Sex and Atheism by Greta Christina

Blogger/Writer Greta Christina recently spoke in Indiana (for the Society of Non-Theists at Purdue University) about atheism and sexuality.

Jen says the event went very well:

I actually think one of the best parts was the Q&A at the end, because it really showcased Greta’s talents. She’s prepared to answer pretty much any question about atheism, and she can do so in a concise, punchy, memorable matter. This was especially important for the couple “questions” that were really people (probably philosophy students) pontificating for 20 minutes about some theological concept against atheism that didn’t relate to the topic at all. While my response probably would have been a short “Irrelevant, moving on,” Greta replied intelligently just as quickly.

I think I can say from experience that Q & A is almost always more interesting than a person’s speech itself.

It’s nice to have speakers who have interesting things to talk about, but it’s *wonderful* when you have speakers who can also think quickly on their feet!

(via Blag Hag)

Tyler

I’m assuming she wrote her main points on her palm?
cathy

Love Greta and Jen too (except for her weird problem with philosophers).
Siamang

Greta is an AMAZING thinker.
muggle

Very well done, Greta.

I think she discouraged a few of my hang-ups. Actually, I think she very ably pointed out that we all have some hang-ups and we all forget not to judge others by our own hang-ups instead of by neutral criteria.

It was a very interesting talk, in any case. And, yes, she handled the questions beautifully.

The only thing I’d add would be on the part of whether you have the right to put your hang-ups on your mate. No, but maybe if something they like and don’t want to give up repulses you, you’re incompatiable basically and accept that you can be friends but you’re not working sexually.

Still would indicate we need to be more open sexually because that kind of incompatability should be discovered before those complications of a child in common or financial independence become an issue. It is more complicated if tastes change and you don’t become incompatible until after you have kids and a mortgage together. With more openness though, even then it has more liklihood of being worked out for the better.

Obviously, Greta made me think and I always appreciate that. Thanks, Greta.
AxeGrrl

First of all, for anyone who hasn’t yet watched this video in its entirety, DO. I’ve admired Greta Christina’s blog writing for awhile, but this particular talk (and yes, how she handles the questions) has cemented that admiration even more.

muggle wrote:

The only thing I’d add would be on the part of whether you have the right to put your hang-ups on your mate. No, but maybe if something they like and don’t want to give up repulses you, you’re incompatiable basically and accept that you can be friends but you’re not working sexually…*snip*…that kind of incompatability should be discovered before those complications of a child in common or financial independence become an issue.

Very nicely said muggle 🙂 As I’ve always said, being honest about these issues very early on in a relationship is essential. It’s not about someone being right/wrong or moral/immoral, it’s about finding someone who ‘fits’ with you when it comes to these make-or-break issues.

Being brave enough to be honest about one’s true needs is the only way to a successful relationship. Having said that, people do change and just because 2 people are ‘on the same page’ about such issues now is no guarantee that that will always be the case…….but that doesn’t change the fact that the best we can do now is be honest about ‘where’ we are now.
Aj

It’s a good talk, I agree with most of it, and the points are very well explained.

A few things:

a) Religions that forbid sex can last more than one generation, because they can gain adherents from outside the religion. There are a few examples, this is how abbeys work.

b) I’m not persuaded by someone saying polyamory leads to certain types of relationships (and they’re negative), but I am equally not persuaded that polyamory does not follow patterns, i.e. each relationship is unique. It doesn’t parse with my knowledge of humanity, and seems like an ignorant defence.

c) I can’t disagree more that things like art, dancing, and life, are intuitive, irrational realms apart from science and reason. The culture of art, and artists, they’re often irrational, but art itself is not irrational.
ihedenius

I wish she used a lapel mike.
Stephanie

I just watched this video in its entirety. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for posting it!
Ron in Houston

I never really pondered this issue before. At first it was a “what?” moment. However, after listening you realize how strongly religion tries to dominate and control sexuality.

And yeah, next time try to wear a mic.
Pedro Timóteo

This was brilliant, and I loved her sense of humor, too. 🙂 Worth watching in its entirety, for sure.
Rieux

Hooray! Haven’t watched yet, but it’s great to hear her event went so well.

Greta rocks!
Kaleena

She’s a really, really excellent speaker and I think she could be even better if she could be even better is she made herself an outline of her talk rather than reading it.