The different worldviews that our society presents us have either led to a shallow, careless, or exaggerated view of sex. This entry focuses on the shallow, and demonization perception of sex in our society.
This piece is part of a series exploring the topic of Sex in Marriage, building on ideas introduced in this post.
If some idolize sex, there are other people that demonize it. They believe it’s gross and that the only purpose of sex is for procreation. The desire for sex is something you should avoid; it distracts you and confuses you and leaves you empty.
Against Desire
This idea that sex is something to be avoided is a very Buddhist way of seeing sex. Attachment to things in this world is a bad thing, and sexual intimacy is attachment, therefore, sexual intimacy should be avoided unless it is for procreation.
But by far, this has also been especially true of the Church as well. Early theologians and church leaders believed that sex was a path to sin. It was something of the flesh. The only reason why God gave this to us was to procreate. Most notably, St. Augustine believed that original sin was linked directly to sexual intercourse, after having a pretty active sexual life prior to his conversion, turned around and deduced that sexual intercourse was of the flesh and should only be done in marriage and for the purpose of procreation. Jerome believed similarly, as did Tertullian and others. In fact, the Catholic church historically advised couples to abstain from sexual relations during certain penitential periods, such as Lent and Advent, as well as on certain days of the week, like Fridays (in honor of the Passion of Jesus Christ) and sometimes Wednesdays (commemorating Judas’s betrayal of Christ) and Saturdays (in honor of the Virgin Mary).
This is not what we see in the scriptures, though. What we see in the Bible is a gift that God has for those who are married that should be explored and enjoyed. The Bible has a more comprehensive and harmonious view of sex as you can see here.