Research Proposal on "Theoretical and Personal Analysis of Sexuality Sex Therapy and Religion"

Research Proposal 7 pages (1993 words) Sources: 7

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Christian Sex: A Personal and Theoretical Analysis of Sexuality, Sex Therapy, and Religion

Initial Personal Thoughts on the Proposal

My mother is a very religious person, and raised me with a solid Christian perspective as well. This is one of the reasons that the topic of religion, sexuality, and sex therapy interested me so much; as a devout Christian I am in a position to share the way the truly wise religious believers view and discuss matters of sexuality and sex itself. The opportunity to enhance and refine my own knowledge in this area as well as to share this knowledge with others is very appealing to me, especially because of many of the misconceptions that exist regarding Christianity and sexuality. The principles taught in the Bible can be excellent resources for educating and counseling people in regards to sexual matters just as much as it can in other areas of their lives. It is a basic part of my belief system that God knows each individual better than they know themselves, and so turning to God for guidance in emotional, physical, spiritual, and sexual matters is hugely beneficial.

God created man and woman and the method of procreation, i.e. sex, therefore it is clear that he meant for sex to occur. Engaging in and enjoying sexual acts is therefore fulfilling part of God's will, as long as it is taken place in certain prescribed contexts. Religious leaders that attempt to steer their followers away from all thought or mention of sexuality, and that refuse to deal with sexual problems amongst their followers, are not practicing their religion wisely. I believe that people should be encouraged to utilize physicians when they are sick and sex therapists when they are experiencing sexual difficulties -- this is simply a wise way to utilize what God provided us with to help us perform as intended.

Religion and Sexuality: An Introduction

The relationship between religion and sexuality is not an especially clear one, largely because there is not really one overriding or defining relationship between religion -- or far more appropriately, the many religions of the world -- and human sexuality Views on human sexuality differ hugely from culture to culture, and even two cultures that practice the same basic religion can have widely different views on sexuality within the context of that religion (Vidal-Ortiz 2006; Foster 1984). Various Christian sects in the nineteenth century developed what are considered today to be fairly unusual sexual practices and customs, seeing sexuality and sexual acts as an explicit and central part of their religious experience (Foster 1984). Other religions that have grown out of mixtures of Christianity with tribal religions and animism cults, such as the fairly widespread religion of Santeria, have also developed highly specific and codified views of sexuality as it relates to their religious practices and beliefs (Vidal-Ortiz 2006).

It is hard to imagine a religion that does not have something to say about sexuality, in fact; it is such a fundamental part of human existence -- as well as an absolute necessity if that existence is to be perpetuated along future generations -- that any code of human ethics or behaviors must touch upon it in one way or another. Modern Christianity is no exception, and there are definitely thoughts and beliefs regarding sexuality held by today's Christians. Examining these views leads to a better understanding of the true Christian theory of sexuality.

Calling anything a "true" Christian belief is, of course, itself somewhat suspect, as there have been and still are many different understandings and practices of Christianity and no "true" version of the religion can be said to exist (Foster 1984; Vidal-Ortiz 2006; Rice 2000; Cahill 1996). For the purposes of this paper, however, the term "Christian" will be used to refer to the relatively recent Evangelical perspective somewhat unique to the United States, which combines strict adherence to religious law in many aspects of daily life, but unites modern sensibilities regarding equality, psychological and medical well-being, and responsibilities of stewardship that extend beyond individual salvation (Cahill 1996; Grenz 1997). Though there are still some differences of opinion within the American Evangelical community, sex between a married couple is generally seen as an activity to be encouraged and enjoyed to as great a degree as is desired and practical (De La Torre 2007).

Sexuality and Sex Therapy in Christianity

Direct passages in the Bible itself provide clear evidence that sexuality is an important part of relationships between human beings, and even possibly between human beings and God (De La Torre 2007). According to many interpretations of the ecstasy described by Saint Teresa, for example, true love for God and the experience of sexual pleasure can be hugely similar if not one and the same (De La Torre 2007). Even if such an extreme unification of sexual pleasure with religious ecstasy is not considered, however, there is certainly an understanding in modern Christianity that sexuality is not to be repressed, but healthily expressed.

It is here that Christian views of sexuality run into some controversial ground -- there is little agreement amongst the many peoples of the world as to what constitutes "healthy" sexual expression. In the Christian world, however, this expression takes place only between a man and a woman within the confines of a married relationship (Stuart 1996; Rice 2000; Cahill 1996). It is in such relationships that a true trust can be developed, and a true enjoyment of each other's bodies not simply for selfish pleasure, but for the pleasure of a true union between two individuals now bound as one. Sex is part of what makes the sacrament of marriage holy, and the enjoyment of sexual activity should be a large and important part of any healthy Christian marriage (Rice 2000; Cahill 1996). This has not always been the understanding in Christian communities throughout the history of Western development, and this can create problems for some couples (De La Torre 2007).

When sexual difficulties of any nature arise, there are again many different perspectives on how to handle them in a Christian manner. The emerging attitude, however, is that such problems should be treated just like any other medical and/or relationship issue -- just as a physician's advice should be sought with other medical problems, effective medical and/or counseling should be sought for sexual problems (De La Torre 2007; Stuart 1996). Christian mental health counselors have assisted people for many years in all areas of life, and sex therapy can be sought in a Christian setting, or in accordance with Christian values and beliefs, just as easily as can counseling for depression or other issues (Cahill 1996).

Effective counseling from a Christian perspective will address both individual issues and both the nature of the sexual relationship in the couple's understanding of religion, and the nature of this religious understanding as it affects their sexual relationship (De La Torre 2007; Rice 2000). Sex therapists might deal with emotional issues stemming from childhood or adolescent experiences, for instance, but would also examine the role that religious development played during and following these experiences, in order to situate the experience and understanding of sexuality in a Christian context. This can help individuals who are seeking counseling form a sex therapist both to make more effective choices regarding their sexual expression, and to develop a healthier appreciation for the sexual desires and the overall sexuality with which God has imbued them (De La Torre 2007).

It can also be difficult for some individuals, especially if raised in repressive Christian households that did not acknowledge or allow for discussion of sexuality, to seek help from a sex therapist (Rice 2000; Stuart 1996). Enabling these individuals to view their sexuality from a more well-grounded and progressive Christian perspective is essential to ending cycles of guilt and shame that are often attached to feelings of sexual desire and sexual actions; bringing these people to a better understanding of what God intended by imbuing humanity with sexuality and sexual desire is a major task for the sex therapist practicing with Christian values (De La Torre 2007). God intended for humans to enjoy their married partners sexually, and seeking help to accomplish this when necessary is fulfilling God's wishes with man's capabilities.

Personal Views

I personally subscribe wholeheartedly to the concept of Christian sexuality as described above. It does not make sense that God would create something so pleasurable, and give every individual member of mankind such a strong desire to engage in sexual activity, unless it was something that humanity was expected to revel in and use as a source of immense joy. Taking joy in sexual activity, within the confines of a loving and trusting married relationship that is itself dedicated to carrying out God's will and plan for mankind, is an essential part of fulfilling our purpose on Earth and the capabilities with which we were created. Just as we are given the ability to take joy and pleasure from our relationship with… READ MORE

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