What do different religions teach about casual sex?

[9-10ths_Penguin]

What actions? I was only passing along what I understand about the Bible and Christian beliefs.

You said that the Bible clearly forbids sex before marriage. You said that Jesus would consider Christians who have premarital sex to be hypocrites.

No, I do not think that is the reason why sex out of wedlock is considered fornication. I think that belief is based upon what the Bible says.

What does the Bible say about fornication?​

A religious book written by men who considered women to be property isn't exactly good support for the idea that the religion isn't rooted in the idea that women are property.

 

[Trailblazer]

A religious book written by men who considered women to be property isn't exactly good support for the idea that the religion isn't rooted in the idea that women are property.

Even if women were considered property that does not change what the Bible says about fornication and as such I consider what you said to be deflection.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Even if women were considered property that does not change what the Bible says about fornication and as such I consider what you said to be deflection.

Your PDF relies on the same translation issue that I already talked about at length.

 

[PearlSeeker]

In other words, the human propensity for lots of sex (especially when young), and for "serial monogamy" (which helps with rearing children for a considerable time) are built into our human nature.

Reason is also built in human nature...

 

[Khabeni412]

Pagan religions like Wicca, and others, and Satanism teach sex is something to be enjoyed as long as it's two consenting adults. The Abrahamic religions teach that sex is bad no matter what and should only be done in wedlock. Hinduism, as far as I know, does both. Some teach sex is good and should be enjoyed, others teach sex is bad and only to be done in wedlock. Buddhism teaches sex is a desire that should be avoided to reach enlightenment. However, they view it a necessary.

 

[Trailblazer]

Pagan religions like Wicca, and others, and Satanism teach sex is something to be enjoyed as long as it's two consenting adults. The Abrahamic religions teach that sex is bad no matter what and should only be done in wedlock. Hinduism, as far as I know, does both. Some teach sex is good and should be enjoyed, others teach sex is bad and only to be done in wedlock. Buddhism teaches sex is a desire that should be avoided to reach enlightenment. However, they view it a necessary.

The Baha'i Faith is an Abrahamic religion. Baha'i Law states that sex is only allowed in wedlock.

From the Book of Laws, which is the Most Holy Book of the Baha’i Faith:

“The Bahá’í teachings on sexual morality centre on marriage and the family as the bedrock of the whole structure of human society and are designed to protect and strengthen that divine institution. Bahá’í law thus restricts permissible sexual intercourse to that between a man and the woman to whom he is married.” The Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 223​

However, the Baha'i Faith does not teach that sex is 'bad' or that the sex instinct should be suppressed..

“The proper use of the sex instinct is the natural right of every individual, and it is precisely for this very purpose that the institution of marriage has been established. The Bahá'ís do not believe in the suppression of the sex impulse but in its regulation and control.”
Lights of Guidance (second part): A Bahá'í Reference File, pp. 364-365​

Baha'is are enjoined to partake of the good things that God has allowed us and be thankful for them, as long as they don't intervene between us and God.

“Should a man wish to adorn himself with the ornaments of the earth, to wear its apparels, or partake of the benefits it can bestow, no harm can befall him, if he alloweth nothing whatever to intervene between him and God, for God hath ordained every good thing, whether created in the heavens or in the earth, for such of His servants as truly believe in Him. Eat ye, O people, of the good things which God hath allowed you, and deprive not yourselves from His wondrous bounties. Render thanks and praise unto Him, and be of them that are truly thankful.”​

Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 276​

 

[Secret Chief]

What do different religions teach about casual sex? By casual sex I mean sex just for fun, sex without love, and sex outside or marriage.

My religion, the Baha’i Faith, teaches that sex is only allowed between two lawfully married people, a man and a woman.

As I understand it, the New Testament prohibits sex outside or marriage and refers to it as fornication. Why then do so many Christians have sex out of wedlock?

I know what Christianity teaches but I do not know what Judaism and Islam teach, but I would like to know. I would also like to know what other religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism teach.

One reason why I want to know what I am asking is because I have been on many dating sites and almost all men who I meet want women who will have casual sex and sex out of wedlock. That is one reason I will never find a man, because I will never compromise my principles, but I am no longer unhappy about not finding a man since I have ceased to care.

Most men I meet self-identify as Christians yet they do not adhere to what the Bible says.
I cannot respect these men. They don’t have to have sex, they just want to have sex.

What is an appropriate level of physical intimacy before marriage? | GotQuestions.org

What is an appropriate level of physical intimacy before marriage? How far is too far for an unmarried couple to go physically? Is kissing / cuddling / making out / foreplay allowed before marriage?

www.gotquestions.org

A relationship is about more than sex but you’d never know it since all these men talk about is sex. I have no interest in any man who considers sex more important than God or anything else that two people enter into a relationship for. Moreover, I cannot understand why men in their late 60s and 70s are still so focused on sex, as if there is nothing else that matters.

Of course, everything I said could apply to women as well as men, but since I do not see what women post on dating sites, I don't know what they say to men.

As well as what @LuisDantas said at #17, I might add that the basic ethics of Buddhism are what are known as the Five Precepts. One of these is to refrain from sexual misconduct.

 

[ADigitalArtist]

There is not any specific moral prescriptions in the Taoist path I follow regarding sex. It's pretty light on overt rules and instead emphasis on examining how the consequences will effect you and the world around you, with an emphasis on balance, moderation, effortless action. For me, casual sex is not in the cards. Not for worry of pregnancy or out of some moral certitude on monogamous frameworks, but because, for me, sex arouses (ha, pun) very strong hormones and emotions that prevent me from engaging casually. If every casual partner believed in the sort of aftercare I'm looking for, my answer might be different. But commitment and communication help foster a sexual relationship that I am comfortable with.

 

[Trailblazer]

As well as what @LuisDantas said at #17, I might add that the basic ethics of Buddhism are what are known as the Five Precepts. One of these is to refrain from sexual misconduct.

But what is considered sexual misconduct in Buddhism?

@Khabeni412 said:
Buddhism teaches sex is a desire that should be avoided to reach enlightenment. However, they view it a necessary.

Is that true, and if so how does sex interfere with reaching enlightenment?

 

[Secret Chief]

But what is considered sexual misconduct in Buddhism?

Would you be surprised if I said there isn't a categorical, uniform answer?

Buddhism teaches sex is a desire that should be avoided to reach enlightenment. However, they view it a necessary.

This doesn't resonate with me.

The following seems reasonable to me:

3. Not misusing sex.​

"Most modern Buddhists would tell you that this isn’t about who you can and can’t have sex with, but about how you relate to them. Clearly, a lack of consent or regard for your partner’s feelings constitutes misuse."

- What Are the Five Precepts? | Lion’s Roar

 

[Trailblazer]

Would you be surprised if I said there isn't a categorical, uniform answer?

No, it would not surprise me. Buddhism is like that, one of the things I like about it.

 

[Secret Chief]

No, it would not surprise me. Buddhism is like that, one of the things I like about it.

Me too.

 

[JustGeorge]

Pagan religions like Wicca, and others, and Satanism teach sex is something to be enjoyed as long as it's two consenting adults. The Abrahamic religions teach that sex is bad no matter what and should only be done in wedlock. Hinduism, as far as I know, does both. Some teach sex is good and should be enjoyed, others teach sex is bad and only to be done in wedlock. Buddhism teaches sex is a desire that should be avoided to reach enlightenment. However, they view it a necessary.

Hinduism generally discourages sex outside of wedlock. However, Hinduism's vast and I'm sure there's a sect or two that varies.

However, within wedlock its encouraged, and for all purposes(meaning, for pleasure and not just procreation). Hinduism is, after all, the religion that brought us the Kama Sutra! However, one is to stay balanced, and if they are overly dependent on it or it becomes a craving, it would become discouraged. Not because sex is bad, but because over attachment is.

 

[Vinayaka]

Hinduism generally discourages sex outside of wedlock. However, Hinduism's vast and I'm sure there's a sect or two that varies.

However, within wedlock its encouraged, and for all purposes(meaning, for pleasure and not just procreation). Hinduism is, after all, the religion that brought us the Kama Sutra! However, one is to stay balanced, and if they are overly dependent on it or it becomes a craving, it would become discouraged. Not because sex is bad, but because over attachment is.

Perhaps not coincidentally, Hinduism has the lowest divorce rate of all larger faiths. There are still plenty of arranged marriages (with consent of the couple) and I've yet to see one of those get divorced, although my memory is bad. Love marriages, OTOH, I've seen more divorces.

 

[☆Dreamwind☆]

Depends on the time period, the country, and the wide range of attitudes between modern sensibilities and zealots. Paganism doesn't see sex as a sin, or strictly for procreation. As long as both are consenting, it's no one else's business. Which frankly is as it should be.

When I used to be a Christian there was some of the perfunctory grumbling about it, but most people were unlikely to seriously care.

 

[ChieftheCef]

You are correct. Sex is a very powerful human drive that is built into our nature, and probably more-so for men.

I do not think the reason that certain religions prohibit sex out of wedlock is because they want to exercise control over people.

Regardless as science has found fun is necessary. If you don't have fun you make it in your head. Besides this masturbating relatively infrequently prevenmts prostate cancer. There's also good findings on the fact that sex has multiple benefits, and lack of sex for long periods of time, presumably at least, multiple detriments.

I think the reason is because God does not think it is beneficial for people to have sex out of wedlock, either individually or as a society.

That's how we know he's not true.

I have respect for atheists or other nonreligious people who have sex out of wedlock, since they have no reason not to have sex. What I do not have respect for are people who have a religion that prohibits sex out of wedlock yet have sex anyway. I think Jesus would call them hypocrites.

That's because you've been indoctrinated to hat6e nature by your religion. It doesn't actually matter. In fact if anything matters it's that we don't succumb to bull**** at our happiness, health and home's detriment.

 

[Trailblazer]

Regardless as science has found fun is necessary.

Fun does not have to include sex.
I had plenty of sex back in the day but I have no interest in it anymore since I find it boring and a waste of my time.

That's because you've been indoctrinated to hat6e nature by your religion. It doesn't actually matter. In fact if anything matters it's that we don't succumb to bull**** at our happiness, health and home's detriment.

My religion does not prohibit sex, it only prohibits sex out of wedlock.
I never believed in sex out of wedlock even before I had any religion. My innate sense of morality told me it was wrong.

There is a lot more to life than physical happiness. There is spiritual happiness.

 

[VoidCat]

...i have a few books on sex magick and ritual...

Most say sex is fine as long as there is consent.

 

[VoidCat]

...i have a few books on sex magick and ritual...

Most say sex is fine as long as there is consent.

Here's two of those books...they both are pagan and not from any specific pagan path. Basically sex can be used in ritual regardless if it's causal or with a long term partner. Either way when it comes to sex magick sex is a very powerful thing.

 

[McBell]

How many translations did you have to go through to find one with that term rendered as "fornication?" Most I can find render that term "sexual immorality."

The greek word in the original text is "porneia," which originally meant "prostitution," but apparently by New Testament times had broadened its meaning. This source suggests that we can infer from context that it's used in different senses throughout the New Testament:

View attachment 86239

So again: not a clear prohibition on sex outside of marriage.

Websters 1828 Dictionary:

Fornication​

FORNICA'TION, n. [L. fornicatio.]​

1. The incontinence or lewdness of unmarried persons, male or female; also, the criminal conversation of a married man with an unmarried woman.​

2. Adultery. Mat 5.​

3. Incest. 1 Cor 5.​

4. Idolatry; a forsaking of the true God, and worshipping of idols. 2 Chr 21. Rev 19.​

Fausset Bible Dictionary

Fornication​

Used for adultery (Mat_5:32). Also spiritual unfaithfulness to the Lord, Israel's and the church's husband (Ezekiel 16; Jeremiah 2; Hosea 1; Rev_17:4).​

​

Strongs Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries:

​

H2181​

זָנָה​

zânâh​

zaw-naw'​

A primitive root (highly fed and therefore wanton); to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple forniciation, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively to commit idolatry (the Jewish people being regarded as the spouse of Jehovah): - (cause to) commit fornication, X continually, X great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish.​

Total KJV occurrences: 93​

Brown, Driver, Briggs Hebrew definitions:

H2181​

זנה​

zânâh​

BDB Definition:​

1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot​

1a) (Qal)​

1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication​

1a2) to commit adultery​

1a3) to be a cult prostitute​

1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (figuratively)​

1b) (Pual) to play the harlot​

1c) (Hiphil)​

1c1) to cause to commit adultery​

1c2) to force into prostitution​

1c3) to commit fornication​

Part of Speech: verb​

A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: a primitive root [highly-fed and therefore wanton]​

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Fornication is generally consensual sexual intercourse between two people not married to each other.[1][2] When one or more of the partners having consensual sexual intercourse is married to another person, it is called adultery.​

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Fornication - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org