Is Paganism Too Sexy? (rituals, moral, pagans, sexuality, moral)

[Mystic-als]

That hasn't worked for Africa, China or India. So I don't think it would have worked. But I understand your point.

[Circle_One]

Is Paganism preocuppied with sex? Is the religion too full of sex for its own good? Do Pagans need to add more respect for sexuality to their religion? Or, do they have the right balance now?
I don't think we're overly preoccupied with sex at all. If being open, proud and not ashamed of the fact that sexuality is an inherant part of human nature makes us preoccupied with sex, then so be it. I think we simply choose not to hide from the fact that human beings are sexual creatures and we all have a sexual nature. I think our thoughts concerning sex are much healthier than those that choose to repress their sexuality or are ashamed of it.

Is it lewd to conduct rituals skyclad (i.e. nude)?
Is it lewd for any other religion to conduct their rites in the way that their religion states they should?

Being skyclad brings us closer to our Deities when conducting rituals. We've nothing between ourselves and them.

It should be noted though, that going skyclad to conduct a ritual is NOT necessary. It's a choice. A Pagan absolutely does not have to go skyclad, if they don't want to.

Are fertility rites immoral? Is it wrong to celebrate the fertility of nature, crops, and people?
Not at all! What is wrong with celebrating nature or people?

Does Paganism simply accept sex for what it is and for the role sex plays in our lives and in nature, or does it go overboard?
I don't think it goes overboard whatsoever. On the contrary, I think we have the perfect balance. We're not a sex crazed religion. We don't perform animalistic orgies. But at the same time, we choose to accept and celebrate sex as it is and as it is a part of all humans. We choose not to repress it or hide from it.

Is the Pagan insistence that sex is not sinful immoral?
How can something so inherant in every living being, something so natural, be immoral? Everyone has sexual urges. EVERYONE. Why then, should sex be considered sinful? It's a natural thing. It's what keeps the population of the world going. It spawns new life. How can that be sinful?

Is the Pagan insistence that sex is not sinful healthier than the insistence of some others that sex is indeed sinful?
Absolutely! Why repress something so natural, so beautiful? Sexual repression is incredibly unhealthy, IMHO.

[Sunstone]

Is there a link between sex and spirituality that Pagans are privvy to?

[Radio Frequency X]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Is there a link between sex and spirituality that Pagans are privvy to?

Not that I am aware of, though there are some New Age and Hindu beliefs that may come into play here.

[Shrimpy]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Is Paganism preocuppied with sex? Is the religion too full of sex for its own good? Do Pagans need to add more respect for sexuality to their religion? Or, do they have the right balance now?

Not all pagan religions are fertility based religions, that said... what's wrong with talking about sex? When is too much sex? Most of the fertility based religions have a good balance of sex in them, its important to respect the creative force of the universe and that is sex. =)

[quote=Sunstone]Is it lewd to conduct rituals skyclad (i.e. nude)? Are fertility rites immoral? Is it wrong to celebrate the fertility of nature, crops, and people? [quote]

I think that the obsession with linking the human body soley with sex is often completly blown out of proportion, he human body is more than just a sex object. Skyclad rituals have great significance, and are used to take away the shackles and coverings that hide the soul and expose oneself fully to deity.

I believe that we should be thankful for the fertility of crops and nature and thank the gods that are part of those cycles.

Fertility based paganism simply accepts sex for what it is and for the role sex plays in our lives, and acknowledges the importance of sex in our lives.

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Is the Pagan insistence that sex is not sinful immoral?

Nope

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Is the Pagan insistence that sex is not sinful healthier than the insistence of some others that sex is indeed sinful?

Yup I strongly believe that sex should be discussed honestly and openly. I think that having it out in the open will stop the shame that many people feel.

Originally Posted by Sunstone

Does your little sister or little brother know you go on the internet to talk about wild Pagan sex? Will he or she tell mom?

My little sister is sitting here next to me and she is nodding at most of it, so I guess if she does tell dad it won't be horrid. =)