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.
The Victorian Era's Paradoxical Attitude Towards Sex
During the Victorian era, which is often associated with prudishness, there was actually a pervasiveness of lasciviousness. It was a time of extreme monogamy and repression, yet Victorian art and the conduct of the British aristocracy revealed a fascination with sexuality. This paradox highlights the mutually misunderstood nature of the discussion on sex between proponents of religion and proponents of scientific naturalism.
The Tension between Liberty and Prudery
The tension between the proponents of sexual license and those advocating for modesty and prudishness is necessary for a balance to be maintained. Each side needs the other to keep the fascination and interest in sex alive. Embracing extremes, such as complete libertinism or strict prudery, would undermine the delicate balance required for the holistic understanding and experience of human sexuality.
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"
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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