Sex and SecularismShayne2 (original) (raw)

Purpose of the Study: For thousands of years, religion has involved itself in sex and sexuality. Guilt plays a major role in religion and sex. This paper tests hypotheses related to the impact of religion and religious guilt on sexual behavior. Over 14,500 people participated in an internet-based survey with over 9500 finishing the survey during two weeks in January 2011. Six hypotheses are considered: 1. Religions' use of sexual guilt is measurably greater in conservative religions and less in liberal ones. 2. People feel the sexual guilt taught by their religion but sexual behavior shows no difference from those with less guilt. 3. Religiously conservative parents will be less effective at teaching their children about sex than more secular parents. 4. Children raised in highly religious homes will receive poorer sexual education. 5. Leaving religion has a positive impact on sexual satisfaction. 6. Religion has continuing negative consequences on individuals after they leave.