Sexual desire is one of the greatest natural gifts humankind possesses for its continuance through the process of procreation. Sexual drive is a strong primary urge, and a source of euphoric pleasure. But its uninhibited practice has been closely connected with sin among the world religions throughout history. As stated in the last chapter, acts of adultery, fornication, rape, incest and homosexuality are considered major offences in all faith-based communities. In addition, male or female prostitution and bestiality are offensive sins.

Celibacy: Is it a Shield against Sin?

In some religious traditions, celibacy is linked with purity and holiness, whereas sexual activity is connected with sin. To overcome the sin-sex connection and to live a sin-free life, some religious devotees opt to restrain their sexual desire and practice complete abstinence. Hindu sannyasis and Buddhist bhikshus take vows of celibacy. Chastity is a required quality among all Jains, and celibacy is the norm among Jain male and female devotees. Renunciation of bodily pleasures and burning passions – known as Brahmacharya — is at the heart of Jainism, and conquering lustful thoughts helps bring purity to the self. In Hinduism, Brahmacharya is defined as the avoidance of all sensual pleasures and is recommended for all. Kama is one of the human goals to be achieved, but it does not mean one indulges in it beyond normal limits. Celibacy is the extreme case for sannyasis. As the priesthood is regarded as a superior vocation, Christian monks or nuns are usually required to remain celibate.

Observing complete abstinence is based on a distrust of human sexuality. Some religious practices regard sex as pollution that destroys the purity of spiritual environments. The fear is that sensual pleasure may turn into an obsession that may set aside all virtues at the time of indulgence. In male-dominant cultures, seductive women have been blamed for being the center of sexual sins. Jesus, according to the Gospels, never married, and hinted that family entanglements were a distraction for a person’s spiritual progress. He acknowledged with appreciation that there were those ‘who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake’ (Matt. 19:12). The apostle Paul (canonized St.Paul after death) remained unmarried all his life. The Christian theologian-philosopher Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD; canonized St.Augustine after death) held the view that marital sex, even with the intention of procreation, was an act of venial sin. This is so because the sex act can carry with it sensations of immense pleasure. However, in Judaism and Islam, there is a strong aversion to celibacy, and marriage is emphatically encouraged for the maintenance of personal chastity and multiplying family and tribal membership. In the Torah, the very first instruction that God enjoined Adam and Eve was: “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:28). Therefore, many Jewish theologians regard celibacy as a sin. Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, expressly forbade celibacy, and unless there was a compelling reason not to get married, he gave a clear directive to his followers to live a life of marital harmony. He is reported to have said, “I am married, so whoever inclines to be any other way, and not to follow my Sunnah (tradition), is not of me” (Bukhari 67.1). But to remain unmarried is not a sin in Islam. Amongst others, the great Muslim female mystic, Rabi’a Basri (715-801 CE), declined marriage proposals, claiming that she was too intensely in love with God to think of marriage. In Sikhism, the satisfaction of natural sexual desire is required through the channel of lawful means of marriage, and living a normal family life is encouraged. In Sikhism there is no bar against celibacy, but other than udasis, a minority segment in Sikhism, usually no one practices celibacy or believes in renunciation of the world to achieve salvation. A Sikh male or a female must discharge their worldly duties without losing purity of mind and soul.

(To be continued…) (Source: Enigma of Sin by Mubasher Ahmad)