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Brian
Aug 5, 2005, 9:55 AM
Bi God!
Bisexuality and Religion

By Samantha Sarra

http://main.bisexual.com/forum/images/misc/miscstuff/author6.jpg
“What to others a triffle appears/ Fills me full of smiles or tears,/ For double the vision my eyes do see/ And a double vision is always with me” Poet William Blake speaks of the double vision which allows for a wider perspective. Such is the view from high atop the infamous bisexual fence. Where others are confined to the view of their own backyard, fencesitters can see what’s going on across the field.

In her book The Wisdom of No Escape, Buddhist nun Pema Chodron, tells the story of God who appeared wearing a large hat that was red on one side and blue on the other. Walking down a road with people working in fields on either side, God manifested himself for all to see. At first they were all ecstatic, exclaiming that they had seen God. However, they then started to argue over what colour of hat God was wearing. Those on the left side of the field insisted it was a red hat while on the right they insisted it was a blue hat. It is this inclusive picture which can allow bisexuals a greater view of Humanity—understanding that attraction to members of the same and opposite sex can lead to a greater understanding of each sex and, it could then be argued, a greater understanding of God.

Throughout history and various religions, we find examples of how bisexuality or the incorporation of both masculinity and femininity into oneness creates enlightenment and offers insight. Whereas conservative theology may condemn homosexuality and bisexuality, a closer examination reveals examples where it is celebrated and even worshiped.

The Sambia of New Guinea believed semen to be soulful secretions. Young boys between the ages of seven and ten, would perform fellatio on teenage boys and older men in hopes that ingesting the magical substance would inseminate them into maturity and manhood. Similarly, in the 15th century, Mayan families would provide their adolescent sons with male slaves to attend to their sexual needs until marriage.

Within some Native American and Aboriginal cultures, bisexuality or the possession of both male and female characteristics is referred to as being two-spirited. Such youth were sometimes identified in a ceremony called “the bow or the basket” The children would have to run into a burning structure and choose what was most important to them. If they rescued objects attributed to the opposite sex, for example a boy who saved basket weaving materials or a girl who saved weapons, then they were identified as being two-spirited. These youth would sometimes grow up to be healers, medicine people, tribal leaders and visionaries.

Greek philosopher Plato (c.429-c.347 BC) explored concepts of dualism in Symposium where he suggested that human beings where actually perfect spheres that were cut in two by Zeus. Plato also alluded to the fact that homosexual love was actually a force that could drive the soul towards wisdom. This idea was echoed by Friedrich Nietzsche who said “The degree and kind of a man’s sexuality reach up into the ultimate pinnacle of his spirit.”

Bisexuality and the attraction to both males and females is similar in theory to androgyny and hermaphrodites, who have an infusion of both male and female characteristics. Several classical Gods are said to have encompassed such oneness. Most prominent was Hermaphroditus, who was the child of the God Hermes and the Goddess Aphrodite and who possessed both femaleness and maleness.

Offering another example of this, the oldest available commentaries on the Hebrew myth of Genesis suggest that God created man as androgynous. Given also that Eve was created from Adam’s rib, it has been interpreted that Adam gave birth to Eve—a historically female act—as would be God’s creation of man. And seeing as God created man in his image, it has also been suggested that God himself was androgynous.

In fact, many Gods and Goddess have been shown to have dual sexual natures. Omphale, was the queen of Lydia and also the taskmaster of Hercules. Her name is derived from ‘Om’ meaning the Universal mother and ‘Phallus’ meaning the male organ. Represented as doubled sexed, she has been interpreted as possessing bisexual qualities. She is associated with male symbols such as the club and lion’s skin. Whereas Hercules, who wore Omphale’s dress and spun for her can be associated with femininity.

Mercury who was called “the male female” is also said to have been androgynous. This is illustrated by the symbols associated with Mercury: the serpent and the cornucopia. The serpent can be interpreted in different ways. It’s tail and head are male in nature, but when the tip of the tail is inserted into the serpent’s mouth, this represents the woman. Also, the cornucopia or horn of plenty, is said to be a double sexed symbol. The horn being the maleness, with the inside of the cornucopia and the fruit it contained representing the productiveness of femininity. Janus of the Greeks, who possessed two heads and opposite faces is also said to have been double sexed or hermaphroditic. One head was said to be looking behind at the past and one head was looking forward at the future. Implying that God could look both ways at once, referring again to a broader perspective—similar to what is available with bisexuality. The Sufi poet Rumi eloquently sums up these concepts of androgyny, with “I, you, he, she, we /In the garden of mystic lovers /These are not true distinctions.”

Angels have also possessed a certain amount of androgyny. They have men’s names such as Gabriel, Raphael and Michael, however they also have non-specific and confusing forms. Visual representations of angels possess both male and female characteristics. With their cherubic faces and robed attire, angels are both visually appealing and appeasing. Because their apparitions are typically meant to be a sign of God and the presence of peace, angels could be interpreted as representing non-threatening imagery of androgyny, perhaps that of the wholesome and divine combination of the male and female form in one astral presence.

These concepts of god-like androgyny where elaborated on by the mystic Jakob Boehme (1575-1624) who claimed Christ and his father God were androgynous with both male and female coming together in the soul. According to Boehme, “When Christ on the cross once more redeemed man’s virgin male-female image, and colored it with heavenly blood—Christ changed sleeping Adam from being man and woman, back into his original angelic image.”

Even within the holy trinity of the father, the son and the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit is said to be the feminine aspects of God, represented at times by the dove, which symbolizes the female procreative energy.

Believing that in the last several thousands years religion has been male-dominated, some feminist movements have carved out their own beliefs and practices. Dianic Wicca or Dianic Witchcraft was founded in the 1970's by a lesbian named Zsuzsanna Budapest. Named after the Moon Goddess Diana and attracting many bisexual followers, it is practiced with women only rituals and typically does not work with male energy or worship male deities. Although these women may be involved with men to varying degrees, they agree that it is time to reclaim religion in a more female form.

In Asian Tantric philosophies, the Sun and practicality are male whereas the Moon and wisdom are female. It could therefore be argued that bisexuality, being intimate with both energies, offers a more inclusive perspective on the universe. This further illustrates the idea of oneness given that Tantra refers to the divine union of opposites.

This can also be seen in Taoism or Daoism. Founded by Lao-Tse (604-531 BCE) it is also rooted in the concepts of oneness and balance between male and female, represented by the black and white symbol of the Ying Yang. The Ying represents eternity, darkness and feminity and the Yang represents history, lightness and masculinity. When the Ying and the Yang are equally present there is balance. When one is outweighed by the other, there is confusion and disarray. Since there is a small circle of ying in the yang and a small circle of yang in the ying, it also symbolizes fluidity in sexuality and the balance that can be achieved with bisexuality.

This balance between male and female can also be found in Atum who was a God in ancient Egypt and a part of the Hellopolltan Cosmology. Said to be a bisexual God, he was responsible for creation in Egypt. Atum, who the Egyptians called the “Great He-She,” was said to embody all the male and female aspects of life. His semen contained all that was necessary to create life and deities. He gave birth to his children Shu and Tefnut by masturbating. His name, Atum, means “the complete one” and he serves as a good example of how bisexuality has long been viewed not as an indecisive identity but instead the most complete and holistic identity possible.

Often condemned for their indecision and lack of identity, bisexuals can now take comfort in their androgynous, dualistic approach to love. With a wider view of the world and each other and the possibility that God himself was bisexual, it is obvious that our straddling seat high atop the fence between male and female brings us that much closer to the heavenly clouds. Perhaps our most esteemed sexpert, Sigmund Freud, best sums it up. In a letter written to Wilhelm Fliess on March 25th, 1898, Freud wrote, “I do not in the least underestimate bisexuality—I expect it to provide all further enlightenment.”

(c) Copryight 2005 Samantha Sarra

truncatus
Aug 5, 2005, 1:25 PM
All interesting points in the column. Enjoyable reading with topics that validate and repudate bisexuality in the course of historical development.

Really sexy author also!!! :2cents:

joewillblow71
Aug 5, 2005, 2:21 PM
yes she is super hot!

sexytattygrl
Aug 5, 2005, 3:24 PM
Lady with Capital S 4 SEXA..... We need more ladies like you where i live..
Edmonton AB Canada

Bi-ten
Aug 6, 2005, 12:14 AM
Hi there,

Samantha you have done a wonderful job with this, I love hearing about other cultures and religions... and how bisexuality can be viewed as enlightened, even spiritual.

The beauty in you extends beyond your picture, its in the love you show us in your work.

Namaste.

twosides
Aug 6, 2005, 4:22 AM
It's a pleasure to read the essays or columns that I have seen on this site over the past couple of months. This one is no exception. The more I read, both in these columns and the posts in the forums, the more I believe that I have found my true sexual identity. Everyone has such a firm grasp on the multi-realities of life from this perspective, and I see myself reflected in all your writings. Samantha, thank you for what appears to be a well researched article and your willingness to share it with us. God Bless.

cassie
Aug 6, 2005, 9:35 AM
Another most interesting article. Thanks.

Exploring
Aug 6, 2005, 12:19 PM
It is always a pleasure to read the articles put out by such great authors on this site. This author is no exception and I commend you for this article. It was very interesting to read about other cultures and other viewpoints on bisexuality.

bigregory
Aug 7, 2005, 1:11 AM
Thanks for the great article.
Its so comforting to know that whatever my religious belief my god will accept me.I hope!
Well done.

greg :lokai:

jazzer
Aug 8, 2005, 5:53 AM
Thanks for your great article Samantha. I guess a lot of research went into it's creation and it made very interesting reading.
Bisexuality to me is the ability to be close to both sexes, both emotionally and physically and has become a very positive aspect of my life.
Homosexual, bisexual or heterosexual I believe we are all one in the eyes of God. It is not what we are but what we do that defines us.

easthamptonman
Aug 8, 2005, 9:26 PM
Neat article. Very interesting. It's always reassuring to know that we genitalia lovers go way, way back. :bibounce:

morenito
Aug 13, 2005, 2:35 AM
Excellent article and interesting as well. It's quite comforting to know that bisexuality or sexuality in general goes back for millenia. It's, however, this stupid and oppressing heterosexual ideology, which most have to comform to, that makes being bisexual, sometimes a living nightmare. Well too bad, they don't know what they are missing. And yes! I do feel wise, because I know how I can make a man and a woman be exited, happy and enjoyable. I can also appreciate beauty in both genders...

Namaste

chook
Aug 16, 2005, 2:48 AM
Thanks for a great article Samantha, I knew the bible bashing born agains couldnt be right all the time because I believe god made us as we are so why would he do that and then look down on us for all eternity ;)

Cheers Chook :bigrin:

NewGirl
Aug 16, 2005, 3:50 AM
It's funny what is repressed in history....

WeLoveSexTX
Aug 17, 2005, 12:52 AM
Most excellent Article.......we have always known that bisexuality was nothing new, but were quite amazed to find so many different examples given in this article. We are turely the enlightned ones.

DareMe
Aug 17, 2005, 9:29 PM
Really very well researched article.

I always wondered about some of the history you bring up.
If it has benn around for so long and that even Freud said that he expected bisexualism to offer new paths to understanding humans, why is it that there is still such lack of understanding of it?

I wonder....

Bum_Ditty
Aug 19, 2005, 12:08 AM
[QUOTE=
If it has benn around for so long and that even Freud said that he expected bisexualism to offer new paths to understanding humans, why is it that there is still such lack of understanding of it?
[/QUOTE]
Probably because homosexuality (or bisexuality, or lesbianism, whichever term best fits the individual reader) was seen in Western culture as a taboo and sinful lifestyle, and was thus discouraged and its' "practitioners" (adherents?) shunned and basically persecuted by both church and state, until -- in many areas -- right up to the present day.

Things such as this site and gay pride events and other LBG-friendly sites and parties and whatnot are one heck of a wonderful surprise to somebody like me, who was raised in what I hope was the last days of the ignorance and discrimination (call it what it is) that had been visited upon the western LBG community down through the centuries. Whether I am ever actually able to come out fully or not, at least I can (hopefully) breathe a sigh of relief that at least it isnt a hanging -- or stoning -- offense anymore. Or a "suitable case for (psychiatric) treatment."

Anyway, Great article!

Bum_Ditty :flag3:

BeautifulKDSE
Aug 19, 2005, 5:33 PM
Loved the article! It presented several valid arguments against the narrow minded conservative view that some people hold. :flag3:

Bluesong
Aug 22, 2005, 4:20 PM
Great article! It really helps to read about ourselves and to see that we have a history. ^__^

DeafF2M
Aug 24, 2005, 2:02 PM
As a transsexual man, I am struck by the references to two-spirited Native Americans and "hermaphrodites" (a term no longer used... these days, it's Intersexed)...

It's amazing to me how bisexuality and transgenderism or transsexuality are so parallel, in terms of history and viewpoints.

the fact that i'm both bisexual and transsexual makes it even more interesting. I'd be interested in speaking with Samantha more on this topic. Interesting stuff. THanks for writing it.

Sex in Words
Aug 25, 2005, 2:07 AM
Look for an article in the next month or so on bisexuality and transgenderism. ;)


As a transsexual man, I am struck by the references to two-spirited Native Americans and "hermaphrodites" (a term no longer used... these days, it's Intersexed)...

It's amazing to me how bisexuality and transgenderism or transsexuality are so parallel, in terms of history and viewpoints.

the fact that i'm both bisexual and transsexual makes it even more interesting. I'd be interested in speaking with Samantha more on this topic. Interesting stuff. THanks for writing it.

Lady Lique
Sep 1, 2005, 4:59 PM
this read was so worth my time...thanks Samantha
respectfully~Lady Lique~ :three:

andy bi married
Sep 6, 2005, 2:05 PM
:) :) i totally agree with --sounds a good guy
Thanks for your great article Samantha. I guess a lot of research went into it's creation and it made very interesting reading.
Bisexuality to me is the ability to be close to both sexes, both emotionally and physically and has become a very positive aspect of my life.
Homosexual, bisexual or heterosexual I believe we are all one in the eyes of God. It is not what we are but what we do that defines us.

12voltman59
Nov 3, 2005, 8:11 PM
I may be late to the game in making a comment here, but I have to compliment the author on a fine piece.

I have read bits and pieces of of the information in other places, but never before have I seen all of the info gathered and presented in one excellent article.

Hopefully she can use the article in other places so it could be more widely distributed in order to educate more people about this topic.

Great job and I do agree with some of the other comments--she is a "hot babe." :cool:

IrishSkittles
Nov 14, 2005, 5:50 PM
Samanatha,

Truely tremendous....I don't mind religion so much now

Julie

bihippieguy
Dec 8, 2005, 1:05 PM
This is a fantastic contribution to support bi-based faith.

Most of the points she brings I have encountered over the years as both a Pagan/God/dess religionist/ Wiccan. Being out as bi-identified is one of the things that brought me to find the God/dess (Gaia) and rescue me from spiritual impoverishment at the hands of the Male Sky God based faiths...I never did relate to them anyway, but what a refreshing summation!

The only thing I may add to what she raised is that more bi people should examine and PRACTICE bi-spirituality in their daily lives; either through meditation, prayer or ritual.

I have, for example, a statue of Herne on my alter. As Samantha points out, Herne is a bi deity, and also one of the oldest images of a Shaman (man linked to Nature) out there. The realization that generations of men and women venerated this image gives me striengh to face my daily struggles with bi-phobia, both in the straight as well as queer communities.

Thank you, Sam. God/dess Bless us all as we make our lives whole again.

Cid87
Dec 8, 2005, 6:17 PM
Young boys between the ages of seven and ten, would perform fellatio on teenage boys and older men in hopes that ingesting the magical substance would inseminate them into maturity and manhood.

Magical substance, Inseminate :) BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

That's a killer.

Oh' yes, bisexuality is superior and so are we all (bi's). We shall rule this planet in the near future.

Inseminate :)

melmorg
Dec 28, 2005, 10:06 PM
A beautiful piece…and a beautiful lady. Thanks so much for confirming my beliefs and broadening my horizons with such a well-done and timely article. I'll be filing it away for future reference, and looking forward to your next one.

NightHawk
Jun 4, 2006, 12:22 AM
This is a very interesting article. Rather than infer that bisexual people are made from the image of bisexual gods, the many bisexual god variations suggest that mankind creates their gods from their own bisexual image. Bisexuality is so much a part of the nature of mankind that for thousands of years, people have worshipped this aspect of themselves in their gods.

This really suggests that bisexuality is much more common in people by nature than people admit in this era when Christianity has so suppressed our bisexual nature with tabooes. Now, few people allow themselves to think enough about their sexuality to even recognize their own bisexuality.

olderboldguy
Jul 31, 2006, 11:15 AM
Samantha, this is an extraordinary article. Not only is it well written, but it has passion and feeling. Religion and mythology aside, however, only those who have experienced a full and rich life of bi-sexuality can understand the wonders of such sexual breadth. It indeed would be a much better world if we were all more open to sexual freedom -- not promiscuity, but true sexual freedom. Thanks so much. Olderboldguy!

Tantrae
Mar 10, 2007, 4:45 AM
Samantha Indeed a wonderful Article ! I must agree with Samantha & Olderboldguy, this is an extraordinary article. Not only is it well written, but it has passion and feeling. Religion and mythology aside, however, only those who have experienced a full and rich life of bi-sexuality can understand the wonders of such sexual breadth. It indeed would be a much better world if we were all more open to sexual freedom -- not promiscuity, but true sexual freedom. Thanks so much. Olderboldguy! Thanks So Much !

Namastae
Tantrae

SWFla MM
Mar 10, 2007, 5:30 AM
This is a wonderfully written article. Thank you so much for your enlightment and for the awesome trip through history.....

TaylorMade
Mar 10, 2007, 10:28 AM
It was a great article that made me think about the Christian beliefs I hold. . . Ironically enough, I do feel closer to God now than before after figuring out that religon/relationship with the Diety is something humans clutter up so much that was meant to be pure.

*Taylor*

FireTiger
Mar 16, 2007, 12:55 AM
This one is a great article and fun to read. I don't know what to say.

It's true. All religions I've ever found other than Christianity, Judaism, and Islam (and most forms of Buddhism)

DO worship or have worshiped in the past an androgenous god who is bisexual, and takes on forms that are male only, female only, or both male and female at any given time.

This idea of God as Male and being hetero-normative is a recent one...about 2600 years old.

(yes, before Jesus's historical lifetime)

sweetaugust77
Mar 16, 2007, 11:13 PM
Thank you the article. Interesting stuff.

In addition one scholar, John Boswell, discovered a “Same sex Union” rite performed by the Roman Catholic church. I believe these were widely practiced before the "reforms" of the 11th century (this was also when the papacy legislated celibacy for its priests). Another source, whose name escapes me, argued that the ceremony was to commemorate the intimacy between Jesus and his disciple Peter.

The idea of intimate relationship between Jesus and Peter is not illogical to me. The Levant of the time was firmly in the grip of Roman rule and Hellenic culture, both of which allowed male homosexuality in various forms. The ancient Greeks even practiced cross dressing in coming of age ceremonies for both boys and girls.

More food for thought... Thanks again for the article.

*pan*
Apr 6, 2007, 5:20 PM
wow -thanks - i love the article :
;) lot's of information and interesting too maby thats why i chose pan as my deity , were both bisexual,both misunderstood, both always horney and creatures of nature. :flag3:
peace and blessings >

sixthickcut
Apr 8, 2007, 12:32 PM
well said sam...like the bit about those horny greeks...bisexuality is fun in the sun even on a rainy day...got any more girl?...sixthickcut :three:

gloriacollins
Sep 10, 2011, 4:55 AM
yeah she is really gorgeous...:)

donnae
Oct 7, 2011, 1:58 AM
CAD as a career counts into a suite. The curve behaves within CAD as a career. CAD as a career suits a nick. The juice fries the cleared cliff. Past CAD as a career peers the giant.

hotwomen (http://www.nomanarea4u.info)

æonpax
Nov 10, 2011, 3:21 AM
This was a very good article but while there may be exceptions, in all the pantheons of supreme divinities, there is still an overwhelming presentation of a monotheistic belief in god (in the form of a male or female), a dualistic godhead (male and female) or a triune omnipresence (anima, animus and conceptual) within all human cultures.

jorgea
Jan 10, 2012, 3:16 PM
This is an educating article on the aspects of both male and female qualities in relation to divinity. Interesting reading. I hope to read other equally insightful articles here at http://www.bisexual.com

smokindeist
Oct 14, 2013, 12:52 PM
One thing about my own Deism is that there isn't anything against homo or bisexuality. Since it occurs in nature, it appears to be quite normal for someone to have an orientation that is not hetro. Deism is about following "Nature's God" and using our own reason to understand the Creator and the universe. Looking towards nature, if this was so abhorrent, we wouldn't see it in humans and other species. Our world is open to amazing variation with us and other species.

Sometimes it bugs me when people try to change a religion to ft them--if the religion doesn't fit you beliefs, you should try to find something that makes sense to you and doesn't condemn what is really "normal" behavior. Needing to change a belief shows a flaw in that system.

addendum:

Here's an interesting article on bisexuality in nature: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=bisexual-species

scapegoat1987
Oct 14, 2013, 1:14 PM
I don't know if you've ever read 'Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology' by Patrick S Cheng, but your essay (which was wonderful) reminded me of the following passage from that book. I don't identify as a Christian, by the way, and I'm not trying to proselytize. Your thought on the bisexual/trans nature of spirituality just made me think of this passage: " Mary with her crying infant is a perfect figure for queer theology. She is a virgin who yet gives birth; a mother for whom there is no father other than the one she comes to see in her son. And her son, when grown into the Christ of faith and heart, in turn gives birth to her, to the ecclesia he feeds, with his blood as once he was fed with her milk. And then this son takes her—his mother and child—as his bride and queen, so that we can hardly say who comes from whom, who lives in whom, or how we have come to find our own bodies remade in Christ’s: fed with his flesh which is also Mary’s."
Cheng, Patrick S. (2011-03-01). Radical Love: An Introduction to Queer Theology (p. 92). Seabury Books. Kindle Edition.

smokindeist
Oct 16, 2013, 1:48 AM
I have to add another note on my previous post. I believe that the Creator created the laws of nature and set this universe in motion. I am also open to the idea that the Creator may have subtly tweaked things as needed, but proving this may be impossible. For a Deist, the only true word of the Creator is all of Creation itself. By looking at the world around us and studying it, we try to infer what we can about the Creator. I'm very pro-science and I think evolution is a fantastic mechanism that is backed up by scientific data. Science is the lens that we view the universe.

For me, I feel close to the Creator when I'm exposed to natural surroundings, when I look at the stars out in the country, and when I yell into a horizontal-falling rainstorm at the South Jetty on the Columbia River. That is where I feel like I'm in "church", in communion with the Creator. There are never words, only wonder.

Perhaps I should start a Deism thread for those interested. Either that or convince you to read Thomas Paine's The Age of Reason. lol I do have to admit that I'm really getting into some of the classical literature right now, but this is not a difficult read. The English of the late 1700's is pretty close to what we're speaking today.