical and even the mental aspects of it become physical with sexual freedom (just talking about moving out of missionary position isn't exactly a sexual act.) Religions rely on pleasures not of the physical world.

- Sex is the perfect way to understand the mystical union of opposites at the heart of reality. This union doesn't work with controlling good v. evil paradigms.

 

[Tumah]

To me it sounds like you are saying: since some religions don't feel the same way I do about this subject, it must be because deep down they are scared. Obviously, it can't be because they legitimately believe the things they believe. That would just be tinfoil-hat crazy.

 

[rusra02]

I have some thoughts on it I'll list. Besides that, have at it!

- Religions like Christianity or Islam rely on egotism to succeed while sexual freedom is possibly the best tool for lessening the ego.

- Control our most basic needs, control us. If we can't experience the true pleasure we need we will seek it elsewhere.

- Sex is physical and even the mental aspects of it become physical with sexual freedom (just talking about moving out of missionary position isn't exactly a sexual act.) Religions rely on pleasures not of the physical world.

- Sex is the perfect way to understand the mystical union of opposites at the heart of reality. This union doesn't work with controlling good v. evil paradigms.

I believe sex is a gift from our Creator. The Bible is not prudish about sex nor is sex inherently sinful. As with any gift of God, IMO,sex can be used wrongly, causing great harm to oneself and others. Illicit sex often leads to unwanted pregnancies, emotional turmoil, STDs, rape, and the list goes on. These bad outcomes are why the Bible clearly condemns "Those who are sexually immoral..., adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality." (1 Corinthians 6:9,10)

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Religions that I know of are terrified, if you like, of sexual immorality. Christianity promotes sex within the bonds of holy matrimony. Outside of that, it is considered immoral not because God disagrees with the natural inclination to have sex but that we use it inappropriately (which, to him, as a result causes lustful desires of the heart not just the body)

Buddhism (I can't speak for all) view of sexuality among the four noble truth deals with sexual immorality as well not the sexual act itself.

It is similar to how do they say the use of money is evil. They use the same idea with sex. Money and sex in itself do nothing. It's how people use it or act in it that makes a difference.

I have some thoughts on it I'll list. Besides that, have at it!

- Religions like Christianity or Islam rely on egotism to succeed while sexual freedom is possibly the best tool for lessening the ego.

- Control our most basic needs, control us. If we can't experience the true pleasure we need we will seek it elsewhere.

- Sex is physical and even the mental aspects of it become physical with sexual freedom (just talking about moving out of missionary position isn't exactly a sexual act.) Religions rely on pleasures not of the physical world.

- Sex is the perfect way to understand the mystical union of opposites at the heart of reality. This union doesn't work with controlling good v. evil paradigms.

 

[1137]

To me it sounds like you are saying: since some religions don't feel the same way I do about this subject, it must be because deep down they are scared. Obviously, it can't be because they legitimately believe the things they believe. That would just be tinfoil-hat crazy.

I'm not talking about religious followers. I'm talking about those who centuries ago chose right and wrong for their followers.

I believe sex is a gift from our Creator. The Bible is not prudish about sex nor is sex inherently sinful. As with any gift of God, IMO,sex can be used wrongly, causing great harm to oneself and others. Illicit sex often leads to unwanted pregnancies, emotional turmoil, STDs, rape, and the list goes on. These bad outcomes are why the Bible clearly condemns "Those who are sexually immoral..., adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality." (1 Corinthians 6:9,10)

Ah but even here we start limiting sex - homosexuals for example. Already sexual freedom is limited. How many pastors would say bondage or heterosexual anal sex is ok? Oral? Masturbatory?

 

[Tumah]

I'm not talking about religious followers. I'm talking about those who centuries ago chose right and wrong for their followers.

That doesn't make your presumption less presumptuous.

 

[Flankerl]

Ah but even here we start limiting sex - homosexuals for example. Already sexual freedom is limited. How many pastors would say bondage or heterosexual anal sex is ok? Oral? Masturbatory?

If you require sexual education from your Pastor/Imam/Rabbi the problem is you, not the answer you are getting.

Why would I discuss a topic like this with a complete outsider?

 

[1137]

That doesn't make your presumption less presumptuous.

Perhaps. But presuming doesn't automatically make one wrong, either.

 

[1137]

If you require sexual education from your Pastor/Imam/Rabbi the problem is you, not the answer you are getting.

Why would I discuss a topic like this with a complete outsider?

I wouldn't think most would see their religious leader as an outsider. Many don't reason as well as you.

 

[Harmonious]

1137 - I don't think it's a matter of fear, as much as recognizing that sex is a powerful experience. It can be used to create life. It can be used to create submission. It can create pleasure. It can create pain. It can be used. It can be abused.

In an effort to forestall abuse, various belief systems understand that rules were put into place so that people will exercise restraint. THAT, I believe, is the purpose of restrictions various religions place on sex.

There might be more in the general reasoning, but if I had to guess, that is my thought.

 

[Flankerl]

I wouldn't think most would see their religious leader as an outsider. Many don't reason as well as you.

You know just because I see a couple of people throughout the week doesn't mean that I want to talk about what my partner and I do to each other.

But perhaps I am just crazy like that.

 

[Tumah]

Perhaps. But presuming doesn't automatically make one wrong, either.

That's a two-way street.

 

[Straw Dog]

It depends what you mean by sexual freedom. Compulsive engagement is not the same as free indulgence. The difference is willpower and independence within natural limitations. It's not necessarily fear that motivates religious teachings on self-restraint. Sex is fun and natural, but also has very real practical and emotional consequences. Some religious folks may seek to demonize our natures, but others are more accepting and willing to work with things as they are. It's more a matter of following our nature intelligently and ethically. Exercising temperance is just a means of respecting the nature of our bodies and personal relationships.

 

[JoStories]

I believe sex is a gift from our Creator. The Bible is not prudish about sex nor is sex inherently sinful. As with any gift of God, IMO,sex can be used wrongly, causing great harm to oneself and others. Illicit sex often leads to unwanted pregnancies, emotional turmoil, STDs, rape, and the list goes on. These bad outcomes are why the Bible clearly condemns "Those who are sexually immoral..., adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality." (1 Corinthians 6:9,10)

Pretty specific there In what you call sexually immoral. Only men can be adulterers? And let's not forget to condemn those pesky gays. I actually knew a woman from an old aol message board who swore that oral sex was something the devil created. I truly felt sorry for her husband. If sex is between two consenting adults, what does it matter or have to do,with you?

 

[Skwim]

I believe sex is a gift from our Creator. The Bible is not prudish about sex nor is sex inherently sinful. As with any gift of God, IMO,sex can be used wrongly, causing great harm to oneself and others. Illicit sex often leads to unwanted pregnancies, emotional turmoil, STDs, rape, and the list goes on. These bad outcomes are why the Bible clearly condemns "Those who are sexually immoral..., adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality." (1 Corinthians 6:9,10)

And all god would have had to do is make the sex urge appear after one is married.

Minister: "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may ki . . . . . . . . . "

Groom: "Whoaaaa . . . . . .Hey, what's happening with my penis?"

Bride: " 'Hey' yourself big fella. Wan'a split this party and get down and dirty?"​

But Noooooo. Instead, god chose to make randiness a coming-out event at puberty.

I'd say that given the obvious options open to god, he's the one that blew this one. Lust is all his fault. Moreover, he's the one who purposely made nakedness shameful; insuring it incited lust in others.

Isaiah 47:3 (KJV)
3 Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen:​

So this "gift form our Creator" comes with all kinds of strings attached, one of which ties directly into sin.

Job 31:11-12 (NLT)
11 For lust is a shameful sin,
a crime that should be punished.
12 It is a fire that burns all the way to hell.
It would wipe out everything I own.​

 

[1137]

1137 - I don't think it's a matter of fear, as much as recognizing that sex is a powerful experience. It can be used to create life. It can be used to create submission. It can create pleasure. It can create pain. It can be used. It can be abused.

In an effort to forestall abuse, various belief systems understand that rules were put into place so that people will exercise restraint. THAT, I believe, is the purpose of restrictions various religions place on sex.

You're equating nontraditional sexual activity with abuse. Fear is not involved?

You know just because I see a couple of people throughout the week doesn't mean that I want to talk about what my partner and I do to each other.

But perhaps I am just crazy like that.

As I said, many don't reason as well.

 

[George-ananda]

I think in my tradition it is not because we are terrified of sex but it is because sensual pleasures keeps one in a loop of craving that never ends. Greatest happiness comes from control of mind and senses and experiencing the peace and contentment of our higher levels without the waves of craving and satiating physical needs. Sexual freedom binds the mind to craving the next physical sensation.

I read a study on happiness done by studying the brains of individuals. They found meditating Buddhist monks brains showed the highest level of happiness.

 

[1137]

I think in my tradition it is not because we are terrified of sex but it is because sensual pleasures keeps one in a loop of craving that never ends. Greatest happiness comes from control of mind and senses and experiencing the peace and contentment of our higher levels without the waves of craving and satiating physical needs. Sexual freedom binds the mind to craving the next physical sensation.

I read a study on happiness done by studying the brains of individuals. They found meditating Buddhist monks brains showed the highest level of happiness.

You're treating sex as purely physical when there is much more to it than that. For example, I knew an individual who enjoyed submissive bondage not for the physical act, but because they had experienced so much pain in life beyond their control. Being out of control, yet receiving pleasure for it, helped her immensle mentally, and led to a better life style. She was healthier / more enlightened with that understanding and action.

 

[Twilight Hue]

It depends what you mean by sexual freedom. Compulsive engagement is not the same as free indulgence. The difference is willpower and independence within natural limitations. It's not necessarily fear that motivates religious teachings on self-restraint. Sex is fun and natural, but also has very real practical and emotional consequences. Some religious folks may seek to demonize our natures, but others are more accepting and willing to work with things as they are. It's more a matter of following our nature intelligently and ethically. Exercising temperance is just a means of respecting the nature of our bodies and personal relationships.

That's an excellent response.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

You're treating sex as purely physical when there is much more to it than that. For example, I knew an individual who enjoyed submissive bondage not for the physical act, but because they had experienced so much pain in life beyond their control. Being out of control, yet receiving pleasure for it, helped her immensle mentally, and led to a better life style. She was healthier / more enlightened with that understanding and action.

I don't see what BDSM has to do with "free sexuality". "Free sexuality" makes me think of promiscuity. You can practice BDSM within a committed, monogamous relationship or alone even.