MORE DESTRUCTIVE THAN WEAPONS OF TERRORISTS

More Powerful than Bombs, Guns, and Terrorists

I know of two weapons, either of which are capable of causing the most intelligent human being to lose capacity to think and the most influential individual to become a blithering idiot. Biological terrorism? These weapons can make powerful government leaders and brilliant military strategists betray their trust and place all of us at risk. Are you concerned?

Requires No special Knowledge

These weapons can be operated by even the most uneducated person. Does it make you nervous? Not only that, but there are special societies around the country teaching people how to a use these weapons. They claim that people have a natural right to these weapons. They invite their members to spend hours in learning special disciplines and skills in their use.

Should They Be Banned

The weapons I am talking about are sex and religion. Consider the fact that both sex and religion have been the generating force behind some of the most violent and destructive acts in history. They have split families, toppled heads of state, caused corporate leaders to act like idiots, caused generals to betray their command, and shamed prominent religious leaders—both conservative and liberal. Whether it is lust or religious fanaticism, both can be enormously destructive. Because they are so dangerous, it might tempt one to say that we should ban both of these forces. Yet, governments, laws, armies, wealth, and reason have all failed to curb these forces throughout history. We deny their central importance at our own peril.

The Link between Sexuality and Spirituality

There is a deep loneliness in humanity that yearns to be part of something more. Sex can be terribly destructive. It also generates attraction by which we connect with individuals beyond our self. Sexuality is the foundation by which we build community, feel our own sense of worth, and discover our own value.

While religious fanaticism can turn violent and wreck havoc in society, religion is also the way we connect with the underlying meaning of life. We want to believe that, even if we cannot understand it, history has a purpose. We want to believe, hope, and trust that there is something more and that we can be a part of it. Religion offers us a path by which we can make sense of existence.

Both the release of sexual climax and deep spiritual practices provide brief glimpses of ecstasy and transcendence. Both seek to reach beyond self and heal our innate loneliness.

Moving Beyond Denial

Neither church nor society has been very successful in curbing either of these forces by laws or religious anathemas. Both sex and religion, when properly exercised, have been transformative and creative. Life without faith is too shallow and life without sex is too lonely.

Handle with care but don’t reject the gifts.

Having Fun Discussing Sexuality and Spirituality

Recently, I published a mystery-thriller, A Star and a Tear, that explores the symbiotic relationship between spirituality and sexuality. If you want to explore this subject further and have fun doing it, I invite you to consider this as a book to discuss with friends. amzn.to/1aTDdgsEdit with Bricks