What is the religious perspective on BDSM?

Question

Do any of the judeo-christian religions (though the discussion is open to all faiths) have any qualms with the practices of BDSM (bondage, domination, sadism, and masochism)? I am trying to find out what makes these sexual practices taboo, even within the context of a traditional marriage.

Answer 1

Questions like what is permissive in sex, are completely arbitrary. The proof is that attitudes and taboos with respect to sex vary enormously from one culture to another and have changed from one century to another. The Victorian taboos where a decent woman couldn't even show an ankle, was followed by much looser rules at the beginning of the 20th century. Even today, kissing in the street in Paris is quite normal, but it will land you in prison in Ry-ad.

The reason for the existence of sexual taboos is that there are two aspects to sex. In the past, making children was considered a positive and necessary thing in all societies to assure survival of the tribe. But sex for pleasure goes against this idea, as it increases births outside the clan, which is bad for the tribal survival. Also it grants more liberty for women and would therefore distract them from making and bringing up children.

But science and education progressed. The tribal nature of humanity is somewhat disappearing, at least in the west, which creates more room for sex without procreation.

With the invention of anti-conception methods, sexual permissiveness does no longer have to result in unwanted pregnancies, which liberates women enormously. Education made women (and men!) realize that men and women are their equal.

But morals didn't change as quickly as science did. Sex for pleasure is still something where one doesn't talk about openly, a century old, primitive attitude that hasn't yet changed.

But times are changing, society is changing, taboos disappear slowly. And permissiveness is on the rise.

It seems that we are finally growing up.

Answer 2

I think that what makes something taboo is when a large or influential group of people define it to be. Taboos change over time as numbers and power shift from one group to another.

BDSM is going to be like any other activity that people partake in, where some people are going to like it and be into it, some will tolerate its existence, and others will despise it. Due to philosophical influences on Judaism and Christianity regarding the nature and role of human sexual activity, these religions (among others) will attract larger numbers of people that oppose BDSM than those who do not.

The thing is that the philosophical basis of sexual attitudes tends to be of the Church's creation, not necessarily anything found in scripture. Over periods of time, the influence of the Church’s attitudes towards sexual activity has been steered in the direction that sex exists for procreation only. While not the case in all denominations, this tends to dictate the rules of sex even for married couples.

I used to be Christian, and I have had the urges described since I was in my teens, so I know what the struggle is like. It is hard to think positively of yourself with these urges when one is in the company of others that are opposed to it and are vocal about it. It took me into my thirties before I decided that there was nothing wrong with sexual urges of any kind. As for my urges, I believe that in the Judeo-Christian context of marriage, how two consenting adults choose to express their sexuality to each other is not in any way in conflict with those religions.

A simple way of putting it is hearing someone say, "I do not like chocolate, so I do not see why anyone else would," yet that is your favourite food. The taboo arises when there are enough of the former to make the others feel that something is wrong with them. However, taboo is a social construct, and social constructs can be ignored in privacy, just as society should not violate privacy for its own sake.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

I can only speak for myself, but i do not think that any reasonable individual ( religious or otherwise) can hold something that others do in the privacy of there own home against them. i think the taboo comes from the shame that is often a big part of BDSM and people are afraid of that feeling. ( i enjoy a little nasty, who doesn't)

Answer 4

Because the human body is the temple
of the Holy Spirit
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
The Body Is for the Lord: Not for Fornication
the body is not for fornication, which is any illegitimate sexual activity, any sex outside of marriage. The ancient Greeks had sex with mistresses, concubines, wives, cult prostitutes, and young boys. The accepted view in the Greek world, which was adopted by the Romans as well, was that a person could do anything sexually he wanted to with his body. But this is not the Christian view.
Our Bodies Are Members of Christ’s Body
our bodies are members of the mystical body of Jesus Christ through faith. We are in Christ, joined to him in an eternal, inseparable union.
Do not defile yourself but yet come to know that the body is a temple for the Holy Spirit to rest in
It is this way you are in Union with God to hold deep conversation with.
Come to know this beloved one

Answer 5

I am Agnostic, but I do not see that BDSM would be wrong according to the Christian Bible (from what I know) so long as no one get hurt by the practice of it.

Answer 6

I don't know of any scripture that addresses this issue. I would say, since the couple is married, close the door and have fun.
But I have to wonder, since Morgana brought it up...why should the woman be the submissive?
Suppose the man wants to be dominated? Would that be unChristian?

Answer 7

Puritans and (I believe) Catholics view recreational sex, even within marriage, as a sin. Sex for them is solely for the purpose of procreation. It's not supposed to be fun.

BDSM is certainly recreational sex. Essentially it is role-playing. It's only limits are imagination and physical safety.

Hope that helps.

Answer 8

Pretty much any sex except for the purpose of procreation is considered "bad" or deviant going by strict doctrine of most major religions. Not my point of view but its the very strict truth on sex.

Answer 9

I don't think consensual BDSM would be taboo in Christianity.

Answer 10

I don't see what would be wrong with it in the confines of marriage, because of the possible sexual connotations of such a relationship. Also the woman should be the submissive.