BDSM and Religion ?

[Stella_Omega]

This, more or less, is what also came to my mind when reading this thread.

To me, the power differences found in religion and in bdsm seem to be the exact opposite of each other. Funny, how they backed up in opposite directions so much, their butts bump into each other again. Reminds me of how some radical feminists would work with extreme conservatives to eradicate porn, or of particular anti-fascists so dogmatic they become practically indistinguishable from the things they fight against. Interesting phenomenon, to say the least.

These juxtapositions are in fact, very rare, IMO. That's why they are noteworthy when they happen.

That's on a theoretical level, of course. On a practical level: if you're able to reconcile both your kink and your religion, go for it. Good for you.

This.

 

[Allyourbase]

Originally Posted by catalina_francisco
We don't really think about religion as a basis, affiliation or justification for our BDSM....he is Catholic though non-practicing as such, I am Buddhist. All that being said, just wanted to say how refreshing it is to see someone post and say they do not feel the need to disclose their sexual habits to the church etc. Seems so many seem to think it is vital to disclose it and the details to family, friends, acquaintances, and just about anyone who passes by...go figure.

Catalina

I definately agree with this. I would never disclose it nor details to hardly anyone, even my closest friends. Then again, I live among such close-minded people who would most likely react with institutionalizing me. Ha.

Except for on a public forum

Just joking around. I kindof agree: I'd say your kink is basically your business, so disclosing it should not be an obligation anywhere (though for some it can be vital to share it with others).

But if you're afraid the close minded ppl around you might lock you up for it, and if something like that is the reason no one at your church knows (I'm just assuming here), then aren't you afraid that this is just not the right church/religion for you? Or are the close-minded people at your church just doing it wrong?

 

[teknight]

Ok, I still keep wondering: what about submissive men and dominant women?

Actually, that's a good question. How do submissive men and dominant women fit into the picture?

 

[Stella_Omega]

Actually, that's a good question. How do submissive men and dominant women fit into the picture?

That's the devil's work.

 

[teknight]

That's the devil's work.

Oh, come on, Stella, play nice. The devil's not a feminist.

 

[Allyourbase]

Oh, come on, Stella, play nice. The devil's not a feminist.

She isn't?

 

[Samuelx]

Visit this site.

www.xxxhorror.com

 

[Allyourbase]

But really, I'm curious. Most examples here are about women submitting to men and how that can be compatible with one's faith. I can sortof see that. But what about female dominance or male submission, or switching. Would the kinky believers amongst you say that's possible? Or problematic? And why?

 

[rosco rathbone]

But really, I'm curious. Most examples here are about women submitting to men and how that can be compatible with one's faith. I can sortof see that. But what about female dominance or male submission, or switching. Would the kinky believers amongst you say that's possible? Or problematic? And why?

For devotees of KALI that poses no difficulty.

 

[teknight]

For devotees of KALI that poses no difficulty.

The gender of the deity in question matters?

 

[slavebitch]

Except for on a public forum

Just joking around. I kindof agree: I'd say your kink is basically your business, so disclosing it should not be an obligation anywhere (though for some it can be vital to share it with others).

But if you're afraid the close minded ppl around you might lock you up for it, and if something like that is the reason no one at your church knows (I'm just assuming here), then aren't you afraid that this is just not the right church/religion for you? Or are the close-minded people at your church just doing it wrong?

I mean, there are probably some there who would be accepting of it, but in general, they would probably think I've lost my marbles. I know for a fact my parents would go crazy if they knew. I think people who don't understand BDSM think of it as abusive or unhealthy and I'm almost positive the people at my church wouldn't understand it.

 

[sb2009]

(Tek told me about this thread, it's HIS fault)

1. I personally hold the opinion that any similarities between the two are based on the idea that both rely on a power structure. Much like the military - in order to function the institution is grounded in strict roles of who does what based on rank, etc. The christian church (thanks to paul ;-) ) is pretty men rule, women follow. But because those two things are in common, doesn't make one kinky.

2. I still really need to get out more because I haven't yet seen all these marginalized men who can't be dominant. Unless having to have consent before having sex with a woman means that men are marginalized. If that's what it takes for me to not get raped, I guess I'll have to accept that men are no longer men :-(

 

[Allyourbase]

I mean, there are probably some there who would be accepting of it, but in general, they would probably think I've lost my marbles. I know for a fact my parents would go crazy if they knew. I think people who don't understand BDSM think of it as abusive or unhealthy and I'm almost positive the people at my church wouldn't understand it.

I know, i'ts a sad reality. I won't want to burden my parents with having to try to understand this kind of thing either (though they might do a good job, I don't know). Same will no doubt go for people at your church, and it's entirely understandable.

What matters more is whether they'd object because of their personal closed-mindedness in spite of how tolerant the church itself might be (i.e. 'doing it wrong') or because they sincerely think your kink isn't compatible with your faith (might be the wrong church for ya). What dyou think is the case in your situation?

 

[IrisAlthea]

(Tek told me about this thread, it's HIS fault)

1. I personally hold the opinion that any similarities between the two are based on the idea that both rely on a power structure. Much like the military - in order to function the institution is grounded in strict roles of who does what based on rank, etc. The christian church (thanks to paul ;-) ) is pretty men rule, women follow. But because those two things are in common, doesn't make one kinky.

2. I still really need to get out more because I haven't yet seen all these marginalized men who can't be dominant. Unless having to have consent before having sex with a woman means that men are marginalized. If that's what it takes for me to not get raped, I guess I'll have to accept that men are no longer men :-(

Yes, this x 2.

 

[teknight]

(Tek told me about this thread, it's HIS fault)

Oh, I see how it is. Thank God, blame tek.
Well, to you too.

 

[KoPilot]

But really, I'm curious. Most examples here are about women submitting to men and how that can be compatible with one's faith. I can sortof see that. But what about female dominance or male submission, or switching. Would the kinky believers amongst you say that's possible? Or problematic? And why?

The religious reasoning that submissive-minded men that I've interacted with don't involve invoking much from the Abrahamic religions, and often just go straight for things like non-denominational goddess worship. Of course, I'm speaking from the perspective if a size fetishist mostly, so I don't know about BDSM as much, but I'd be surprised if any of these guys actually knew anything about historical and contemporary goddess worship beyond the fact that it exists and it validates their fetish.

 

[slavebitch]

I know, i'ts a sad reality. I won't want to burden my parents with having to try to understand this kind of thing either (though they might do a good job, I don't know). Same will no doubt go for people at your church, and it's entirely understandable.

What matters more is whether they'd object because of their personal closed-mindedness in spite of how tolerant the church itself might be (i.e. 'doing it wrong') or because they sincerely think your kink isn't compatible with your faith (might be the wrong church for ya). What dyou think is the case in your situation?

I'm almost positive it would just be their personal close-mindedness thinking it is wrong, not that it doesn't align with the church's values. While my church is very open and accepting (Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. is our I guess its a motto?) and we are all about stoppng marginalization, they just wouldn't be able to accept it. I mean, hey, we all have our many flaws. My church also isn't one that takes the bible literally, and believes it should be interpreted to fit into times today since they have changed so much (I mean heck, the whole purification after your monthly gift stuff is just ridiculous), and they'd think it is being taken too literally if applied to BDSM. I

 

[rosco rathbone]

The gender of the deity in question matters?

Not sure if cosmic beings possess gender per say.

 

[Stella_Omega]

(Tek told me about this thread, it's HIS fault)

1. I personally hold the opinion that any similarities between the two are based on the idea that both rely on a power structure. Much like the military - in order to function the institution is grounded in strict roles of who does what based on rank, etc. <snip>

And in fact, this is the basis for the gay male Leather protocol.

Not sure if cosmic beings possess gender per say.

Christians are very sure-- God is a MAYUNNN.

 

[MasterandSir]

weighing in

I was raised in the Methodist church and all the Methodist churches I've ever attended take an "everybody is welcome before God" approach and that is something I've always tried to live by and honestly I don't think my church would much care that I'm into BDSM, a few people might turn their noses up, many would be floored with shock, but as a whole I think my church community would treat me the same.

As far as BDSM and God go, I don't think the Christian God (read: a just and loving God) would ever want to prevent his creations and creatures from fully exploring all of their world.

Just my thoughts.....

 

[teknight]

Not sure if cosmic beings possess gender per say.

Well, God the Father and the goddess Kali. I'd call those genders.

 

[slavebitch]

And in fact, this is the basis for the gay male Leather protocol.

Christians are very sure-- God is a MAYUNNN.

We don't think God is a man, I don't exactly know how to explain it but we don't think God has a genter really. We've somehow just merged into calling God "Him". It's just how things work. lol

I was raised in the Methodist church and all the Methodist churches I've ever attended take an "everybody is welcome before God" approach and that is something I've always tried to live by and honestly I don't think my church would much care that I'm into BDSM, a few people might turn their noses up, many would be floored with shock, but as a whole I think my church community would treat me the same.

As far as BDSM and God go, I don't think the Christian God (read: a just and loving God) would ever want to prevent his creations and creatures from fully exploring all of their world.

Just my thoughts.....

I'm United Methodist. I actually do agree with you that my church would be open and accepting but I don't think they would treat me the same.

 

[MasterandSir]

We don't think God is a man, I don't exactly know how to explain it but we don't think God has a genter really. We've somehow just merged into calling God "Him". It's just how things work. lol



I'm United Methodist. I actually do agree with you that my church would be open and accepting but I don't think they would treat me the same.

My church is filled with a lot of college aged people and they tend to be very open to things that are..... off the beaten path shall we say?

 

[Stella_Omega]

We don't think God is a man, I don't exactly know how to explain it but we don't think God has a genter really. We've somehow just merged into calling God "Him". It's just how things work. lol

The day I hear women being called "him" all the time-- I'll agree with you that "God the Father" is not gendered. (You don't want to argue with me about this-- just accept my word as fact.)

I'm United Methodist. I actually do agree with you that my church would be open and accepting but I don't think they would treat me the same.

No, they would not.

But why do people feel the need to tell the world all about their sex lives anyway? Being gay changes a million things about the way one deals with the world. BDSM not so much, honest.

I am BOTH queer and BDSM and I know which rocks in my path have rolled off of which cliff.

 

[rosco rathbone]

Well, God the Father and the goddess Kali. I'd call those genders.

Only to limited human understanding.