by Patrick Sills

Created on: November 27, 2008

Morality can roughly be defined as a set of beliefs. It can be described as a judgment of behavior. Most of these attributes are derived from a religious source while others are instinctual. There are many different cultures with as many different beliefs, and as a result, an action that is considered moral in one society may be regarded as immoral in another.

Since we're talking about the act of sex and its role here, I'll give an example of how vastly different these views can be. Let's suppose a young, single woman in the United States has just put in a full work week and looks forward to going out, having a few drinks, and seeking male companionship for the night; or for that matter, just a few hours. Quite common, wouldn't you say?

Now let's suppose this hypothetical woman lives in some country where it is illegal to even bare your ankles. If she is caught having sex without being married, she'll likely be buried up to her neck in dirt while the townspeople take turns throwing stones at her until she dies, or perhaps she'll be hanged in the village square.

There are many from older generations and other cultures who feel that premarital sex is immoral, but there is nothing moral about executing someone for engaging in the act as in the hypothetical illustration above. It is hypocritical to say the least, and this is but one of many problems I personally have with religion. There are no two groups that share an entire set of beliefs. Therefore, from a standpoint of sexual intimacy, there should be no set of guidelines as to what is moral or immoral. Here's something else to think about: What if all of these individuals raised under strong religious convictions are abstaining until marriage for nothing? Is the suppression of inborn desires by wearing figurative blinders or never gratifying oneself until that wedding day really worth the chance that maybe; just maybe, there is no Reward that awaits us? We are an impatient species, and speaking for myself, I want to enjoy life now.

With the inevitable passage of time itself, a society's morals can and will change. I grew up in a period when the sexual revolution that began in the 1960's was well into vogue. As we move forward in the 21st century, I believe the sexual morals of our planet's modern, civilized societies will continue to become more relaxed. The sacrament of marriage itself is no longer a once-in-a lifetime event, but rather a bonding of two individuals who cohabitate until they grow tired of one another. If you don't believe this, look at the divorce rates.

The bottom line? Sex is fun. Those with a strict moral code don't know what they're missing. There is perhaps no natural high that can exceed that moment of orgasm. If our reproductive organs were designed solely for the purpose of procreation, then it stands to reason that the sensation of pure ecstasy would be absent. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a lifelong monogamous partnership, but likewise, there is nothing wrong with an acquired taste for variety; for we are all unique in our own way. Certainly a sexually active lifestyle carries risks. AIDS immediately comes to mind, but it is uncompassionate and ludicrous to suggest that this horrible disease is an updated version of the Great Flood.

When taking sex and morality into consideration, it is ultimately up to each of us to decide for ourselves just what is acceptable. The most important thing we can do is enjoy our lives in the short time we're here.

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