Religion, Sex, and Science: Some Historical Quandries

Abstract

Western beliefs about the ‘proper’ role of sexuality were set by St. Augustine early in the development of the Christian Church. His ideas were influenced by some of the ascetic beliefs of the time as well as his own personal experiences. The medical tradition was different, emphasizing sexuality as a biological fact and as a necessary and pleasurable aspect of life. In general, however, medical views were descriptive and not prescriptive. In the 18th century development of new medical theories emphasizing homeostasis seemed to give support to the Augustinian views and there was an outpouring of books about the dangers of sex. It was not until the end of the 19th century, with the discovery of bacteria as major causal factor of disease, that scientific views challenged the traditional religious assumptions. Public attitudes and opinions slowly changed to more positive attitudes about sexual matters. Gradually religious views also reinterpreted to conform to the new findings.