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.
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The Confirmation Talk
Alan Watts recounts his childhood confirmation experience in the Church of England.
The pre-confirmation talk with the chaplain focused on the supposed evils of masturbation.
insights INSIGHT
Conflicting Views on Sex
Watts analyzes the Christian view on sex as a complex issue.
He contrasts the Semitic acceptance of sex for reproduction with the Greek dualistic view of the material world as a trap.
insights INSIGHT
Early Church Views
Early church fathers viewed sex negatively.
They believed the ideal state was virginity, and sex was only acceptable within marriage for procreation.
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Bringing awareness to ecstatic grace, Alan Watts enlightens us on the sexual archetypes formed by religion.
Two cultural icons. Two unique perspectives... One understanding of the presence of the way.
Ram Dass' Love Serve Remember Foundation and the Alan Watts Organization invite you to open your mind, open your heart, and tap into the living truth of Alan Watts and Ram Dass. Learn more about this special 4-week Virtual Course:"The Presence of the Way: The Dharma of Alan Watts and Ram Dass"
Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/alan
In this recording, Alan Watts lectures on:
Baptism, confirmation, and religious initiation
Masturbation and other supposedly sinful behaviors
Defiance and wickedness
The material world and sexuality
The Semitic vs. Greek perspective on sex
Sexual energy for reproduction rather than pleasure
The fall in the Garden of Eden
The institution of marriage
Women throughout western literature
Love and the illogical promises we make
Prudism and extreme monogamy
Subtle eroticism in the Victorian era
How repression may lead to being overcame
Libido as a fundamental reality
Sexuality in religious iconography
The function of sexual play beyond utilitarianism
Sex as a sacramental expression of love
Seeing the divine aspect in a lover
This series is brought to you by the Alan Watts Organization and Ram Dass’ Love Serve Remember Foundation. Visit Alanwatts.org for full talks from Alan Watts.
“The function of sexual play is not merely the survival and utilitarian function of reproducing the species as it is among animals to a very large extent. What peculiarly distinguishes human sexuality is that it brings the partners closer and closer to each other in an intense state of united feeling. In other words, it is a sacrament, the outward invisible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, bringing about love.” – Alan Watts
Alan Watts Being in the Way