When sex becomes an instrument of power

In many so-called sects, sex plays a significant role - in various ways. Some are very open, others very restrictive. But behind it all is the same thing: It's about power and control.

NXIVM - behind this letter combination (pronounced: "Nexium") hides the most famous "Sex-sect" of the past few years. Women were kept as slaves in this alleged self-help group founded by Keith Raniere, coerced into sex and abused. The case became known when the New York Times revealed the schemes in 2017. According to the report, women were lured into a secret sorority named "Dominus Obsequious Sororium" (DOS) - that is, "Master over obedient women." DOS members had to provide compromising information, which was used as leverage against them, and were sexually exploited. Raniere was sentenced to 120 years in prison.

Tragically, the NXIVM case is just one of many examples showing that sex often plays a prominent role in problematic (religious) groups, or cults. Either it's all about sex or it's an absolutely taboo subject that is heavily regulated. In both cases, it's about the same thing: power and control.

Who with whom - the Guru decides

Sex is a very intimate topic for many people - and sexuality is a powerful, human basic need. Correspondingly, it is influential when it is strongly controlled. Even in groups that represent a supposedly free sexual morality, sexuality is a powerful tool for control. Leaders of such groups (they are indeed mostly men) often claim the exclusive right to have sexual relationships with certain members. This creates a special emotional bond, a feeling of exclusivity and dependence.

An example of this from the past is David Koresh and the sect he founded, "Branch Davidians." Koresh claimed that sexual relationships with him (including with underage girls) were "divinely ordered" - only he had the power to decide who could sleep with him. The same was true in the crude thought world of the "Manson Family": Manson alone decided who could have intimate relationships with whom, thus securing the loyalty and bonding of his followers.

But the topic is also current in Germany: There are numerous critical reports about the Hinduist group "Bhakti Marga" active in Germany, which accuse their guru Vishwananda of sexual exploitation of members. Legal judgments are still pending.

Officially, of course, it goes without saying that in such groups it's not about such profane things as physical gratification. The necessity of sleeping with the guru is presented differently: Sexual ecstasy has an enlightenment function. Sexuality is considered a means to reach higher levels of consciousness. That was also the case with the group mentioned at the beginning, NXIVM: Keith Raniere manipulated women by claiming that sexual relationships with him would further their spiritual development.

Through sexual control, emotional and psychological dependencies are formed. Members develop a strong need for recognition and affection from the leading figure, which further strengthens their control. This is particularly evident in the supposedly sexually free group "Children of God," which had its peak in the 1980s and 1990s of the 20th century. Their leader David Berg, for example, used sexual relationships to create emotional bonds. And not only for himself personally, but also in the mission: Berg promoted the practice of "Flirty Fishing," where female members were supposed to use sexual relationships to win new members and bind existing ones.

When Sex is Taboo

And then there are the groups where Sex is not a topic - and paradoxically, it is precisely because of this that it is prominently present. In the context of strict Christian faith communities, the so-called "Purity Culture" is present in many shades and facets. Under "Purity Culture" one understands the atmosphere that emphasizes sexual chastity before marriage and a strict morality regarding gender roles and sexual behavior. Sex - and even physical closeness in general - is therefore taboo. And at the same time, so many efforts are made to prevent perceived sexual misconduct that it becomes a nearly omnipresent topic.

Behind this stands the idea of purity. The teachings of the "Purity Culture" often emphasize the idea that sexual purity is not just a physical condition, but also closely linked to moral and spiritual purity. This creates an environment in which young people and young adults are constantly questioning and evaluating their thoughts and actions regarding sexuality. Their self-image is also influenced by this, as it is repeatedly conveyed: A person - especially a woman - is valuable if they preserve their supposed "purity" until marriage.

As a result, people who grow up with this mindset often have a difficult relationship with their own sexuality and their body. Not infrequently, they are unable to enjoy their sexuality or live it out as they desire as adults. Imprinted shame and guilt feelings from their youth often persist for decades.

Sex - a matter of identity

But why are there such varied expressions of this? Why does the theme of sexuality play such an important role in problematic (religious) groups, so-called sects? A significant factor is certainly that one's own sexuality and how it is lived out has a lot to do with one's own identity. And this is much more than many other areas of life: Of course, questions like what a person eats or what they are attracted to are identity-forming. However, the theme of sexuality is also often shameful and much more intimate - and sexual preferences and desires cannot be put on or taken off like a pair of sneakers.

Sexuality is therefore a powerful instrument to exert control over people. If there are clear ethical rules regarding this topic in a doctrine, it is about more than just physical closeness or physical chastity. The question of sexuality becomes a question of one's own identity. And so, sex creates deep emotional bonds between people, which can lead to strong dependencies.

And so it is no coincidence that sexuality plays a significant role in many so-called sects - in whatever form it may be. Whether restrictive or free-spirited, similar mechanisms lie behind it. A supposed freedom may therefore appear free from the outside - in reality, however, it often hides a system of pressure and control behind it.

Unfortunately, the issue of sexual abuse in religious groups or cults extends beyond the USA, with numerous international reports highlighting similar instances of power and control.
The topic of sexuality is often heavily regulated in cults, regardless of whether they promote a supposedly free sexual morality or consider it taboo. In both cases, it serves as a tool for exerting control.
The control over sexuality in cults can be particularly evident in communities that follow strict Christian faith, where the concept of Purity Culture emphasizes sexual chastity and creates an environment where sexuality becomes a nearly omnipresent topic.