The Patriarchy and the Poisoning of Eros

In Beyond Good and Evil, Friedrich Nietzsche remarked, “Christianity gave Eros poison to drink. He didn’t die but became vice.”

This insightful comment reflects a broader cultural shift in which sexuality, once considered sacred, became stigmatized and devalued — particularly the sexuality of women. The transformation of sex from an expression of vitality and divine power into a source of shame is not merely a historical accident; it is a weapon used by patriarchal systems to control and diminish women’s power. In this essay, I will examine how this demonization of sex has historically marginalized women, severed the connection between sexuality and spirituality, and persisted across cultures, ultimately reinforcing patriarchal structures worldwide.

The Demonization of Sex and the Goddess

The figure of the Goddess, a symbol of fertility, sensuality, and feminine power, has long been associated with the sacredness of sexuality. In many ancient cultures, sexuality was seen as a divine force expressing life and creation. However, as patriarchal systems took hold, the sacredness of sex, particularly female sexuality, was increasingly linked with shame and degradation. By associating female sexual expression with moral decay, societies sought to control women by severing their connection to their bodies and desires. This tactic…