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Spiritual experiences and altered states of consciousness: Parallels between BDSM and Christianity
Malmö University, Centre for Sexology and Sexuality Studies (CSS). Malmö University, Faculty of Health and Society (HS), Department of Social Work (SA).ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1520-9838
2021 (English)In: Sexualities, ISSN 1363-4607, E-ISSN 1461-7382, Vol. 24, no 5-6, p. 749-766Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This article is based on a five-year qualitative ethnographic study of bondage and discipline/dominance and submission/sadism and masochism (BDSM) in Sweden. In-depth interviews were completed with 29 self-defined BDSM practitioners. In the article, I investigate spirituality in two different contexts, namely within BDSM practice and in the charismatic Christianity. With a focus on power dynamics, pain rituals, and altered states of consciousness, I discuss the questions: What meaning is given to the concept of spirituality in a BDSM context, and how does this spirituality resemble spirituality in Christianity? Which common denominators between BDSM practice and Christian belief can be found, and how should we interpret the parallels that the informants emphasize between practicing BDSM and having a Christian affiliation? The article aims to broaden our understanding for spirituality in different contexts, and thus contribute to both the research field of BDSM as well as to religion studies. And as such, I hope this study can bring some clarity to the different spiritual experiences individuals may encounter, whether it happens in a BDSM context or in a religious context.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Sage Publications, 2021. Vol. 24, no 5-6, p. 749-766
Keywords [en]
Bondage and discipline/dominance and submission/sadism and masochism, spirituality, Christianity, ritual, altered state of consciousness
National Category
Other Social Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-18628DOI: 10.1177/1363460720964035ISI: 000578561600001Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85092596784OAI: oai:DiVA.org:mau-18628DiVA, id: diva2:1475592
Available from: 2020-10-13 Created: 2020-10-13 Last updated: 2024-02-05Bibliographically approved

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Carlström, Charlotta

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  • Other locale
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