Battle of titans(Sexuality versus Religion)

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.