In a study titled “Sex and Secularism,” researchers discovered notable differences in the sexual experiences and feelings of guilt between individuals with religious beliefs and those who identify as atheists. The research, conducted by psychologist Darrel Ray and Amanda Brown from Kansas University, surveyed over 14,500 participants. So, are atheists better lovers?
Does Religion Affect Your Sex Life?
While both religious and non-religious individuals engaged in similar sexual activities like self-pleasuring, pornography consumption, and pursuing extramarital affairs, the study revealed distinct disparities in their experiences and emotional responses.
Atheists Enjoy Sex More
Atheists and non-believers, in general, appeared to have more open and satisfying sexual lives. They were more willing to discuss their sexual fantasies and expressed higher levels of contentment with their sexual encounters.
Religious Affiliations Can Dampen Your Sex Life
In contrast, individuals with religious affiliations often encountered feelings of remorse and guilt both during and after sexual activities, which diminished their overall enjoyment.
Guilt Weighs Heavily
Religious individuals reported feelings of guilt that persisted even after the act had concluded, affecting their sexual satisfaction. The level of guilt seemed to be influenced by the stringency of their belief systems. For instance, devout adherents of strict religions such as Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Pentecostals, Seventh Day Adventists, and Baptists rated their sexual guilt at the highest levels, with an average score of 8.19 out of 10. Catholics reported a score of 6.34, while Lutherans were slightly lower at 5.88.
Atheists Are Less Guilty and Freer Sexually
Comparatively, atheists and agnostics experienced significantly lower levels of sexual guilt, with scores of 4.71 and 4.81, respectively.
Where You Got Sex Ed Makes a Difference
The study also highlighted the impact of religious upbringing on individuals. Those raised in highly religious households were more likely to experience shame or ridicule regarding sexual activities, including self pleasuring.
Lack of Parental Communication is Damaging
Additionally, they were more prone to feeling guilty about their sexual desires and actions. These individuals often lacked open communication with their parents about sex and, as a result, turned to pornography for sexual education.
Feeling Guilty? You Don’t Have To!
Despite these findings, there was a positive aspect for religious individuals who later abandoned their beliefs and identified as atheists. Such individuals reported a marked improvement in their sexual satisfaction and rated their new experiences with an average score of 7.81 out of 10. This revelation contradicted the conventional belief that feelings of guilt continue to plague individuals even after leaving their religious faith behind.
The Correlation Between Religions and Guilt is Strong
Darrel Ray commented on the findings, noting that the data indicated a strong correlation between religious beliefs and sexual guilt.
Drop The Guilt & Get It On!
However, he also observed that many individuals appeared to overcome these feelings of guilt when they abandoned their religious affiliations and embraced a secular lifestyle.
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