Sex + Religion

Watch Sex + Religion

  • 1969
  • 1 Season

Sex + Religion is a docu-series that delves into the complex and often contentious intersection between sexuality and religious beliefs. Hosted by Laurie Brown and featuring commentary from a variety of experts, including Leonard Nimoy, the series explores how religious beliefs motivate and constrain sexual behavior, and vice versa.

The series takes a nuanced look at a wide range of topics, from traditional religious teachings about sex and purity to contemporary debates over gay marriage and abortion. Across its seven episodes, Sex + Religion covers a lot of ground, touching on everything from the role of celibacy in religious life to the intersection of faith and erotica. Throughout it all, the series asks tough questions and doesn't shy away from controversies, making it an engaging and thought-provoking watch for anyone interested in the intersection of religion and sexuality.

One of the most notable things about Sex + Religion is its wide-ranging scope. The series covers a huge variety of religious traditions, from Catholicism and Judaism to Hinduism and Islam. This breadth of perspective is reflected in the variety of experts who appear on the show, including theologians, scholars, and clergy members from a variety of faiths. In each episode, these experts provide insights and context that help viewers understand the complex and often contradictory ways that religious beliefs inform ideas about sex.

Another standout feature of Sex + Religion is its willingness to confront difficult and often taboo topics head-on. In one episode, for instance, the series explores the history and controversies surrounding female circumcision, a practice that is widely condemned in the West but remains a deeply ingrained tradition in some parts of the world. In another episode, the series takes a look at the intersection of faith and pornography, examining the ways in which some religious people reconcile their beliefs about sex with their consumption of erotic media. Throughout it all, the series remains engaging and thought-provoking, challenging viewers to think critically about their own beliefs and assumptions.

Of course, one of the biggest draws of Sex + Religion is its host, Laurie Brown. A well-respected broadcaster and journalist, Brown brings her characteristic wit and warmth to the series, guiding viewers through the often complex and difficult terrain of the show's subject matter. Brown's interviews with experts are always insightful and engaging, and her thoughtful commentary adds an additional layer of depth to each episode.

Sex + Religion is also elevated by its production values. The series is beautifully shot, with stunning visuals that help to illuminate the show's subject matter. From sweeping shots of cathedral interiors to lovingly-rendered illustrations of ancient religious texts, the series is visually stunning from start to finish. This attention to detail is also reflected in the quality of the show's research and writing, which is always thorough and informative.

Overall, Sex + Religion is a fascinating and thought-provoking docu-series that offers a nuanced look at the complex interplay between sexuality and religion. With its wide-ranging scope, engaging host, and gorgeous production values, the series is an excellent choice for anyone interested in this fascinating and often contentious topic. Whether you're a devout believer or a skeptical outsider, Sex + Religion is sure to inspire reflection and provoke discussion.

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Seasons
Sexual Fantasy
13. Sexual Fantasy
 
Sexual fantasy is mental imagery that an individual considers erotic. This fantasy can be a long, drawn-out story or a quick mental flash of sexual imagery. Many Western social scientists today see a lack of fantasy, or guilt surrounding fantasy, as a contributing factor to sexual dysfunction. What do religions says about sexual fantasy?
Same-Sex Attraction
12. Same-Sex Attraction
 
Sexual union has been a fundamental organizing principles of human society since history began. But since the nature of relationships is changing in modern times, with people coupling for love and companionship rather than social need, should the traditionally man-and-woman only club admit new members? Does sexual orientation negate a person's ability to have a meaningful relationship with God?
Sex as Religion
11. Sex as Religion
 
Most religions preach abstinence before marriage. You connect with the divine and then, when you're married, you have sex. Tantra, at least the way it's taught in North America, sees sex as the way to connect with the divine. But is this just a way to have more sex in your life or does it help the practitioner glimpse the divine.
Preaching Sex
10. Preaching Sex
 
For some couples in today's faith communities, there is much confusion regarding the role sexuality plays in a marriage. More and more, religious leaders are having to point the way and are pushing their congregants to expand their sexual expression and the potential to deepen the sacred bonds of marriage.
Prostitution
9. Prostitution
November 15, 2010
In the Old Testament, Tamar, twice widowed and childless, disguises herself as a prostitute to get what's rightfully hers - and the Bible totally approves of her and yet the Whore of Babylon is associated with the Anti-Christ. These days most churches disapprove and exclude sex worker. What is the relationship between the prostitution and religion?
Wedding Night
8. Wedding Night
 
The beginning of a couple's life together as husband and wife marks an important turning point in each of their lives. For those who due to religious observance are virgins the anticipation of the sexual consummation on their wedding night can run the gamut from thrilling to terrifying. This episode will explore what - if anything - exists in the way of instruction for the pious.
Pornography
7. Pornography
 
It's a dramatic understatement to say that religion has a problem with pornography but it's an issue largely hidden from sight. In the West the issue of how to deal with the effects of pornography is paramount, but in the world of Islam, the question of what is and what is not pornographic still takes center stage.
Polygamy
6. Polygamy
October 25, 2010
Some experts cite 40 polygamous relations in The Bible. Based on this, early Mormons practiced polygamy. A century ago, however, mainstream Mormonism rejected polygamy. But despite it being illegal in North America, sects of Fundamentalist Mormons still practice polygamy. Mohammed had four wives in the Qu'ran so Islam accepts polygamous marriages.
Contraception
5. Contraception
 
What do religions say about contraception? Is it a religious issue or also an issue of human rights? In the 21st century, contraception is no longer just about family planning. It's also about saving lives. Are religious views outdated or are moral values absolute and unchanging?
Sex + Religion on Display
4. Sex + Religion on Display
October 11, 2010
Mixing the worlds of sex and religion is tricky at the best of times; presenting it for the world to see is another thing entirely. This episode explores the consequences of bearing your creative soul...in public.
Virginity
3. Virginity
October 4, 2010
Why in most of the world's major religions is virginity so highly prized? In this episode we will explore the notion of purity. We will journey to South Carolina where daughters, at a formal father-daughter dance, pledge to remain virgins until marriage and travel to France, where "re-virginization," a surgical procedure to reconstruct the hymen, has become very popular with Muslim women.
Divine Art
2. Divine Art
 
Reaching as far back to the ancient civilizations of Greece and the Orient, sexuality and religion have often combined to create artistic inspiration. In fact, Renaissance artists used religion as an excuse to depict sexuality. The question today is how far can artists go in depicting sex in a religious context. At what point do religious objections venture into censorship?
In Praise of Sex
1. In Praise of Sex
 
Throughout history, sex and religion have often been strange bedfellows. But more and more people are working to bring the worlds of sex and religion closer together. Much closer.
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