A Comparison of the Islamic and Christian Bases of Bringing Children up To Be Modest and Chaste

Sexuality as an asset given by God, although it has a positive role in human development and health, it leads to irreparable social consequences in case of not being controlled. Therefore, monotheistic religions have provided different solutions for controlling this instinct. Now, the question is: what solutions have been provided by Christianity and Islam for controlling this innate desire? By examining interfaith views, this study will introduce the ways of controlling sexual desire for having a pure and healthy life. The findings of this study indicate that in Christian teachings, regardless of age and sexual identity, sexual self-controlling instructions are influenced by monasticism and asceticism. But, acknowledging the function of age and sex in upbringing, Islam has theoretical and practical solutions for it from the embryonic period to the end of one’s life. Overall, it can be said: despite the differences in sexual education methods between Christianity and Islam, they both emphasize having chastity and modesty and the ultimate goal of these monotheistic religions in sexual instructions is continence and self-control. Nevertheless, the examples and manifestations of chastity and modesty in Christian ethics has been changed.