Wstydliwy problem erotyzmu
The Embarrassing Problem of Eroticism

Summary/Abstract: Usually we are ashamed to touch the issue of eroticism, although it is a quite natural one and, in fact, very close to us. It seems that roots of this shyness date back to the biblical paradise and to the original sin committed by the first people. Since the exile from paradise the erotic sphere is a kind of taboo that we are afraid to invade. Bataille measures wits with this problem very courageously, showing that eroticism played a key role in the pagan religions. With a help of eroticism it was possible to make a transgression (exceed ban), reach sacrum and thereby fully experience the existence. Then Christianity distanced to eroticism and, paradoxically, by associating it with unclean sacrum, permanently closed it within the limits of profanum. Eroticism is however a powerful force with multiple effects, which should not be reduced to a purely sexual experience. Also in Christianity love for God reveals his ecstatic capacity, which can be seen even on the example of the mystical visions of Saint Teresa of Ávila. Looking from this perspective, the positive qualities of a pagan religious eroticism can be better understood and valued. Especially eleusinian mysteries that are associated with a cult of the goddess Demeter seem to be spiritually close to the Christian cults. Whereas in the first case we have a profund love of Mother and Daughter, in the other one a love of Father and Son. The two religions have similar characteristics of a care for moral purity and for a faith in the eternal life. Therefore, in some aspects, they complement each other. Also the similarity of religious symbols that are present in both religions is surprising.

• Details
• Contents