It is my feeling that early Christianity emerged in a time not entirely dissimilar to our own - where waste, opulence and sensual gratification ruled, and Christianity took up a position in opposition to it.

This ascetic foundation lead to renunciation of worldly pleasures - thus leading to the informal anti-sex teachings, which as you so rightly point out, really aren't in the Bible at all.

(I also blame John the Baptist. Look at all the effort Salome had to go to get a little head. Sorry, sorry, sorry.)

Your usual excellent and thought-provoking essay! Thanks for writing.