Sexuality and Religion

Paper Summary:

This paper explores how different religions approach matters of sexuality in what are often radically different directions. The paper begins by comparing eastern and western, Christian and other religions. Early in its history, Christian doctrine adopted a position where sex was intrinsically linked with sin. However, in India, traditions of religious tolerance ensured the links between sexuality and religion were kept alive. The end result of Eastern and Western traditional attitudes towards sexuality and spiritualism are expressed in the attitudes and tolerances of the people living in those societies. While the Hindu tradition ensures a dynamic religious experience, accepting, indeed demanding input and change, the Christian Church continues to cling onto ancient ideals put in place at a time when social control was sought and social cohesion required.

From the Paper:

"Attitudes towards sexuality vary widely across different religious traditions, these variations in attitude being particularly evident when comparing Western Christianity with Eastern religious traditions embodied in Hinduism. There is a fundamental connection between religion and sexuality, however this connection is often hidden under layers of doctrine and is therefore not always clear. Different religions approach matters of sexuality in what are often radically different directions. In this essay, I will outline the similarities and differences in attitudes towards sexuality in these two religious traditions, Christianity and Hinduism, the history behind and reasons for these attitudes, and lastly, I will look at the effects these attitudes have on people who live under and adhere to those religious traditions."

More papers on Sexuality and Religion:

• Essay # 7338 : "Sex and Religion"
• Analytical Essay # 117949 : "God and Religion"
• Term Paper # 97093 : "The Feminist Movement and Religion"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: