What are your thoughts on the relationship between sexuality and state/religion? Is there a connection?

Question

This question was brought up in one of my classes, and I was disappointed in the lack of discussion about it. I have my own thoughts about it; I'd like to know what others think.

Think about if government rigidly controlled people's sexual practices. Or just tell me the first ideas/concerns that come to mind when you think of a partnership between sexuality and nationhood.

Looking forward to your responses ...

Answer 1

There absolutely is a connection between sexuality, state, and church.

I should think the religious aspect obvious. So many religions attempt to teach the followers what sex and sexuality should and should not be. The followers of those religions believe it and incorporate it into their lives in some way or another.

Governments are more insidious.

Any government can attempt to control the way people view sexuality to varying degrees. In most cases it is unsuccessful. You can tell people oral sex is wrong, you can make it illegal, but you can't really do anything to prevent it and will be hard pressed to press charges. There are exceptions in legal systems that allow an accusation as fact, but that's just dumb and, for the purposes of logic and brevity, we'll ignore it.

Most US states not only govern sex and sexuality but have also managed to keep the people thinking in line with the laws. Prostitution. It is sexual. It is governed. We, the society as a whole, agree with and allow it. We allow our government to tell us when and under what circumstances we can have sex. We support it because, apparently, it's perfectly ok to tell a man and woman, both of legal age, both of free will and clear conscience, that they cannot have sex. Well, as long as there is any exchange of goods, services, or money. Somehow that makes it different than picking up someone at a bar.

Modern America is a perfect example of ways the state influences sexuality outside of legal forums, as well. The US was first cohesively governed by Puritans. A religious group that takes a very hard line on anything that might lead to pleasure. Dancing is a no-no. Sex is something you do only to have children then repent and still feel guilty about for decades after. Despite the decline of the Puritan church the values, especially regarding sex, still influence the way the nation works.

The Victorian era was quite similar. Sexuality was heavily oppressed. Anything not explicitly sanctioned was viewed as perverse.

What's most interesting is that in both periods (the Victorian era and now) things like pornography were more prolific than in times of greater sexual freedom.

They made some seriously twisted sexual toys in the Victorian times, all sold as so-called medical devices. Many of which are still on the market and as shockingly (literally) twisted today. And just because the pornography was hand drawn did not make it any less graphic or explicit. What's funny is that, simply because it's old, it does count as art now. Maybe Playboy will be collected as art, in the future, for reasons other than the articles.

Sexual oppression is what lead to Libertinism and the Marquis de Sade.

It's a cycle. Sex is considered healthy, acknowledged, fun, then it's all about shame, secrecy, and religion, then acknowledged, then secret, ad infinitum.

We're heading back into sexual enlightenment but, rest assured, Puritans, it'll become taboo, again, soon enough.

Governments, societies, and churches can try to oppress sexuality but it tends to succeed in making it more fun because it is taboo. Our sex lives can be wonderful ways for us to rebel like we did in our teen years. Both sex and rebellion are healthy, especially when neither hurts anyone. Well, at least not anyone who doesn't want to be hurt ;-)

Answer 2

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of a partnership between sexuality and nationhood is the book 1984. It is ok for religious and social groups to restrict sexual activity because they are voluntary. When the state makes a restriction on sexuality, it is compulsory. Consider that most of the Nations with these types of restrictions are either communist or theocratic dictatorships, then ask yourself if that's the type of government you want.

Answer 3

Dang! That's kind of a tough question. I imagine the lack of discussion was out of discomfort, not a lack of opinion.
Government or religion controlling (and I mean REALLY controlling) sexual relations would take the pleasure and spontaneity out of intercourse. Rigid doctrines about purposr, time of day, or position would make intimacy about as exciting as dinnertime in a rest home.
It is difficult and cruel to impose sanctions on sexual relations between two adults. Even anti-gay youth would take offence to hearing that old sodomy laws also refer to oral sexn regardless of the genders involved.
Strict control on peoples' bedroom habits is invasive and elitist, as well. Who has the "moral" carte blanche to dictate such personal techniques and preferences?

Answer 4

There are three major businesses in the world:

The #1 and most powerful biz is Religion.

#2 We have the Gov.

#3 Sex sells.

The competition is tough!0!

Answer 5

The state should stay the hell out of both sexuality and religion (and visa versa) unless said practices violate the rights of others.

Answer 6

hmmm well, goverments do not control our practices, we do as we like, dont we?
As for religion/s controlling "our sexuality" have they ever been suksefull?? i dont think so!
So. at the end you have the answer!It is not what they want to do! we do WHAT WE LOVE, but eh! is our fallacy to believe others to decide for us!!