Sex and religion is a topic that dates back to the time when people started believing in a god and conceiving children.

Different religions have different beliefs on the way a life should be lived. They teach everything from prayers to habits, confessions and problem solving. The religions of the world are as different as people’s taste in music.

But when it comes to premarital sex, the religions of the world unite.

It’s like every person who started a religion got together in a room and agreed on nothing except premarital sex as a mortal sin. I just don’t understand how so many religions can be against one thing.

In my mind, sex is a part of human life. I can easily break this down between religions and tell you which religion will merely give you a slap on the wrist and tell you to pray about your sinful life – but that would take far too long and frankly, the paper doesn’t have the space.

So; some advice on being religious, having sex and keeping your sanity.

Religions across the world teach that premarital sex is a sin and it will taint a pure body, heart and soul. No matter which religion you believe in, the story is the same.

Even born-again Christians don’t become virginal. True, you can become emotionally “pure” again if this is the religion you choose – but nothing can un-do act of losing your virginity.

People make such a fuss about which religion is better when, in all truth, they should be fighting to bring their religions into the 21st century.

Sex is a part of life – it’s part of human identity. We are one of the few species that has sex for pleasure rather than solely for procreation.

Don’t get me wrong – I think those who save themselves for marriage are a rare and beautiful breed of people who have such faith and love in their hearts that they don’t need sex to live a happy life. But that kind of commitment isn’t for everyone.

My point is people shouldn’t conform to the belief that if they have sex before marriage they become some gross, unwanted person that no one will love. Religion needs to come out of the dark ages and embrace the changed view of sex before marriage.

I believe that willingly giving yourself to a person you love shouldn’t be lumped in with darker deeds. Sex is natural – it opens people up to growth and maturity. There is nothing sinful about it.

You are not dirty, tainted or impure. If you are being told you are, you need to slap that person in the face and call them an old-fashioned fart…ok, don’t actually slap them – imagine yourself slapping them.

People have been going against their religion’s teachings for decades: my grandmother once told me that when she was dating my grandfather, she was not monogamous. She would go out, date and sleep with whomever she chose until she got married. It blew my mind and the first thing I thought was this is terrible advice for anyone who wants a steady relationship.

The views of sex have changed. Hundreds of years ago, people didn’t go around dating and sleeping with people they cared about. They got married at 16 and died at 30. Things have changed.

No matter what religion you follow, if any, you are not wrong for expressing your affections with a person you love. Religion’s rulebook needs to be re-written and who better to do that than you. Don’t follow the rules someone else set about your emotions and actions, make your own.