Sexuality and religion are two
important components that cannot be separated. Does religion talk positively
about sexuality? This is a good question to think about? When I was growing up
it was continually emphasized that sex is sinful and it’s bad. One of the
things that I have learnt while conducting my sex education programmes is
telling young people that sex is a good thing.
The reason as to why we are losing
young people is because religious institutions are unable to hold honest discussions
about sexuality in church set ups. Is it possible for us to discuss sexuality
without imposing our values or having biases in religious institutions? Discussions
in religious circles are about what one should not do, unlike empowering young
people with information in order for them to make informed choices.
I am not disputing the abstinence method
but one thing is clear that young people are not abstaining especially in
religious institutions. So what can be done about this? Do we insist and push
it down young people’s throats that they are involved in fornication and
immorality? Or call it illicit sex? Do abstinence rings and cards still exist
is this a realistic and practical way of addressing sexuality issues among the
youth? We can ask ourselves endless
questions.
Religion plays a key role in
invalidating feelings about sexuality; it continues to affirm traditional
worldview of how filthy and dirty sex and in some instances discussing openly
about sex still remains a taboo. We have no choice but to break the norm and go
against all odds by creating platforms and opportunities to demystify the myths
and misconceptions attached to sexuality.
Sexuality is mostly equated to sexual
acts forgetting that individuals have other components which are; who one is
attracted to, reproduction and intimacy. When we come to terms that the society
is heterogeneous then it becomes easy for us to have a fragmented ideology
about issues. It is not my role as an educator to control and dictate the path
young people take; it is more helpful if young people are provided with comprehensive
information about sexuality and allowed to make informed choices.
I had an opportunity to be a youth
expert in one of the Christian stations for over two years. To be honest young
people in religious circles are suffering in silence they cannot confide in
anyone because of fear of judgment of what they are going through. How then can
we improve this? Sexuality and religion forums need to be taught in church
without biases.
We need to provide safe spaces in
religious circles. Regardless of young people’s sex, religious affiliations,
class and ethnic group being tolerant is important. Can the church embrace diversity?
Gone are the days when young people would be shamed in church due to engaging
in sex before marriage. Dynamics have changed and people have autonomy over
their bodies.
