While American society today is in some ways overly sexual and sex obsessed, in other ways we are a very prudish and sexually repressed society. While the Porn industry is one of the few industries that is growing in this declining economy, it is still looked down upon and viewed in secret. Millions of Americans don’t talk about sex openly even with their own partners and sex education is America is in many cases very poor and insufficient and in other cases simply non-existent. Americans tend to be more offended by Janet Jackson’s two second nipple slip than they are about the violence in the world as viewed on the 24/7 news channels.
Much of the American stigma concerning sex, sexuality, and nudity has to do with “traditional Christian values” as defined by fundamentalist Christianity. America has a lot of those old Puritan and Victorian influences as well as the biblical view from Genesis 3 that people should be ashamed of their own bodies. It is no surprise that the more fundamentally religious people are the more they are sexually repressed especially in relation to nudity and sexuality. As an atheist, I see nothing wrong with nudity or sexuality and it bothers me that America is so freaked out about these subjects.
“What if a child saw that nude photo?” I give up, what if? What would happen? Would their eyes pop out of their sockets? The fact is that if you took your average 7 year old to see an R-rated film which had two seconds of nudity in it, they wouldn’t even notice and if you took that same average 7 year old to a long loving sex scene in an R-rated film, they would be bored. Of course if they knew that they weren’t supposed to see nudity because of some quaint religious stigma, they would want to see it just because it is forbidden. But if they weren’t raised to believe that sexuality and nudity were bad, they wouldn’t care less about either until they were old enough to take pleasure from it.
The reason America is so prudish is of course in no small part due to the Bible. Aside from Genesis 3, there are lots of examples where fornication or premarital sex is demonized. For example, the Bible throws unmarried sex in with murders and atheism and claims that these things are “worthy of death.”
Romans 1: 29-32 “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”
The Bible also claims that if you have unmarried sex, you can’t get the magical Heavenly reward:
1 Corinthians 6: 9-10 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
There are many other “Biblical Correct” passages which deal with the evils of premarital sex. Some will argue that promiscuous sex is bad and that the Bible is correct in threatening Hell and Damnation for such a thing, but there are two issues with that. The first of course is the Bible didn’t say “promiscuous sex” it said pre-marital sex or fornication. Maybe you just had sex with one or two people. That is not promiscuous, but if you were not married at the time, that is a one way trip to eternal torture. Second, there really isn’t anything wrong with promiscuous sex as long as everyone involved is a consenting adult who knows what they are in for and everyone has taken the necessary precautions (i.e. birth control if desired). Sex can be an emotional experience for most people, but it is not always that way. Some people just enjoy sex without a lot of emotional baggage. This is more common today in a world of one-night-stands and internet hookups.
But even with the high emotions which sex often arouses, people can be mature and we can handle those emotions like adults. It is not uncommon for the average American to have between 6 to 20 sexual partners throughout their lives. But the Bible doesn’t just talk about the evils of unmarried sex, Paul didn’t think to highly of sex in general. Paul claimed that sex… any sex was bad but if you had to have sex, than married sex is better than unmarried sex.
1 Corinthians 7:8-9 “I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.”
The character of Jesus as portrayed in the Bible of course took things much further. Jesus didn’t even want people to be sexually aroused or to have sexual thoughts at all.
Matthew 5:27-29 “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell.”
That’s right, Jesus said that it is better to pock out your eye because it might see an attractive person than to be tortured for all eternity because you had “lust in your heart.” This is Jesus we are talking about. You know, Mr. Peace and Love.
So that means no swimsuit issues, no pornography, and no Angelina Jolie movies. No wonder so many Christians get all bent out of shape with the slightest glimpse of nudity or sexuality. Just an accidental look or peek could land them in eternal torture. This is one of the main reasons why there are so many restrictions and censors concerning nudity and sexuality. This is why American society is as sexually repressed and frustrated as it is. I’m surprised that Christians haven’t adopted the Berka.
Atheism 101 Articles:
Atheism 101: What is the difference between atheism and agnosticism?
Atheism 101: Is there moral grounding without God?
Atheism 101: The Purpose of Life
Atheism 101: Is the Bible the inspired word of God?
Atheism 101: The anti-intellectualism of religion
Atheism 101: Why has Christianity demonized nudity, sex and sexuality?
Atheism 101: Does it take more faith to be an atheist?
Atheism 101: What came before the Universe?
Atheism 101: How to respond to the ex-atheist
Comments
Stop me if you've heard this one before:
A teenaged boy goes to confession and says, "Father, I know it's a sin but I just can't help myself. I masturbate all the time."
"You must have discipline, my son," says the priest. "Remember, it's not only a sin. Masturbation can make you go blind."
"Well then father," says the boy,"perhaps I can just do it until I need glasses."
:)
I'm not sure if we can blame all of Christianity for the American "fear" of the bare breast. Many (socially Christian based) European countries don't have nearly the hang up of the bare female breast that us Americans have. (I was in Sweden recently and would occasionally see bare breasts on non-American programming and commercials. It wasn't focused on and constant like one expects on the PlayBoy channel, but extreme measures weren't taken to try to hide it in scenes where nudity is the norm, like shampoo/soap commercials, scenes when people were waking out of bed, etc.) Now this may (and probably does) vary from country to country, but in general Europe just seems to have a more mature opinion of casual nudity.
I'm not sure where the "blame" really lies, but I tend to think it may have come from the Puritans that colonized New England. But that's only IMHO, and isn't based on any actual research. (If someone has some research to either affirm or refute my opinion, please share.)
Also, at the beginning of this article you state "While the Porn industry is one of the few industries that is growing in this declining economy...". Kinda ironic that just 10 minutes ago I read on the Violet Blue blog (at tinynibbles dot com, WARNING, it is NSFW!!!) that the porn industry is being hit hard. Her blog linked to a LA Times article titled "Tough times in the porn industry". (I'd provide links, but we all know how well links don't work in comments...)
I think I pointed out the Puritan & Victorian influences. Also, Europe is much less religious than America is, which only proves my point.
Ironic that the very people who have the vapors because their precious child may have seen a woman's partially exposed breast are the same ones who gave that child a rifle for Christmas. They have the vapors over any hint of sexuality or nudity yet adore violence. It's incredibly twisted.
Sembazuru, I don't fully agree with you when it comes to Europe being socially Christian based. You have to remember that Europe was once deeply rooted in paganism - including the philosophies of the Greeks. A great deal of those influences survived - even while under the totalitarian rule of Christiandom. Socially, that mix of different influences eventually helped to tame Christian extremities in Europe - many fanatical Christians fled to the US as a result.
1. sex
2. guilt
3. repentence
4. go to step one
It's a control issue, create a problem and offer a solution that never actually cures the "problem". Control sex and you have them hooked for life.
Do you have kids Staks?
Would you expose them to Porn?
You do realize how degrading porn is to women right? You do know that most “porn actors”, especially women, are required to do increasingly disgusting things such as putting their mouth to another’s anus either directly or indirectly and have repeated anal sex that leaves a large majority unable to control their bowel movements – all just to keep working.
You do realize that porn constantly degrades women by calling them sl*ts and wh*res
So would you stop at “soft-core” or go all the way and show them “hard-core”, maybe some other perversion like bestiality or necrophilia (after all a dead corpse can’t really dissent right?)
Attitudes towards sexuality and what is acceptable sexuality is one of the contributing factors to the fall of the Roman empire. And yes it is a slippery slope.
“Those that fail to learn from history and doomed to repeat it” – Winston Churchill
Two words; Carl Jung. His findings essentially paralleled the points Staks has made here. Distortions in our sexuality (i/e fetish/violent porn etc.) primarily occur under the heavy weight of social (thus usually religious) oppression. However,Christianity isn't solely to blame here though; Religion is. Take a look at India. When nudity and public breast feeding become social stigmas...
Nigel -
Yes I do.
I have no reason to, but should he see some, I don't think he would care.
While Pornography can be degrading to women (and men, don't be sexists), it isn't always and is usually not. Porn has become a very regulated industry. There can be abuses in any industry though. Have you ever talked to someone in the porn industry? Have you ever talked to a stripper? Instead, you make sweeping generalizations which are exceptions to the rule.
Hard-core is not my cup of tea, but to each their own as long as everyone is consenting w/sound mind w/o duress.
Actually, it was the rise of Christianity which was the major contribution of the fall of Rome. That and that they had expanded beyond their means to defend. FAIL!
Staks,
YOU'RE A WORSE HYPOCRITE THAN THE RELIGIOUS PEOPLE YOU MOCK!
Would you let your son walk around the mall naked?
Assuming you're still in a relationship with his mother and you care about her, would you encourage her to grocery shop or run errands naked?
I'm sure pedophiles would love the park where you take your naked son. Or your relatioship would be really great with dozens of guys staring at your naked partner. But it sounds like it would be the fault of "religion" if those poor, oppressed pedophiles acted on their misunderstood thoughts. And you couldn't blame those helpless guys for staring at your partner, they've just been misled by religion for so long.
You'd never let your son or partner that you loved walk around naked. QUIT BEING A HYPOCRITE!
Actually, I couldn't care less if people saw my wife or son naked. Society cares, not me. There are of course safety concerns, but again that is because of a society poisoned by religion. So how am I being hypocritical?
Nigel, how perversely entertaining your comment is in its predictability. If *you* have kids, I pity them for the repression they have to endure. That's far worse than a little porn. Do you even think about what you write? Or do you just parrot what your Krazy Kristian Kult friends say? The slippery slope to bestiality... Oy! Next they'll be wanting to marry their sisters or a potted plant.
You know who the biggest consumers of the "disgusting" porn you're talking about are? That's right, repressed evangelical Christoids in the Bible Belt. More churches--more porn shops. I guess illicit sex is more fun when God's not watching. Who knew? Oh, wait, he's always watching.
And you advertise your rank ignorance of sexuality when you claim anal sex causes women to lose bowel control. That's just depressingly typical homophobic propaganda. And gay men aren't the only ones who enjoy anal sex, mmkay?
Licking someone's a** is called "rimming," in case you wondered. Maybe you should try i
Nigel, you also mangled your history. Churchill was paraphrasing an earlier quote from Santayana.
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
--George Santayana
You should also remember the lessons of Puritanism. Brush up on your American literature, as in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter"
Regardless of the history of Christianity in North America, the Puritans, etc. as far as 'today' is concerned, yes the phobias regarding nudity and sexuality are perpetuated by a Christian dominance.
Christianity is, historically, a religion in constant metamorphosis. What is dogma at any given time tends to fall by the wayside with the next generation.
Sexuality and Morals have slacked remarkably since the church of my childhood, back in the '50s and '60s.
Great article and commentary, Staks.
Staks you are so out of touch, the porn industry is not as "regulated" as you believe. But I guess it helps you feel better about watching someone get abused.
What is even more interesting and depressing is people defending your position. A good example of Atheist morality?
Ha! Nigel, you're just a barrel of laughs. The atheist 'morality' canard. Open your eyes so you can see past the end of your nose: The only sexual morality that means anything to an atheist is safe, sane, and consensual. And let me tell you that covers a lot of ground.
I'd love to see your 'regulated' version of porn: pray to Jesus first, missionary style, under the sheets, lights off. So I could just stare at a blank screen as far as you're concerned.
You need to visit a dungeon, and see how much consensual adult fun is possible when people respect each other and push the limits. It's only abuse if someone is getting hurt. You can take a lot of pain without actually getting injured. Some people enjoy it tremendously, and the only ones who can be the judge of what's good or bad are the ones participating. So stop telling other people how to have sex or what's abuse--unless you'd like to be told what flavor of ice cream to eat or what constitutes "acceptable" worship.
BlackSun - that's it? that's your argument? You fight for porn - truly amazing, another sterling example of the so called "intellectual Atheist".
BTW - you have no basis for making any moral argument other than giving your opinion. "Safe, consensual, sane.." meant nothing to Marquis de Sade did it?
Nigel, I argue for freedom. No apologies. That means do whatever you want as long as you aren't hurting anyone. That's what "safe, sane, and consensual" means. Sexuality is one of the most important human modes of expression. Every religious argument against sex boils down to arguments from scripture or personal distaste. Neither should have any bearing on the laws of a free society.
Have you even read the Marquis deSade? Or is he just another one of your bogeymen? Remember, people tried to ban James Joyce for similar reasons.
Why is it so hard for you to get it? Don't like gay sex? Don't have it. Don't like Sade? Don't read it. Don't like racy TV or films? Don't watch them.
Again, Nigel, how's that vanilla ice cream cone you've been eating every day of your life taste today? I personally like to change it up a bit. Other people have their own tastes, and that fact affects me not at all. No more than Christians assembling to pray in private. But keep your hands off public 'mor
Sex is a nasty, sinful, evil act, and that is why you should only do it to your spouse.
Sex is what passes on life.
please tell me this is a take-the-piss. It has to be
@Nigel Attitudes about sex did not have anything to do with the fall of the Roman Empire, in fact, I believe it had more to do with a certain popular and mythical religion. As for your arguments regarding porn, are you really that puritanical and ignorant? Just like with every kind of human activity, there are people being abused by people who have power. Ask the Catholic church or the fundies that spare no rod. There are plenty of men and women in the porn industry who have never had any kind of bad experience. You cannot say that because people get hurt by something, that that thing is inherently wrong. If we go that route, religions would be outlawed. The only thing your argument proves is that we need more safeguards for the people working as porn actors.
I once walked into a conversation at work regarding local nudity ordinances. This religious woman was upset, because her next door neighbor spent a ton of money, on a 6 foot tall fence around his property, all so he could skinny dip in private, in his own pool. Apparently, her children were climbing a tree to watch the man skinny dip and she felt he should be arrested. I added my 2 cents "well, aren't your kids invading that mans privacy by climbing the tree to look at him?" I almost got lynched (I lived in the bible belt at the time). People started getting out of their chairs, and pointing their fingers repeating "you're not a Christian..."
I am comfortable with my body and nudity. However, I think Porn throws the balance too far in the other direction, exposing people to perversity that they might not otherwise have thought of. I have dated too many guys who watch porn, and who want too much weirdness and perversity from me, rather than a loving, affectionate act.
sorry, I am an atheist, and agree with most of what was said but I have to disagree on the porn issue. Men don't seem to realize an addiction to porn can be very hurtful and infuriating to women in their lives. They need to think how they would feel if porn was all about men and their women were fascinated by it. Even when most mainstream forms of entertainment show nudity it is usually women, not men. Fundamentaly, with most women it comes down to this simple fact: If our men get off at looking at other naked women besides us we feel insulted and offended, as most men would too if the shoe were on the other foot (or more likely, the thong on the other backside)The playing field needs to be levelled for porn to become more accepted. Many happy couples in a good sexual relationship will tell you that there is no place for porn in their lives, except from each other.
Also, though I disagree with everything Nigel has to say about religion, he does have some valid arguements about porn. However I have nothing against consenting adults using dungeons, sex toys, role playing, multiple partners, etc.. JUST PORN!
And, yes, anal sex DOES cause you to lose some bowel control
My isn't this a fascinating article. I thought you were the religion and reason examiner not the atheism and christian bashing. An intelectual person arguing for "safe, sane and consensual" sex would spend more time talking about psychology, sociology and other intelectual pursuits and less time insulting people's religious beliefs. Of coure if you did that you might also notice christian fundamentalists aren't the only people with MAJOR concerns about the porn industry. Bondage is a really interesting subject as well. Is it morally wrong? I don't think so personally. Is it rife with potential for mental, emotional and physical abuse? Ask any inteligent dominant that question. The line between a domme engaging in verbal play and a man (woman) belittling his wife is a fine one. As for anal sex pleasurable? For some. Safe? It can be but lets not be naive it carries a higher risk of stds, and theirs issues of tearing and other damage. It can be done safely but it has risks.
Fornication as written about in the Bible is not "pre-marital sex." Sure, we've adapted it to that interpretation along the way, but that was not the intention. Funny how that happens over time. The Bible is like a 2000 year old game of telephone.
The word that we translate to get "fornication" is closer to meaning "sexual immorality" which is vague enough that i'm okay with it.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fornication
Let's blow up all the churches and riot!!!
Sex is how people produce beings in the image of God. It is a holy activity and therefore good, offspring or no, and intended to be meaningful, not frivolous, and, as proof of God's goodness, enjoyable by both parties.
Our relationship to God is established by Christ's work on the cross, not by our Christians are to glorify God with our bodies because we no longer belong to ourselves. "If you love me, obey me. Attract people to me."
I enjoy looking at naked women, but I say it's not good to do so because I can't help doing so for myself, not for their welfare. It also bothers my wife. It's selfish and therefore wrong. And I'm not sure I'd want a wife who wanted me looking at other women naked.
While I technically lost my virginity on my wedding night, I'd snacked pretty heavily beforehand, and now my wife is very uncomfortable around my old girlfriends, who are wonderful people. It is the blasé attitude I had about sex that has destroyed those relationships.
God's ways are
I'm christian,
If you want to be naked, be naked.
Mike,
When is it ok to be naked?
Where is it ok to be naked?
In front of who should we be naked?
Think before you type, especially if you claim to be a Christian.
being a Catholic who loves, there are so many contexts for the display of human form. INdeed, it can glorify the wonderful creator, say in religious art, or various forms of art drawn from life (just look at Michelangelo's David, there's nothing wrong with that). However, in a highly nihlistic and sensual society, we must exploit God's gret gift of the body for our own purposes, rather then giving glory to God. That is why there is so much sexual repression, when porno is displayed etc what happens, only abuse of the physical form for our own gain. If uy wanht to llive ina sexualised fantasy world, be prepared to reap the benefits on bitterness, sorrow and never knowing true and deep love
Christianity destroyed any happiness I had in my life. Now, in order to remain "safe" from "porn", I constantly think of brutal
violence. *SIGH*. Yes, people, that is what I constantly think of now, especially after discovering that my spouse is cheating on me.
Baptism represented open love (Cotytto):
The priests of Cotytto, the goddess of promiscuous sex, were called "Baptae," the same base form of Baptism. Why would God order a sacrament that represents promiscuous sex? (you won't allow link, Google search above)
"Fornication" and "sexual immorality" only meant "prostitution" in the original Scriptures. Prostitution is denounced because it is "selling" something that should be free. Any "conditional" sex would fit in this category. Another reason why marriage is not the solution.
Regarding Jesus' "new commandment" in John 13:34, today's churches stating "agape" love is "non-sexual" love, is a flat-out lie; and therefore proves they are the perfect definition of the "Antichrist" (and/or it’s proved by their ignoring of these now presented facts). (you cut me off.)
Your comments about Jesus' attitude towards sex are right on. Jesus thought the best thing to do was to avoid sex all together.
The vast majority of Christians are ignorant sheep, led by institutions that are only interested in their 10% cut.
Actually there's lot of sex in the bible. It's just not publicized. Actually I don't think Jesus disapproved of sex too much - it's that doofus Paul who was so uptight about it. Then there's bisexuals like myself. Almost totally forbidden openly but why be straight when you can have it all?
Wow, where did the author of this article do his scripture studies? I love it when atheists try and give scripture lessons.
"from Genesis 3 that people should be ashamed of their own bodies"
Huh? I'm Catholic who is educated in his faith. That's not a teaching of Catholicism or authentic Christianity. There is a lot more going on in this passage. Where do you come up with this stuff? Are you a scripture scholar and expert on Christian beliefs or do you just make things up? Why should anyone believe your interpretations of scripture?
I think reasonable people would "look down" on pornography. It's bad for marriages, women, society..
If anything, we live in a secular society obsessed with sex. I'll take the authentic Christian teachings on sexuality over the distorted view you are trying to pass off as "Christian." Explain what the Catholic church actually teaches. Explain JP II's Theology of the Body, encyclicals on this topic, the Catechism, and then maybe I'll give you a l
Many of you may be into multiple partners, onenight stands and sex clubs. When the fun is over and this person whose name you may not know says bye or walks away chasing after someone more attractive don't you feel used and alone. What about the risk of pregnancy and STDS.Has no one told you deserve more than all that? Because you do. People use excessive sex among other things to fill the God Shaped Hole in their souls He can only fill that space in your heart. All the shall nots in the Bible are to protect you and others from not only physical damage but the emotional toll these acts can take on someone. He loves you all dearly and is waiting with open arms to accept you unconditionally,wash you clean,give you a brand new start and help you out of these ways. You have freewill and you can choose to stay there but are you REALLY HAPPY there? How do you feel when you are alone? Do these activities fill the deep loneliness you feel? I say this with great love to you all.
Please watch on youtube God Shaped Hole by Plumb And What If by Nichole Norderman.
Remembered another youtube song/video that could help anyone that wants it: Innocence Lost by Amy Grant. It starts out sad but has an ending filled with hope.
God clearly defines sin...and when we know that He resides with the believer, we do not wish to fill our spirit with things that would offend our Lord....fill the vessel with good thoughts, actions, behavior....be presentable before Him.
The writer might want to google Christian Nudism. Apparently there are a number of Christians from various denominations involved in this and have been since at least the 19th century.
The issue with pornography is not nudity, it's a matter of exploitation of women and selfishness of men. Women in pornography are viewed as objects to be used and thrown away. Men who who get addicted to porn have a difficult time integrating sex and love. In a true love relationship where there is committment and mutual consent between the woman and the man nudity and sex is a beautiful thing. That's how The Lord meant it to be from the start in
Genesis before the Fall.
It's funny atheists complain that Christians pick and choose from the Bible, but you did the same thing in your article. There are parts in the Bible that do celebrate sexuality. Try reading the Songs of Solomon and see.
I'm in a several-decades long relationship with my boyfriend and guess what... I LIKE porn. Everybody always talks about the objectification of women. Not all of us think that way. For one thing, there are different types of porn. Some of us like the idea of pleasuring and being pleasured by several men.... even if we don't do it for real in our relationships... fantasy is good! Would I be in a gangbang? Well, I never say never. (But I would want my boyfriend to be as enthusiastic as me. If not, then I wouldn't do it. It's called mutual respect).
The funny thing is, religion almost caused me to marry someone that would have been a horrible partner for me.... just because I had finally concented to having sex with him. Trust me, we would have hated eacho other if we had married. Luckily, I got over the whole religion thing. I don't believe in marriage and I'm happy now.
---People use excessive sex among other things to fill the God Shaped Hole in their souls He can only fill that space in your heart.---
I have a Penis Shaped Hole in my vagina...
The Bible is chock full of sex, violence, and other such stuff. That's why I'm always amused when people insist their children should read it instead of reading/seeing all that "unwholesome" stuff like Harry Potter.
“In I Corinthians 8, the King James translation reads: ‘To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is well for them to remain single as I do.’ The word ‘single’ doesn't appear in the original Greek text, & Paul may not have intended to communicate in this context that he himself was single…marriage was not a priority for Paul…Sexual abstinence as a sign of moral achievement, as in the teachings of the Stoics, is apparently of no interest to Paul.” Paul in reality is NOT against sex which has been mistranslated into fornication but was “actually a mistranslation of the Greek word porneia, which means “promiscuous sexual conduct”.Paul is NOT against sex but against unhealthy, unspiritual, and forbidden sex acts. Sex in the Bible is not meant as precautionary tales or guides to sexual living.
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