Sex And Religion.

[Atheist]

Why do many religions have strong opinions on sexual behaviour? I know they often have strong opinions about what food we eat and how many times a day or week we pray, but sex seems to set off a very powerful reaction. There seems to be a view that anything pleasurable is wicked; but surely god (if there is such a being) gave us the sense of taste and the ability to feel pleasure. Why then do the religious bosses disapprove of so much?

[JimF]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_and_sexuality

[Theland]

Different religions have different strange rules.
For example, Saint Paul described celibacy as the doctrine of Devils, yet the R.C. Church demand celibacy of its clergy.

[Theland]

The JimF post above is fairly comprehensive.

[teacake44]

May be to crate a screen to cover their own wrong doings, as there seems to be a lot more wrong doing inside the church than out.

[pixie374]

It seems strange that God disapproves of sex, which he apparently created, unless within marriage, which he didn't.

[vetuste_ennemi]

//Saint Paul described celibacy as the doctrine of Devils//

Duid he, Theland? Can't remember that. I do recall (I think) that he advocated celibacy, but aid better to marry than be inflamed by lust.

[Mozz71]

Sex is like religion. Practice whatever the hell you like as long as you're not hurting anyone and don't bother trying to tell me about it as I DGAF.

[pixie374]

That would be great, if it worked that way, mozz... but often it doesn't.

[Mozz71]

I know Pixie, but I'm allowed to dream.

[pixie374]

Please carry on... :-) x

[nailit]

//For example, Saint Paul described celibacy as the doctrine of Devils//
Don't tell porkies. St Paul was himself celibate.
“To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is well for them to remain single as I am. (I Corinthians 7:8)
“Are you free from a wife? Do not seek marriage. (1 Corinthians 7:27)
''He who marries does well; and he who refrains from marriage will do BETTER” (1 Corinthians 7:38).

And the celibate Jesus (whom Christians are called upon to emulate) told his disciples that it was better not to marry ''for the sake of the kingdom'' (Matt 19:11-12).

[nailit]

//Why do many religions have strong opinions on sexual behaviour?//

“Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.” (H.L. Mencken)

[pixie374]

Religion is mostly about insecurity. It exists nowadays purely to give people comfort. That is fine, as it works for some, but not everybody. I think you are closer to the truth,than you think, nailit x

[douglas9401]

Adam and Eve, their children, unavoidable incest but let's move on.

[jno]

it's in 1 Timothy 4. Part of the rationale seems to have been that various pagan religions demanded a celibate priesthood. Jews haven't got anything against sex. The Talmud says men (it's all about men) have to sleep with their wives every day; for sailors, who will be away a lot, once every six months.

[Old_Geezer]

Sex tends to be a big thing in people's lives. Why wouldn't that importance feed through to a strong opinion by religions ?

[Theland]

Nailit - forbidding people to marry was described by Paul as a doctrine of Devils.

[pixie374]

Can I ask, theland, what does religion do for you?

[nailit]

//Nailit - forbidding people to marry was described by Paul as a doctrine of Devils//
But that isn't what you said @ 18:07 is it?
You said that St Paul considered ''celibacy'' itself a doctrine of devils, when , according to the new testament, it obviously isn't as pointed out in my post @ 21:15.

[Theland]

Pixie - I do not follow any religion which are all man made.
I am a bible believing Christian.
What does it do for me?
It gives me a personal relationship with my Saviour Jesus Christ, who is everything to me.