Religion is a powerful force in the world, especially in the bedroom. Some feel the weight on an all-seeing eye quite vividly, abstaining from many sexual acts, or choosing virginity until marriage.
Like politicians and spoiled children, both religion and pop-culture branding each other with labels such as “prude” and “sinner.” It can be hard to stay centered with an independent sense of self.
In the information age, we have the privilege to explore the possibilities more than ever. This exploration of ideas, philosophies and experiences allows us to be master of our sexual identity.
To be independent we must have the freedom to explore our world and draw our own conclusions.
“Because I said so,” seems to be the fundamental divine law for boot-leg religious groups. It will never be a good reason, robbing the recipient of free thought, exploration, growth, choice and the truth.
One truth of sex is it is a fire, dispelling the dark illusions of self and separation and consuming those that obsess like moths upon its pleasure.
Sex can powerfully reinforce a pleasure-seeking mentality that forsakes the immortal divine for a world of decaying sensuality.
Some religious traditions champion the idea of abstinence, to develop self control and free energies and attention for spiritual or personal growth. Other religious traditions see sex as a tool for spiritual and personal growth.
Pop-culture pressures can lead to promiscuity and religious pressures can lead to lives of virginity. While both virginity and promiscuity may be a precious expression of self identity, both can also be the result of yielding to overwhelming pressures to conform.
The “prude” and the “sinner” have something in common after all.
Some caught in the whirlwind of religion and pop-culture find themselves in the position to become “born-again virgins.”
The practice is based on the belief virginity can be restored through promises of chastity and faith.
Some women even seek to reclaim their virginity with an operation to restore their hymen. In some ways, this is reminiscent of sex-change operations.
It is a search for wholeness, making the outside fit the inside. However, just as genetics cannot be changed, the intimate sexual experience cannot be undone.
Virginity is a door that can only be passed through once, hopefully with someone wonderful.
Still, we are so much more than our bodies and previous actions. Sometimes the reality of our being is not as significant as how we define ourselves.
Whether we conform or take the road less traveled, that choice must be free from within. We cannot allow religious or social expectations to act as dominating house guests.
Our freedom is our individuality. Individuality is the root of diversity. Diversity allows spirit to move in all its mysterious ways.
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