Published in 1909 by the Chicago Medical Book Company, Clifford Howard’s “Sex Worship” stands as a fascinating, albeit challenging, artifact of early 20th-century thought on a subject long shrouded in societal taboos. Far from being a sensationalist exposé, Howard’s work, when viewed through a historical lens, reveals itself as a serious attempt to grapple with the complex interplay of sexuality, religion, and societal norms. While certainly a product of its time, “Sex Worship” offers a valuable glimpse into a period where open discourse on these matters was nascent, and it warrants a balanced appreciation for its earnest, if sometimes unconventional, exploration.
Howard’s primary objective, as articulated within the book, appears to be the demystification of what he perceived as pervasive, yet often misunderstood, connections between sexual impulses and spiritual or religious beliefs. He delves into historical and anthropological observations, seeking to identify what he terms “sex worship” not necessarily as literal adoration of the act of sex itself, but as a deeply ingrained human tendency to imbue sexuality with profound symbolic, emotional, and even sacred significance throughout different cultures and eras.
The strength of Howard’s approach lies in his willingness to venture into uncharted territory for his contemporary audience. He tackles topics that were largely relegated to hushed whispers or outright avoidance, aiming to bring them into the light of rational inquiry. By examining ancient fertility rites, mythological narratives, and the psychological underpinnings of human desire, Howard attempts to provide a framework for understanding how sexuality has shaped human beliefs and societal structures. This endeavour, in itself, represents a courageous step towards intellectual honesty in an era where Victorian prudery still held considerable sway.
However, it is crucial to approach “Sex Worship” with an awareness of its historical context. Written over a century ago, the book reflects the scientific and sociological understanding of its time. Modern readers may find certain interpretations to be dated, potentially influenced by prevailing biases or lacking the nuanced perspectives that later research would offer. Howard’s exploration of “primitive” cultures, for instance, may carry the imprint of colonial-era anthropology, and his generalisations about human behaviour should be critically assessed through the lens of contemporary scholarship.
Yet, despite these temporal limitations, “Sex Worship” remains a significant contribution. It is not a book advocating for any particular form of sexual expression, but rather an academic treatise on the pervasiveness of sexual symbolism and its influence on human thought and practice. Howard’s intention appears to be one of enlightenment, seeking to foster a more informed understanding of a fundamental aspect of the human experience, however controversial that might have been at the dawn of the 20th century.
In conclusion, Clifford Howard’s “Sex Worship” is a compelling piece of historical scholarship that deserves recognition for its pioneering spirit. It is a work that bravely confronted societal reticence by exploring the intricate connections between sex and the spiritual, offering a unique perspective on how these forces have shaped human civilisation. While its interpretations may require critical engagement by today’s readers, the book’s courage in dissecting a taboo subject and its ambitious attempt to synthesise diverse observations make it a valuable, albeit nuanced, addition to the history of thought on human sexuality and belief.
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Read Sex Worship, by Clifford Howard, on the Internet Archive.
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