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Sexual Ethics in East and West: A Religious and Social Review

⚖ A Religious and Social Review of Sexual Behavior in the East and the West ⚖


❖ Global Discourse on Sexual Issues​


Discussions surrounding sexual issues have continued for decades across the globe. A stark contrast is evident in this discourse between the East and the West:


➤ Western World:
Sexual matters are considered a personal affair, and religious and social restrictions have been largely abolished.


➤ Eastern World:
Due to traditional values and moral teachings, there is limited space for sexual freedom.


Assuming that the Eastern world is entirely immune to such issues would be a misjudgment of reality. The West emphasizes individualism, while the East prioritizes social and communal reactions.


❖ Estrangement from Religion and Sexual Deviation​


Serious-minded thinkers across the world agree that estrangement from religion is the root cause of sexual deviation. Some claim that religion is silent on these matters or that it is incompatible with modern times—but this is incorrect.


Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all provide clear guidance regarding sexual matters.


✡ Sexual Teachings in Judaism​


It is important to distinguish between the Mosaic Law (Torah) and the later interpretations by Rabbis.


① Marital Life:
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:18–24)


② Avoiding Adultery:
"You shall not commit adultery" and "You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife." (Exodus 20:14, 17)
The term "neighbor’s wife" implies a prohibition against all illicit relations with non-married women.


③ Rights of the Wife:
The husband is obliged to provide food, clothing, and marital rights to his wife. (Exodus 21:10)


④ Homosexuality and Sexual Crimes:
Homosexuality and bestiality are strictly forbidden.
(Leviticus 18)
Severe punishments were prescribed for rape and consensual adultery. (Deuteronomy 22)


In the Talmud, homosexuality and immorality are punishable by decapitation or strangulation.


✝ Sexual Teachings in Christianity​


Following Jewish law, Christianity further tightened the boundaries of sexual ethics.


① Marital Bond:
"Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery." (Mark 10:10–12, Luke 16:18)


② Paul’s Letters:
St. Paul emphasized chaste living and abstaining from adultery. (Hebrews 13:4, 1 Corinthians 5:9–11)


③ Monasticism:
The Church regarded celibacy as sacred, and sexual relations were viewed as sinful.
"He who marries fulfills the work of Satan."


④ Sexual Deviation:
Despite stringent restrictions in Christianity, people readily moved toward unrestrained freedom whenever opportunities arose.
Today, in America, an average person has sexual relations with eight partners in a lifetime.


☪ Balance in Islamic Teachings​


Islam established moderation in sexual matters and directed natural human instincts into the framework of Shari'ah.


① Prohibition of Adultery:
"Do not even approach adultery; indeed, it is an obscenity and an evil path." (Al-Isra 17:32)


To prevent adultery, lowering the gaze and upholding modesty have been emphasized. (An-Nur 24:30–31)


② Purity and Modesty:
"Guard your private parts; this is the path to success." (Al-Mu’minun 23:1–7)


③ Punishment for Adultery:
"The adulterer and the adulteress—flog each one of them with a hundred lashes." (An-Nur 24:2)


The punishment for adultery is executed only in the presence of four witnesses. (An-Nisa 4:15–16)


④ Importance of Nikah (Marriage):
"Marriage is my Sunnah, and whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me." (Hadith)


Marriage is the best safeguard against immorality.


❖ Conclusion​


Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have all laid down clear principles concerning sexual relations. However, with the passage of time, extremism emerged within Christianity, which led to widespread sexual deviations.


Islam offered a balanced path, emphasizing purity, marriage, and modesty, thereby safeguarding society from moral decay.
 
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