Religion and Sexuality, Intersections of

Overview

There are many important parallels between religion and sexuality. Both are important, if not central, aspects of human existence. Both deal with experiences of intimate union with an “other,” either in terms of the divine (religion) or other human beings (sexuality). Both also deal with powerful experiences of ecstasy: one in the context of prayer or worship, and the other in the context of sexual acts. Finally, both transcend the ordinary bounds of rational discourse in that neither can ultimately be reduced solely to reason or logic. Given the similarities between religious and sexual experience, it is not surprising that many religious traditions seek to regulate or control sexual behavior.

For purposes of this entry, religion is defined as those beliefs, experiences, and ritual actions relating to an “ultimate reality,” that is, a reality that is beyond the day-to-day experience of human beings, and that encompasses the entire spectrum of religious experience from nontheism (Buddhism) to theism (Christianity) to polytheism (Hinduism). Sexuality is defined here as those beliefs, experiences, and acts relating to human sexual arousal, activity, and self-identity. This entry focuses on examples of the intersection between religion and sexuality from the five major world religions of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, and Islam. It also touches briefly on other religious traditions, including the indigenous religions of Africa and North America.

Intersections of Religion and Sexuality