Why have most of the world's religions tried to control sexuality throughout history and even today?

Question

Male homosexuality in particular has always been condemned by most major religions, all three Abrahamic faiths included

They have all tried to control women and their sexuality, forcing them to cover up most (or all!) of their bodies in clothing and being chaste, Orthodox Judaism and Islam still this today, Ireland still bans women from having abortions and RC Ireland used to incarcerate women in Magdalene Laundries for religious crimes like being ultra attractive or having sex before marriage in as late as the 1960's and 1970's.

Men are encouraged to be chaste too, but not to the same extent, polygamy is permitted in Islam and Mormonism, but men holding religious positions like Catholic Priest are supposed to be virgins and remain celibate.

Religion also inspired anti-sodomy and other ridiculous laws across, making anal sex, oral sex and even masturbation illegal.

LindaLou · Answer

It isn't religions - GOD gave the commandments about sexual purity, fidelity, self control (temperance) and it applies to every living person not just MEN who obviously can't control their sexuality more often than NOT! :(    Some religions just jumped on the band wagon and add their own rules as well.   But they clearly didn't start it.   AND....polygamy hasn't been a part of Mormonism for more than 150 years - just for the record.

Arantheal · Answer

Because the idea that if something doesn't harm anyone therefore it should be permitted was quite a radical idea at the time when it was first conceived. In the pre-scientific age it used to be considered totally normal if you were a powerful person to prohibit from other people things you don't like even if they harm no-one.

Edit: Since you mentioned it I updated the question to show up in R&S.

? · Answer

I don't think that's true. I'm a 63 year old male and right now I'm having to babysit an 18 month old little girl for my renter who is just starting a new job. 
When I smell poop I try to check her diaper but she won't let me I have to pick her up put her on my chest and pin her arms practically so I can check her little hiney. I don't think she learned that I think it's natural.
Oh, I forgot. When she does have poop or a wet diaper she will let me change her without a fuss.

? · Answer

In ye-olden times, procreating meant you'd have more followers so it was beneficial to tell your follows to go forth and multiply.  A side effect was that for some reason, the more sexually oppressed your followers became, the more devout they were.

Anonymous · Answer

Because the authors of most of this fantasy folklore were men, and the thought of getting it on with other dudes seemed *icky* to them.

Wish it was more profound than that, but it's not.

? · Answer

"Popular Thought" has typically been dangerous to those who are non-conformists, and truth for that matter.

As a bisexual Christian I have the added benefit of knowing what Jesus and the Bible is talking about. Legalism typically doesn't, especially concerning sex and salvation.

? · Answer

If you can control the biology of the person, you control that person. That is why the chuch, not the bible, wants to control your sexuality.

Why have most of the world's religions tried to control sexuality throughout history and even today?

7 Answers