In Reply to: some ramblings about sexuality & spirituality & Berg posted by anovagrrl on January 11, 2004 at 05:46:57:
You've made some interesting comments regarding gnosticism, but I think you're confusing some elements of asceticism with Gnosticism. You wrote:
"The Gnostic heresy actually asserts that the "mind" (spirit) is trapped in and polluted by the flesh, which can only decay and die. Therefore, the flesh must be brought into submission. Sex (in any form) is verboten, because it further entraps the spirit/mind in the flesh."
That sounds more like a description of asceticism. Here's a dictionary definition.
asceticism:
The principles and practices of an ascetic; extreme self-denial and austerity.
The doctrine that the ascetic life releases the soul from bondage to the body and permits union with the divine.
(The American HeritageŽ Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition)
I agree with you that the writings of Paul were later used to give credence to some elements of Gnosticism, but the doctrine that made sex verboten comes from asceticism.
Ascetics in the Catholic church twisted the writings of Paul. They turned his remarks regarding the advantages of celibacy into the long-standing rule forbidding priests or nuns to marry. In 1st Timothy, Paul clearly condemns such doctrine:
4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
Hmm...did the pope forget to read this part of the Bible?
(Disclaimer: I'm not bashing Catholics. I've got nothing against Catholics. I know many good Catholics who love Jesus, and I'm sure they are going to heaven.)