Spiritual experiences and altered states of consciousness – Parallels between BDSM and Christianity

Spirituality in BDSM practice and charismatic Christianity share common denominators such as power dynamics, pain rituals, and altered states of consciousness. Based on a five-year ethnographic study and in-depth interviews with 29 self-defined BDSM practitioners in Sweden, the article explores how informants interpret spirituality in BDSM and draw parallels to Christian belief. The findings suggest that both contexts involve similar spiritual experiences, broadening the understanding of spirituality across secular and religious domains.

Study at a glance

Abstract

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.