Alan Watts Being in the Way
Ep. 25 – Religion and Sexuality
Sep 15, 2023
Alan Watts speaks on the connection between religion and sexuality, including topics like baptism and religious initiation, the historical perspective on sex in Christianity, the mystical nature of human sexuality, and the conflict between religion and scientific naturalism. This podcast delves into the profound aspects of love and the importance of finding a balance between modesty and license.
28:30
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Quick takeaways
- The view of sexuality in religion varies between the Semitic tradition, which sees it as a means of reproduction, and the Greek tradition, which sees it as a trap of material existence.
- The tension between proponents of sexual license and those advocating for modesty and prudishness is necessary for maintaining a holistic understanding and experience of human sexuality.
Deep dives
The Church's Mysterious Attitude Toward Sexuality
Throughout history, the church has expressed conflicting views on sexuality. In the Semitic tradition, sexuality is seen as a good thing, but only for the purpose of reproduction. In the Greek tradition, influenced by a dualistic view of the universe, sexuality is seen as a trap of material existence. The church, however, should have acknowledged that sexual biology is a reflection of the mysteries of the universe, and that sex is a holy thing.
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