Skip to content

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

Charlotta Carlström

Sexualities October 12, 2020 DOI: 10.1177/1363460720964035 (opens in new tab)

Relevant Not relevant

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative ethnographic study Peer reviewed
Sample size 29
Population Self-defined BDSM practitioners in Sweden
Duration Five-year
Topics Altered states of consciousness
Keywords Spirituality Parallels Christianity Consciousness Context archaeology Charisma Dominance genetics Ethnography Gender studies Anthropology Religious studies Theology
Citations 13
Key findings Spirituality in BDSM practice and charismatic Christianity share common denominators, including power dynamics, pain rituals, and altered states of consciousness.

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.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on altered states of consciousness, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Sensory Isolation in Flotation Tanks: Altered States of Consciousness and Effects on Well-being Patients with depression, burn-out syndrome, and chronic pain 2015 Qualitative study n = 8
A Shaman's Cure: The Relationship Between Altered States of Consciousness and Shamanic Healing1 Nepalese shamans and their patients 2009 Ethnography
Psychedelic Drugs: A Study of Drug-Induced Experiences Obtained by Illegal Drug Users in Relation to Stanislav Grof's Model of Altered States of Consciousness Anonymous former illegal drug users 2000 Qualitative study n = 16
When Seconds Turn Into Minutes: Time Expansion Experiences in Altered States of Consciousness People who reported Time Expansion Experiences 2020 Qualitative study n = 74
Natural language analysis of the structure of altered states of consciousness Narrative reports across 12 ASC induction methods 2025 Quantitative and qualitative analysis of narrative reports n = 300

Citations in the library

Cites 5

Related reading

Explore topics

Altered states of consciousness Philosophy of mind