Biblical and Yoruba Perspectives on Sex and Sexuality: Key to National Purity and Sustainable Development

This study undertakes a critical comparative analysis of the Biblical and Yoruba constructs of sex and sexuality, interrogating their philosophical foundations, ethical dimensions and societal implications within the context of national renewal and sustainable development. Against the backdrop of rising moral relativism and socio-cultural erosion in contemporary Nigeria, the research situates sexuality not merely as a private concern but as a moral axis upon which societal stability turns. The Biblical worldview frames sexuality within divine intentionality, covenantal boundaries and spiritual discipline, while Yoruba traditional thought regards it as a sacred element of communal identity, spiritual harmony and ancestral continuity. Using a qualitative, interpretive methodology rooted in theological exegesis and African indigenous hermeneutics, the study draws on scriptural texts, oral traditions and historical-cultural practices to highlight convergences in moral emphasis, particularly in regard to purity, restraint and societal accountability. Findings suggest that both traditions, though theologically and ontologically distinct, offer robust ethical templates capable of confronting present-day moral crises. The paper contends that reclaiming these indigenous and scriptural moral frameworks can serve as a counter-cultural corrective to the permissive norms undermining national cohesion. Ultimately, the integration of these perspectives into moral education, public leadership and policy discourse may not only catalyze ethical reawakening but also sustain societal values essential for long-term national development. The study contributes meaningfully to intercultural ethics, African theology and applied religious studies in a time of urgent moral recalibration.