GRACE AND DISGRACE Narratives of Young Women on Religiosity and Sexuality

Abstract

Traditional norms and spiritual prohibitions on sexuality may seem outdated and somehow loosing its relevance to many religious congregations because of the rapid changes in Philippine Culture. One of these is the rising prevalence of young women engaging in premarital sex. The present study described how family, peers, mass media, culture and religion influence sexual values of young women particularly those who are active in both spiritual and sexual aspect of life. It will also explore how religion generates tension within an individual’s active sex life and how one reconciles religious beliefs with sexual behavior. Using ethnographic data from in-depth interviews and life history approach with three young women of different Christian denominations (Roman Catholic, Bom Again Christian, Iglesia Ni Cristo), it appears that the only room for religion in their sexual behavior and practices is the formation of guilt feeling. This however does not prevent them from continuing their sexual passion.