WHY DOES THE CHURCH HAVE SUCH A NEGATIVE VIEW OF SEXUALITY? Eve and Mary: F. M. Bredt 1921. 

Was eating the apple a euphemism for sexual intercourse? The Bible is not clear as the Original Sin was disobedience, yet mentions that Adam and Eve recognised that they were ‘naked’, implying that sex was at the root of the issue, at least that’s how the church fathers interpreted it. Sex was such a big problem that even Mother Mary was believed to have been Immaculately Conceived, portrayed as the New Eve, her sacred purity untarnished by the Fall. 

The Virgin Mary in turn did not engage in any sexual act to conceive Jesus, and Jesus, although sent by God to experience the human condition, never ever had sex. The drama surrounding Mary Magdalene’s possible sexual relationship with Jesus stems from this belief. Mary is viewed as a reformed prostitute that was ‘saved’ and ‘redeemed’ by Jesus. 

The Penitent Magdalene has become the predominant aspect Christians relate to. Even the legends that refer to her as travelling to France reinforce her need to repent for the sinful life she supposedly lived before Jesus forgave her. 

The two Mary’s are contrasts of the holy and pure path women are supposed to follow. Mother Mary the Nun, and Mary Magdalene the Whore, creating a split in the feminine archetype that makes sexuality taboo. This split has led to enormous damage in our society, not only regarding how we perceive women, but also how men perceive themselves. The rampant sexual abuse of children by priests from all denominations is a symptom of this spiritual and psychological dysfunction. 

Instead of viewing sex as a beautiful act it has been demonised and misrepresented by the church. The current issues faced by women in America regarding reproductive rights stems from this holier than thou attitude based on fake morality masked as judgement, fear and condemnation. 

Women can be both a mother and a lover, free to express themselves without being told they are bad and sinful. The Goddess Venus was revered for her sexuality and sensuality, a common theme found amongst ancient cultures. It was only when the God of the Old Testament divorced his wife, Shekinah/Asherah/Inanna, that patriarchy became the norm. 

A norm that led to the Holy Trinity of three men in one, leaving no space for the goddess.