Read more
Sex and religion are two of the commonest concerns of humanity. Often regarded as opposites - physical and spiritual, temporal and eternal - they seem to occupy different and clearly defined territories yet are constantly interacting.
Sexual Morality in the World's Religions is unique in exploring these twin concerns together within the historical and contemporary contexts of each of the major living religions, from the ancient traditions and practices of both Eastern and Wester religions to the modern influences of medicine, psychology and women's rights. Covering a wide range of issues from marriage and celibacy, monogamy and polygamy, passion and love, veiling and harems, Yoga and Tantra, to Yin and Yang, mystical union and symbolism, the author offers a fascinating overview for the student of interreligious studies and the general reader.
List of contents
Introduction 1
2. Sacred Sex In India 5
3. Buddhist Renunciation 41
4. Other Indian Traditions 59
5. Chinese Yin and Yang 77
6. Japan's Floating World 103
7. Traditional Africa 127
8. Islamic Customs 151
9. Hebrew Affirmations 178
10. Christian Diversity 202
11. Baha'I Ideals 242
12. Modern Influences 252
About the author
Geoffrey Parrinder is Professor Emeritus of the Comparative Study of Religions at the University of London. After his ordination as a Methodist Minister, he spent twenty years teaching in West Africa and studying African religions. He has written many highly successful books that have been translated into twelve languages, and has travelled widely, lecturing on the comparative study of religions in Australia, America, India, Japan and at Oxford.
Summary
An exploration of sex and religion together within the historical and contemporary contexts of each of the world's major living religions, from the ancient traditions and practices of both Eastern and Western religions to the modern influences of medicine, psychology and women's rights
