By Dámaris Tenza – CBT & Gestalt Sex Therapist in Costa del Sol
Throughout history, the role of women within Catholicism has been deeply shaped by religious structures. While early societies revered the divine feminine, the rise of patriarchal religious systems—including Catholicism—gradually reduced women’s influence over sexuality, relationships, and personal autonomy.
Understanding this history is essential for dismantling the guilt, shame, and taboos that still affect women today.
Women in Prehistoric Matriarchal Societies
Contrary to patriarchal historical narratives, many prehistoric societies were structured around mother-centered families. Women were not merely passive figures dependent on men for survival; instead, they played a key role in sustaining communities.
Recent studies, including Jared Diamond’s What Are Men Good For? (1999), suggest that:
- Women provided the most reliable sources of food, primarily through gathering and hunting small animals.
- Men focused on hunting large animals, but these hunts were infrequent and unreliable.
- Women formed strong economic and social units, maintaining rituals that ensured community well-being.
During this time, female figures were seen as symbols of fertility, power, and continuity, and their role was celebrated rather than repressed.
The Rise of Agriculture and Female Deities
With the advent of agriculture in the Neolithic era, societies became more aware of reproduction and fertility cycles. Women, as life-givers, were revered, often worshiped alongside the earth itself.
This sacred view of female sexuality was reflected in:
- Goddess worship – Ancient religions honored deities representing fertility, motherhood, and sexuality.
- Ritualized sexuality – Many cultures celebrated sexual rites and fertility rituals as part of their spiritual practice.
However, as organized religion grew in power, this reverence began to shift towards control and suppression.
Women’s Role in the Middle Ages: Sexuality and Control
The spread of Christianity in the West—particularly after the fall of the Roman Empire—led to strict norms around sexuality. By the 4th century, Saint Augustine reinforced the idea that sex should exist only for procreation, promoting:
- Chastity and purity as female virtues.
- The rejection of sexual pleasure, particularly for women.
- A growing fear that sexuality, outside of marriage, was sinful and diabolical.
This ideology was further reinforced by the Catholic Church’s selective interpretation of biblical texts, leading to a period of moral repression and superstition.
Sexuality, Women, and Sin: The Inquisition’s Influence
During the Middle Ages and the rise of the Holy Inquisition, women’s sexual autonomy was heavily policed. The Church actively:
- Condemned any sexual pleasure outside of procreation as sinful.
- Persecuted women who embraced sexuality freely, often labeling them as witches.
- Strictly regulated marital intimacy, enforcing the idea that sex should follow a rigid, male-dominated structure.
Pleasure for women was often demonized, linked to evil forces, and framed as a temptation to men. This period cemented deep-rooted guilt and repression that many still struggle with today.
The Lasting Effects of Religious Conditioning on Women’s Sexuality
The Catholic Church’s control over sexuality created a legacy of taboos, shame, and restrictions that persist in modern society. Some of its lingering effects include:
- Sexual guilt in women, leading to repression or fear of intimacy.
- Rigid gender roles that prioritize male pleasure over female autonomy.
- Cultural shame surrounding female sexual exploration and self-expression.
These inherited beliefs continue to impact relationships, self-esteem, and the way women navigate intimacy and desire.
Breaking Free: Reclaiming Women’s Power Over Sexuality
Understanding this historical oppression is the first step toward healing and reclaiming sexual autonomy. Women have the right to:
- Explore their sexuality without guilt or fear.
- Challenge religious narratives that promote shame.
- Embrace intimacy on their own terms, free from outdated beliefs.
At Intimystique, we offer a space for deep healing and exploration, guiding women and couples to:
- Rediscover intimacy beyond societal conditioning.
- Release shame and embrace pleasure as a natural right.
- Rebuild confidence in relationships and self-expression.
Join the Liberation Journey: Reconnect with Your True Sexuality
If you have felt the weight of religious guilt, cultural shame, or societal expectations, you are not alone. The journey to reclaiming sexual empowerment is possible.
- Book a private session to explore your relationship with sexuality in a safe, supportive environment.
- Join our retreats to rediscover intimacy and heal from past conditioning.
- Step into a new chapter of sexual freedom, confidence, and self-love.
Your sexuality is yours to own—free from fear, control, and guilt.
With love and empowerment,
Dámaris Tenza
