The Religious Corner: A Treatise of Reconciliation Between Organized Religion and Sex

Throughout the ages, the conflicts of human desire and ecclesiastical endeavors have proven to be the source of much misery and discontent. On one hand, its extremely difficult to deny yourself the pleasures of instant gratification with the promise of Valhalla, Heaven, peace everlasting, Utopia, etc.. On the other, it is equally difficult for thinking, reasoning, rational human being to deny the inherent core of truth that has allowed religion to influence societies, states, nations, and empires. Could it be that both viewpoints are valid as long as the built in self governing mechanisms prevent radicalism from both side?

From the beginning of recorded history, religion and religious activities/goals have influenced human behavior. Everything from mans abject refusal to accept that he is a bag of water and chemicals that sprouted from a harsh mix of bacteria and viruses; forged in the crucible of evolution where survival rules; only to return to the biochemical sludge pot of our plants; to humanities perception to the majestic universe with awe and wonderment guides us to seek a higher plane, a omnipotent being, a purpose beyond life and death.

We worshiped idols, we rejoiced in magic, we cloaked ourselves in ritual and ceremony, we wrote rules, we prolesytized. All in the name of something greater. When these activities failed our perceptions of our "just rewards" we rationalized our lack/loss with consolation; we were not "good" enough. We did not believe strongly enough. Our neighbors were bad. Those people were heretics, infidels, unbelievers. Our consoling rationalizations, along with a healthy dose of zeal, greed, lust, and desire for power led to the Inquisition, the Templars (in many forms), the Illuminati, the Hashishim, and even the Masons (yes, they were founded from the same tree as those above). All of these organizations stated goals appeared to be in fundamental conflict with the concept of free will but also served to remove responsibility from the individual and place the life decisions responsibility on whoever controlled the "Rule Book". History has shown us the result of these organizations and if this history is representative of humanity, then we are surely doomed.

So, faced with all of this, what did we do? We rejected it in whole and in part and adopted a secular viewpoint of the world. What we can see, feel, and touch is the only thing that is real. We do not need religion; we have civilization, society, and government. Religious mumbo jumbo? Prove it! Show me a miracle and I will believe. What, here is a desirable man/woman who is willing to engage in sexual activity and you are telling me I cannot because it is unholy? Go away! I am getting laid! I lust, I satisfy it. I am hungry, I eat. I want X, I get X. I am impatient, I get it right now!

Again, recorded history has documented the excesses of this secular approach. Everything from Romans to Communists to Monarchists to Socialists to Republics to tribes to Democracies. None are perfect, none are balanced, and none have survived for very long without extreme force and misery. Again, if this is representative of whom we are as a whole, then perhaps its time for another really big asteroid/meteor to reset the evolutionary clock to zero again. I wonder if the Dinosaurs were killing everybody who did not believe as they did, forcing their way of thinking on everyone, and practicing instant gratification? Makes you wonder!

Regardless, in spite of, of perhaps even considering all of the above, there are some lessons to be learned from both sides. Surprisingly, a lot of the rules between the two viewpoints are the same. In religion, it is a sin to commit adultery and you will not go to heaven unless you confess. In Society, it is wrong/illegal to commit adultery because you will either be seriously hurt by the spouse or thrown in jail (interestingly, if you plead out, i.e. confess, your crime you will get a lesser punishment). Follow along with me below and see if you can spot the similarities...

I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD, YOU SHALL HAVE no other gods BEFORE ME. (Can you say patriotism?)
YOU SHALL NOT MISUSE THE NAME OF THE LORD YOUR GOD. (Can you say sedition?)
REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY BY KEEPING IT HOLY. (Do not work too much)
HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER. (Authority figures?)
YOU SHALL NOT MURDER. (Duh... There would be hell to pay in the hood if we went around killing each other..Uhhhhh..we are already doing that)
YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY. (see above)
YOU SHALL NOT STEAL. (yep, homey better keep his beaters off of my stuff (see George Carlin))
YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE TESTIMONY AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR. (do not lie!)
YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR'S WIFE. (See stealing above)
YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR'S GOODS. (and do not even think about it!)

For the most part, all of these commandments directly cross over into societal rules for people to live by in good order. For those familiar with the bible, the parallel exists with most of the teachings of Christ. Cleanliness is next to godliness turns into if you do not keep a large group of people living together clean, they will get sick and die!

None of these conflict with sex (with the exception of the Adultery bit to which I cannot help but wonder if Moses wife had a wandering eye and he had a spare chisel in his pocket).

We generally should follow the guidelines for the reasons they exist in society and religion; Because violating them will do harm to others. Are they absolute? No! Are there exceptions? Yes! As with anything in life, be it sex, drugs, rock and roll, laws, or religion; Taken to extremes, its bad for you. To sum it all up: be nice, help out when you can, do not intentionally cause harm to others, and mind your own business. If more people did this, the world we live in would be a whole lot nicer.

***** Disclaimer ******

The preceding articles are the sole opinions, thoughts, and feelings of the writer and in no way represent anyone else's reality. Any similarities with anything, real of fictionally is purely coincidental and not intended to cause harm, pain, or mental anguish! If by chance, these writings have offended anyone, then I sincerely apologize and for compensation, you can fly a kite. ~ DrAT