Greta Christina discusses morality, differences in gender roles
The Pastafarians at USC invited the speaker, Greta Christina, to Currell College Sunday night to highlight various themes dealing with religion, atheism and sexuality.
Christina focused on how the majority of religions concentrate on the belief that God cares who you have sex with, when and how.
"Some religions only believe in having sex with the person you're married to, that they're the opposite sex as you, while other religions go as far to ban things, such as dancing, that could lead to sex," Christina said. "You would think that if these religions were based on human interest, the rules would be the same across the board."
Christina mentioned how despite the differences in these religions, there is a consistent double standard when it comes to the treatment of women compared to men.
"Women are punished differently for adultery and divorce within religion ... they are treated differently when they marry into inter-faith marriages," Christina said.
Concentrating on how religions vary so much with sexual rules and treatment of the opposite sex, Christina mentioned that religion can stifle sexual thoughts and desires, making people feel extremely guilty.
"Within Christianity, lusting in your heart is just as bad as committing adultery. It's hardwired into people's minds to feel this way," Christina said.
She underlined the societal implication that anything promiscuous or sexual is negative.
"Sex is dirty and bad ... So, save it for the person you love," Christina said with a laugh.
Christina argued that the differences in religion and the taboo aspects of them give people the idea that they are giving themselves control over the most powerful aspects of life. She said that instilling certain ideas in people early on gives people control.
Instead of focusing on control, Christina argued that atheists should focus on what is moral. Christina stated that even though atheists don't believe that morality comes from God, they still believe in ethical restraints when it comes to sex.
"By asking the question, 'Is homosexuality moral?' you can instead ask 'Is anyone being harmed?' or 'Is it consensual?'" Christina said.
Christina also said that, for atheists, it is important to base sexual morality on a case-by-case basis. She gave the example of one spouse telling the other they do not want to have sex ever again, and that to do so would be morally wrong. Arguing that people have the right to say no to sex, this situation still is not moral within that relationship.
"We can't pawn off our decisions on God," Christina said.
Within the realm of atheism and sexual relationships, Christina emphasized that people are quick to judge others who have strange sexual practices and arrangements.
"It's okay to disagree, but listen to people who engage in the sexual practices you don't understand. Maybe they'll know more," Christina said. "We cannot make moral judgments solely on the purpose of what grosses us out."
Third-year Russian student and Pastafarians President Kelley Freeman said that the event was successful, with a relatively high turnout compared to earlier events.
"She's a passionate blogger and she has a book coming out, and I've enjoyed it every time I've heard her speak, so I thought that she'd be a great person to have," Freeman said.