Sexual Behavior in People.
In some cultures sexual orientation is prohibited by the laws and religion until marriage. In other cultures it is expected that sexual behaviors between partners be of different genders and not the same. Depending on how one is raised going against the teachings and political aspects could be misconstrued as a sin or illegal act. In the same sense both religion and law can define how the individual should approach a partner with a sexual attitude. It can also define how to avoid certain behaviors based on beliefs or a belief system. The following paragraphs will delve into this discussion much more.
There are restrictions in some religions dealing with sexual partners. Some whether evangelistic or another will not tolerate same sex marriage. Therefore, having anything to do with a sexual attitude towards a partner is out of the question. In the same sense some laws prohibit the act and will not tolerate not accept this form of behavior whatsoever. According to one source the restrictions include but is not limited to “limiting sexual behavior to relationships blessed by the religious institution; suggesting strongly that sexual behavior be limited to partners in a loving, committed relationship” (iwgonline.org 2005). On the other hand the law may not be as specific as is the religion. So in dealing with sexuality and behavior so long as it is ethical and moral and both partners are in an understanding it is legal and religiously acceptable.
When concerning authority and religious sectors there are laws that do prohibit members in certain career or occupations from having or displaying sexual attitudes towards another. Members such as the clergy, those who hold the title Father of the church, Nuns etc. and they are expected to uphold these laws. Outside of their roles are pastors, preachers, bishops and the like. They are prohibited from having sexual relations or displaying the behavior with members of their religious sect. According to one source “Most religious institutions require that those in official roles not engage in abusive, manipulative or sexually-harassing behavior with members of their congregation” (iwgonline.org 2005). This not only protects the religious sector and its leaders but also its followers.
Sexual behavior today has changed in regards to what it used to be in the past. It has evolved into something more than just a man and woman. The patterns are continuously changing and whether for better or worse that depends on an individual’s point of view. Based
on research on source defines sexual behavior of humans as “any activity—solitary, between two persons, or in a group—that induces sexual arousal.” (Gebhard, 2016). The pattern many decades ago would have gone along with the lines of man and woman only. That it because religion and laws would have enacted it to state as such rather than what it has now transpired to become.
With regards to sexual behaviors today many people choose to have sex with the person they are most comfortable with regardless of the gender. Whether it is man and woman, man and man or woman and man. Some also choose to put up a fight against watching others act out in sexual behavior due to their religion. In other words they would select not to observe pornography or that form of material. Sexual behaviors today are key factors to a couple of aspects. One is to reproduce and the other is to satisfy the self with a partner. What most are not aware of is that one can also satisfy his or her self by themselves.
Introduction to new ways of sexual behavior in concerns to religion and law, many have found other ways to escape from the world of restrictions and prohibitions on the topic. Some would rather engage in the attitude all by themselves using pleasure products if needed to bring about a higher level of satisfaction. Based on one resource “There is solitary behaviour involving only one individual, and there is sociosexual behaviour involving more than one person.” (Gebhard, 2016). So there are two types and although many are familiar with the form involving two or more people they may not be so aware of the solitary form.
Religion and law do not really cover solitary sexual behavior and that is why so many people are able to get away with pleasuring themselves. Although they hold on to their religion and their religious status, they still find themselves involved in a behavior that is questionable. One does not always come across a law or religious belief system that disapproves of using a sex toy or toys for that matter. Others are not able to see what the individual engages themselves in if they are by themselves. This is a sure and safe way to keep the peace amongst many in a congregation while yet maintaining their legal religious social status.
When approaching religion and sexual behavior we think of Catholicism, Christianity, Buddhism and other religious sectors. One would dare not argue with another’s sexual behavior if it is consented by the partner. According to one source “Sociosexual behaviour is generally divided into heterosexual behaviour (male with female) and homosexual behaviour (male with male or female with female).” (Gebhard, 2016). These are some of the patterns we see with regards to sexual behaviors today. They would never have been discussed or accepted forty years ago. They were not considered normal or natural.
In concerns to religion and education, many who hold a strong belief try to refrain from having sexual encounters unless married. There are those who select to save themselves for marriage or for that special someone. The only problem is that sometimes that special someone may not have done the same. Based on researched information “Religious belief and practice contribute substantially to the formation of personal moral criteria and sound moral judgment.” (Fagan, 1996). Using their judgement and moral, a person can make a sound decision for themselves if educated to believe that saving themselves is the right thing to do based upon their religious beliefs. They may also feel that this is the requirement of their God that their religion follows.
The influence of education in schools today reflect some of the religious beliefs. Teenagers are taught about sex and sexual intercourse. They are informed about arousal and having a partner that they trust. Families and parents educate their children that they are not ready for this form of responsibility yet. They educate their children to keep up with their religion and what it stands for. Parents give their children what many call the talk or a sexual discussion and lay down the lines of what is expected and what should not happen until marriage takes place. They influence their children on attending religious ceremonies and church whether it is every weekend or during the week.
Work Cited
Fagan, Patrick. F. Why Religion Matters: The Impact of Religious Practice on Social Stability.
The Heritage Foundation. (1996, January). Accessed 6/12/2016 from http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/1996/01/bg1064nbsp-why-religion-matters.
Gebhard, Paul. H. Human Sexual Behavior. Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2016). Accessed
6/12/2016 from http://www.britannica.com/topic/human-sexual-behaviour.
Interfaith Working Group. Religion and Sexuality: An Introduction to the Issues from the
Interfaith Working Group. IWG.org (2005). Accessed 6/12/2016 from
http://www.iwgonline.org/sexuality/