And I think my sexuality was heavily repressed by the church, by the, you know, the design of the mortal sins.

In the quote, "And I think my sexuality was heavily repressed by the church, by the, you know, the design of the mortal sins," Thomas Keneally, an Australian author, reflects on the impact that religious teachings, particularly from the church, had on his understanding and expression of sexuality. He suggests that the church's moral framework, which labeled certain actions as mortal sins, played a significant role in suppressing his natural desires and feelings. The use of the word "repressed" indicates the psychological burden and internal conflict that can arise from strict religious doctrines that impose guilt and shame on certain aspects of human nature.

The reference to mortal sins points specifically to the church’s categorization of sins as particularly grave, which often includes actions related to sexuality. In many religious traditions, acts such as adultery, fornication, or even sexual thoughts outside of marriage are considered serious offenses. This moral design, according to Keneally, served to repress personal expression and often created feelings of guilt or shame for individuals who struggled with their sexual identity.

Keneally’s reflection suggests that the church's teachings were not just religious instructions but were deeply ingrained societal norms that influenced the personal lives of individuals, shaping their views on morality, sin, and sexuality. He implies that the moral codes imposed by the church had a profound effect on how he understood himself and his desires, leading to a sense of internal conflict. The repression of sexuality in this context was not just about religious teachings but also about the broader societal implications of adhering to such beliefs.

Ultimately, this quote sheds light on the tension between personal identity and religious doctrine, illustrating how deeply ingrained teachings about sin and morality can affect an individual’s self-perception. Keneally’s acknowledgment of this repression speaks to the broader struggle that many individuals face when trying to reconcile their personal truths with the moral frameworks imposed by institutions like the church.