Religion/Spirituality and BDSM

A thought occurred to me going over the various posts on facebook by dominants and submissives. Words like worship, tribute, service, obedience, among the many one can see on any given day. It made me think if one were to approach someone on the street and asked them what those words bring to mind, they'd answer religion or bdsm depending on what is more dominant in their life.

It made me think of bdsm from the eyes of religion or spirituality and find the similarities and differences. Both are similiar in that;
1) There is a focus on one authority - God is religious affairs and a dominant in bdsm. The dominant in bdsm is almost like a demi-god/goddess. Both worshipped in adoration, although the dominant in bdsm has a strong sexual pull, while the God of religion is more like a paternal/maternal figure.
2) Worship, obedience and loyalty to that one authority is a requirement and a slave/submissive is moulded by that adherence to the dictates of that authority.
3) Tribute or tithing is common to both, although again one is mandatory for the time spent with a dominant while tithing is recommended, but not enforced.
4) Both can give very powerful experiences to the submissive or worshipper - spiritual elation or sub-space.
5) Both have the potential of bringing betterment in an individuals life, but also in their negative aspect both can bring out the worst in a person as well.
6) There is an aspect of both that may encourage someone to seek someone other than their primary partner, that may not be required in ones spiritual journey. The sub or dom/domme may seek outside their relationship. The spiritual person may seek others like him/her.

The differences are:

1) A non-sexual versus sexual aspect between the two.
2) One brings spiritual nourishment while the other sexual nourishment. Sexual nourishment only fulfils for a limited time, while spiritual nourishment can fulfil for a longer time.
3) Spiritual progress can take a person to higher, more subtle and refined experiences, with bdsm the descent into further practise has the potential of getting into more hardcore practices.

I'm not trying to dissuade people from bdsm, but undertaking a comparative study. Guided by an evolved guide in both bdsm and spirituality the seeker/submissive can become a better person for it. It comes down to awareness of the right people in your life.

In my own experience, i've found that Miss Shola, has impacted my personal life in positive ways, allowed me to enjoy the sexual aspects of bdsm and also taken me into deeper levels of submission to Her while being a reassuring presence. i've never experienced an openness whereby i don't filter out any thought and speak my mind whatever it is. It is also a vulnerability that feels like being totally naked and exposed - showing the good and the bad. To admit humbly that She does mean a lot to me and that i am addicted to Her and that i do need Her in my life. If i do have to submit to a dominant and give up my freedoms, then i'm happy that the one i submit to does truly cares for me.