The History of Eastern and Western Religious Thought Regarding Sexuality

Sexuality and spirituality are two of the most powerful forces in human nature. As well as being major influences in humanity's drive for existence and actualization, they are an integral feature of much of the joy and pain uniquely characteristic of the human experience.

In many of the world religions, however, sexuality and spirituality have been viewed as diametrically opposed forces. How did they come to be seen as "dis-integrated" aspects of human nature rather than as two "integrate-able" forces in human nature? Has it been this way through all periods in history? In all societies? In all the world's major religions?

This session offers an examination of the major contributions in Western and Eastern religious thought that have shaped our ideas about sexuality over the last 4,998 years. Comparisons of different religion traditions will illuminate the elements of integration and dis-integration inherent in each of the religions.