Guest Author - Sandy Mullins

Baha’i Faith like other religions take a firm stance on sexuality. Sex outside of marriage is not permitted. Shoghi Effendi, tell us:

Castity in the strict sense means not to have sexual intercourse, or sexual intimacies, before marriage.”
Shoghi Effendi, The Light of Divine Guidance v II, p. 69

Some might wonder if this rule is for both men and women. In some cultures, it is ok for a man to be sexually active in his youth. Baha’i teachings say no. Both men and women must practice chastity before marriage. That if both parties are chaste, when they marry they will have a happier marriage. I take it to me the forbidden fruit type of thing. Once you have tasted the fruit, you will always crave it, dream about it, fantasize about it. Temptation is hard to resist, so all the opportunities for it must be avoided. That is the primary reason for short engagements, some young people might figure that they are engaged why wait to have sex.

Homosexuality and sexual relations
I didn’t find anything saying that they shouldn’t live together. The teachings do say no intercourse or sexual relations of any kind, except between husband and wife. Two people of the same sex, living together is ok; as long as they don’t engage in any sexual behavior.


What happens if people are having sexual intimacies?
The best that I can make from what I have read, as in anything a person does that is against the will of GOD is between you and GOD. Society as a whole may punish you in some way, but Baha’is are not supposed to judge.

I hope, this answers any questions you have about the subject matter. If you have anymore questions or ideas for articles please let me know.

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