Is BDSM a religion?

[SubmissiveDoll]

re⋅li⋅gion
–noun
1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

No BDSM is in no way a religion. It's a lifestyle... like people who like fishing, hunting, skiing, skateboarding. You can find a discussion board for anything! Why would this be a religion. I don't generally like to talk about my personal beliefs, but I'm Christian. No I don't 'worship' my Master in the same way I worship my God. Nor would he ever ask me to.

If we like we can get into the many facets of religion that agree with BDSM lifestyle as a practice. Ever read the old testamant? I have, you should check into that sometime. Or perhaps the Kabala? Or know anything about Shinto, or Hinduism or Judaism? Almost all government recognized religions speak for D/s relationships in marriage.

The powerful emotions you speak of, is a rush of endorphins and adrenaline. We have dubbed it sub and Dom space. For simplicity of talking about it.

I'm enamored with my Master, I love him with all my heart. He owns me, body and mind. But my soul belongs to God.

[Veronika]

I don't generally like to talk about my personal beliefs, but I'm Christian. No I don't 'worship' my Master in the same way I worship my God.

Do you believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Saviour? Do you believe Jesus died on the cross and rose again for your sins?

I had an interesting article that I was supposed to post here about BDSM and its link to religion. But as a newbie I can't.

[SubmissiveDoll]

Do you believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Saviour? Do you believe Jesus died on the cross and rose again for your sins?

I had an interesting article that I was supposed to post here about BDSM and its link to religion. But as a newbie I can't.

I'll answer this. I shouldn't but I will. Yes I believe in Jesus Christ, unless there is some new fangled Christianity that I'm unaware of. Your questions are disrespectful and demeaning. As well as ignorant.

I have to admit I'm curious about this article you were SUPPOSED to post here. Would that be the only reason you joined? Your happy to attack us here for being offended by your rude and offensive posts, but you can't take the same criticism that you are dealing out. Do I walk into your family and begin telling you how you are doing everything wrong? No, because how you live your life is between you and God.

Are you attempting to speak to me of my personal religion? If you would like please do. I'm happy to continue this. I'm not afraid of my religion or my lifestyle. I have peace and happiness in my life and it will take a lot more than your narrow views to ruin it for me.

Now, if you have question about BDSM please ask. Just try to do so in a way that isn't offensive to everyone here. Thanks!

[leah06]

Yipes. Clearly you've hit a nerve, Veronika. Anyway, I don't think it's a stupid question and I don't think it's offensive either. Furthermore, I'm pretty sure the moderators encourage those who are offended by a post to, you know, navigate away from it. Given some of the things that are posted on here it's interesting that this one seems to be extra shocking.

Anyway, in answer to your question - no, I don't think bdsm is a religion, but I do see parallels between some aspects of bdsm and some aspects of some religions. Sorry, guys! If you don't like this, no one's making you read it.

First, I do think you've correctly identified that there can be a certain amount of religious fervor that people bring to some interactions - or, to be more precise, to their descriptions of those interactions and of their emotions. I've certainly felt this, and I've enjoyed it and I don't confuse it with blasphemy, but I recognize the parallels. Second, speaking only of my own religious tradition, it is clear to me that some of the ways we are encouraged or required to approach God are in many ways similar to certain bdsm rituals. Moreover, our relationship with God in some ways mirrors that of a sub to a Dom, or, as we like to say in my religion, to a master.

OK, but I'm reversing the causality - the religion doesn't mirror the bdsm, the bdsm MITRRORS THE RELIGION. Do I think this is intentional? Of course not. But bdsm arises from deeply felt needs, just as religion does, and it's not reasonable to think that bdsm would just invent its emotions and rituals with no reference whatever to other deeply felt experiences. And besides, IMHO, our relationship with God is the ultimate power exchange.

[SubmissiveDoll]

OK, but I'm reversing the causality - the religion doesn't mirror the bdsm, the bdsm MITRRORS THE RELIGION. Do I think this is intentional? Of course not. But bdsm arises from deeply felt needs, just as religion does, and it's not reasonable to think that bdsm would just invent its emotions and rituals with no reference whatever to other deeply felt experiences. And besides, IMHO, our relationship with God is the ultimate power exchange.

This is beautiful Rachel. Thanks.

[Veronika]

it is clear to me that some of the ways we are encouraged or required to approach God are in many ways similar to certain bdsm rituals.

I've studied this and ran into a document which was: The Slaves Prayer. That is as close to a religion as it can be in my mind. There are lines like this: "Grant me the power to give myself to Him completely", "Let me open myself up to completely belong to him", "Allow me the spirit to know his needs." This combined with kneeling, ritual positions, in some extreme cases cutting. Sounds pretty scary to me.

But what I understand this slave thing isn't that common is it? Are there more submissives than slaves?

[jezabel]

: "Grant me the power to give myself to Him completely", "Let me open myself up to completely belong to him", "Allow me the spirit to know his needs."

?

im a slave and i know that what i do is right for me...it has nothing to do with religion, just the adoration of a slave for her Master.

im also a committed christian and the feelings i have for my God are totally different to my feelings for my Master. BDSM is a lifestyle choice, not a religion or a cult...it cant be as W/we in the lifestyle have too much variety for it to be.

your remarks arent offensive as such, but i can see why some people may thinks so. if anything youre naive....read the threads, learn more about our lifestyle, then maybe you will learn all you need to know.

if you ever want to chat, contact me, im here to talk as long as you are willing to listen to views that may not match yours

[Veronika]

if anything youre naive....

Really? I think its offensive to try to make me believe I'm on a child's level or something. Not that I'm offended. I know I'm an intelligent adult. Master. Now there is a word. Makes you wonder can you serve two Masters at the same time?

[Veronika]

Your questions are disrespectful and demeaning. As well as ignorant.

Which questions exactly? I don't think any of my posts are.

Your happy to attack us here for being offended by your rude and offensive posts, but you can't take the same criticism that you are dealing out.

Attack? That's not true at all. Is it possible that my posts scared you in some way? It's not like I would've called anyone names or said you are doing something wrong I never said that.

[his_girl_l]

[QUOTE=Veronika;765481]Do you believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Saviour? Do you believe Jesus died on the cross and rose again for your sins?

No, i don't. Nor do i see my Master in that light.

And nor do i come to these forums and expect to find evangelising christians judging my lifestyle choices, anymore than i would go to a forum devoted to religious faith and question peoples sexual and lifestyle choices.

There is a religion and philosophy thread here where you may have better luck finding the answers you seek.

By the way, i found the slaves prayer beautiful, even though i personally don't have a deity to direct it to.