Why does (most) religion have an unnatural fixation on the sexuality of others?

Question

Is it some sort of bizarre voyeurism thing?
I know asceticism is partly to blame (believing that you can only get closer to the spiritual world by denying the physical one) but I don't understand where the irrational (and sometimes violent) reaction to the sexuality of others comes into play in someone's 'spiritual beliefs'. What possible concern could it be of yours? If you don't know what people are up to behind closed doors anyway, and you only have very vague ideas of what they are into, then how can this possibly effect you?
Is it 'cuz the bible sayz so'? If that's your rationale you need to start on the path towards critical thinking. The taboos of a Bronze Age culture may have some relevance in their times, but wake up and smell the 21st Century already!

Answer 1

Psychologically speaking, when you make something "forbidden" the tendency to over-focus on it. Foot-wrapping in China's history is one fine example.

_()_

Answer 2

It's funny that you claim the bible has an unnatural fixation on sexuality. You are aware, I'm sure that the vast majority of the world's religions during the time the bible was being written were focused on fertility rites?

Most religions of the time were polytheistic and revolved around a male god copulating with and impregnating a female goddess and thus perpetuating the circle of life.

Most religious rites of the time involved the male "priests" of the religion copulating with religious temple prostitutes.

I would say those types of religions have a much greater "unnatural fixation" on sexuality, wouldn't you??

Answer 3

Ummm, what is "unnatural"?

Let's see, masturbation has been observed in monkey, elephants, and other animals. I think that makes it something natural.

Same gender sexual activities has also been observed in animals. Maybe homosexual activities are also "natural"

Since most animals do not practice marriage, all animal sex must be considered fornication, or sex before marriage. Maybe pre-Martial sex is also "natural"

I just Judaism, along with Christianity and Islam, made sexual activities outside of marriage and procreation, sinful. It is very difficult to survive in a desert, you need lots of people. One good way to have children is through sexual intercourse.

And of course, wasting ones seed on non-procreation activities is detrimental to the tribe. A child that might otherwise be conceived is instead wasted.

It was also thought that a man only had a limited supply of semen, so wasting of his semen was a double whammy in terms of loss of children and sperm.

Finally, useful time is wasted on nothing but useless pleasure. It takes hard work and a lot time to hunt, and make it through the desert. No one is allowed to waste time.

Hope this answers your question!

Rob

Answer 4

Uh... Christianity (not the institutionalized church) is pretty much equal opportunity as far as sexuality goes. Biblical wisdom is to benefit the believer and who they may come in contact with, but nobody should be coerced to follow.

Imagine for a second, a world where people took heed of what the Bible teaches, a world without the sexual exploitation of fornication and the broken families from adultery.

Christianity never tells a person not to enjoy sex, but it does teach them to be sexual in a way that doesn't exploit others. Healthy sexuality is key to a healthy culture, that is why sexuality must be spoke of and why the Bible speaks of it.

edit: btw... the Bible never specifically condemns masterbation, but it does teach not to lust for what is not yours (ie: another person's spouse).

Answer 5

God gave people two primary instinctive urges. One is to eat, the other is to reproduce. (just like other mammals)

Sexuality has always been a touchy subject because it is such an important part of life and also because it has been the cause of more violence, abuse and pain than has any other instinct of man. Most men will not kill for a burger....but might kill if someone fooled around with their wife etc.

Answer 6

Mostly the result of ancient Hebrew property laws, I think.


Now, there's such a fixation on sex that people who are "sexually pure" (a disgusting term if I ever heard one) essentially get to write their own license to act like jerks.

Answer 7

Most religions couldn't care less. It is only those who worship the God of Abraham who are all hung up about sex, and really only two of those religions.

Answer 8

Many popular (successful) religions have a strong (violent) desire for survival (evolutionary).
They are strongly (historically) against the survival of any other religion (warlike) and have an even stronger interest in all of their believers breeding as many new devotees as possible (outlawing homosexuality, birth control, and masturbation).

Answer 9

Time change all cultures but the Christian one.

Answer 10

an unnatural fixation on an unnatural mindset. oh I have many reasons for not liking it. but of course, guidelines....