The Gospel According to Saint Albert: Exploring Dr. Albert Ellis' Views on Sexuality and Morality
Dr. Albert Ellis, a renowned American psychotherapist and the founder of Rational Behavioral Emotive Therapy (REBT), was a trailblazer in the field of psychology. In 1959, he published a provocative book titled "Sex Without Guilt," which aimed to challenge societal norms and shed light on the impact of heavy sex morals and codes of behavior on individuals.
The Concerns of Dr. Albert Ellis
Dr. Ellis was deeply concerned about the psychological distress experienced by many of his patients due to the restrictive and guilt-inducing attitudes towards sex prevalent in society. He believed that these strict moral codes often led to unnecessary shame, repression, and anxiety surrounding sexual desires and experiences.
The Gospel According to Saint Albert
One of Dr. Ellis' unique approaches to addressing these concerns was the establishment of Friday Night Church services, where he presented what he called "The Gospel According to Saint Albert." It is important to note that this term was used metaphorically, and Dr. Ellis did not claim any religious authority.
The Gospel According to Saint Albert was not about promoting specific sexual practices such as group sex, gang bangs, swinging clubs, or wife swapping clubs, as suggested in your question. Instead, it focused on advocating for a more open and accepting attitude towards human sexuality, encouraging individuals to explore their desires and preferences without guilt or shame.
Sexual Liberation and Rational Thinking
Dr. Ellis believed that a healthy approach to sexuality involved embracing rational thinking and challenging irrational beliefs surrounding sex. He emphasized the importance of understanding that consensual sexual activities between adults, as long as they do not harm others, are a personal choice and should not be judged or condemned.
It is crucial to recognize that Dr. Ellis' teachings were not about promoting any specific sexual behaviors, but rather about fostering self-acceptance, open communication, and consent within intimate relationships.
The Legacy of Dr. Albert Ellis
Dr. Albert Ellis made significant contributions to the field of psychotherapy, particularly in the area of cognitive-behavioral approaches. His development of Rational Behavioral Emotive Therapy (REBT) revolutionized the way therapists address irrational beliefs and emotional disturbances.
While his book "Sex Without Guilt" and his teachings on sexuality may have been controversial at the time, they sparked important conversations about sexual liberation, personal autonomy, and the impact of societal norms on mental health.
Today, many therapists and researchers continue to build upon Dr. Ellis' work, advocating for a more inclusive and sex-positive approach to therapy. The focus is on helping individuals develop a healthy and fulfilling sexual identity, free from guilt and shame.
Conclusion
Dr. Albert Ellis' book "Sex Without Guilt" and his teachings on sexuality were not about promoting specific sexual practices but rather challenging societal attitudes and encouraging a more open and accepting approach to human sexuality. His legacy lies in his contributions to psychotherapy and his advocacy for rational thinking, consent, and personal autonomy in matters of sexuality.
After UCLA College of Letters where I obtained PhD is Philosophy, Psychology and Religion I got a teaching job at the University. I felt uneasy teaching. I applied for a job in the mental health field; I got many offers and within two years was running the mental health center where I worked, supervising psychologists and psychiatrists who have been in that field for many decades.
Eventually, I felt bored by the job (of been executive director...I was barely thirty two years old when I was the executive director of the largest mental health agency in the city where I lived) and quit and tried doing other things.
Nothing I tried worked out for me. So, I did other executive director jobs but eventually wound up quitting and returning to college teaching until I felt that teaching is too easy for me; I felt unchallenged being a college professor (I filled my time writing on assorted subjects that interested me).
Eventually, I realized that I have a destiny and fate. My normal routine is to read until I go to sleep (although there is a huge TV in the house, I seldom watch it) and get up around 5 AM, think for a while, and then go to my computer and type the thoughts that I just had in my sleep.