smw
Hi smw,
I see the similarities. I think Crowley wanted to change the way we viewed the image and mystery of the 'whore'. He wanted to elevate her to a 'higher' status. He'd seen how repressive and constrictive Religion could be, so I guess the thinking must have been - enough with the 'virgin' mystery being the ideal, it takes power away and keeps people enslaved... .
Hi Flames
I might wonder though if opposing strongly a way of thinking as a basis for a new religion/philosophy could show that you haven't actually escaped the former. Perhaps you could end up with the other side of the same coin. I hope I am not being too controversial here, that isn't intended as a negative criticism of Crowley, just a thought on the flavouring of personal history on what we believe, feel is communicated to us and respond to.
I haven't read much about Crowley himself, I'll have to get a good book or two. I don't have a strong religious background myself, so I am not really familiar with that kind of passion or suffering that some people like Crowley had with religious oppression. Though there was an article mentioned on here (that I can't find now) that said how Crowley was sent to Coventry, I think for a whole year at school for a misdemeanour. It sounded horrendous, totally unloving and cruel.
(Although having said that on the occasion we went to church and I was very small, apparently I refused to go in saying it made me feel sick. )