Events Schedule

Killing Us Softly 4: Advertising's Image of Women
In this highly anticipated update of her pioneering Killing Us Softly series, Jean Kilbourne takes a fresh look at how advertising traffics in distorted and destructive ideals of femininity. The film marshals a range of new print and television ads to lay bare a stunning pattern of damaging gender stereotypes -- images and messages that too often reinforce unrealistic and unhealthy, perceptions of beauty, perfection, and sexuality. Killing Us Softly 4 stands to challenge a new generation of students to take advertising seriously, and to think critically about popular culture and its relationship to sexism, eating disorders, and gender violence. Cosponsored by SAO, SAPT and Gender Studies.

Watch trailer on YouTube

Film 45 minutes, with discussion following.

"Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women: - Nicholas Kristof
Nicholas Kristof, is the Author of "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression for Women," which outlines an agenda for the world's women and three major abuses: sex trafficking and forced prostitution; gender-based violence, including honor killings and mass rape; and maternal mortality, which needlessly claims one woman a minute. Kristof, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and columnist for The New York Times since 2001, is widely known for bringing to light human rights abuses in Asia and Africa. Many reviewers suggest that Half the Sky stands to become a classic, igniting a grass-roots revolution http://www.halftheskymovement.org. This lecture is part of the Grand Rapids Community College Diversity Lecture Series, and is free and open to the public. Get there early to find a seat!

"Living the Image-Bearing Life: How the Imago Dei Grounds Women's Identity, Spirituality, and Vocation" - Elizabeth McLaughlin
What's our calling as women in family, church and society? Conflicting narratives from church, pop culture and secular feminism can discourage women from living authentically. This presentation explores:
* How women and men are called to live their lives as image-bearers through their relationship to Jesus Christ.
* How this truth frees women to understand their full participation in God's redemption in the world.
* Practical application of women's embodied spirituality and vocation.

Elizabeth McLaughlin teaches communication, gender, public relations, and writing at Bethel College, IN. She formerly directed Bethel's writing program, and has also co-managed an advertising/PR agency. Elizabeth's academic research and conference presentations focus on the intersection
of women's issues, visual rhetoric and the image of God.

Sponsored by CAS, Gender Studies, and the Sexuality Series

"Our Little Secret" - Nicole Braddock Bromley
Author, speaker, and survivor, Nicole Braddock Bromley was a girl who seemed to have it all - excelling as an athlete, scholar, artist, and class leader. At the age of 14, however, she realized her entire childhood had been ravaged by the "little secret" of sexual abuse. Nicole tells her story to educate and raise awareness about this issue, and to offer hope and strength to others. Come and learn how to be alert to abusive relationships and acquaintance rape, develop healthy self-esteem, and how individuals and Christian community can make a difference. Cosponsored by SAPT and Campus Ministries.

More on Nicole at One Voice Enterprises
www.onevoiceenterprises.com

Through My Eyes
This documentary provides an unflinchingly honest look at the role of today's young Christians in the gay debate: what they think, how they perceive the church, and what they wish other Christians knew. Over two dozen young Christians agreed to share their private feelings, struggles, and experiences on camera. All of them have a personal stake in the debate. And all of them hoped that their stories might make a difference. Created for Christians by Christians, Through My Eyes tackles one of the most controversial topics today with compassion and sensitivity. Cosponsored by Residence Life, Campus Ministries, the Sociology department and SAGA.

Watch Trailer on YouTube

Film 45 minutes, with discussion following.

"The End of Sexual Identity" reading group

- Is sex a big deal?
- Do the categories heterosexual and homosexual help or hinder how we think about sexuality?

If you're interested in questions like these, join us for a 4-week reading group on "The End of Sexual Identity" by Jenell Williams Paris, prior to her visit to Calvin on November 9 (3:30pm, recital hall). Author Andy Crouch calls this "a singularly important book." In it, Paris, a professor of anthropology at Messiah College, proposes a major paradigm shift in the way we view ourselves and others as sexual beings. The group is open to students, faculty and staff.

Facilitated by Prof. David Hoekema

To sign up and receive your cut-price copy of the book for $10, email Julia Smith jcs33@calvin.edu

"Interracial Relationships: Love Outside the Lines"

Profs. Becky Haney, Sergio Da Silva, Calvin students, and staff will share their experiences with making interracial relationships work. The discussion will cover familial and societal acceptance, personal challenges, and views from the minority community.

Sponsored by the Multicultural Student Activities Board, cosponsored by the Sexuality Series.

LGBT 101 Workshop

LTBGAIQA....huh?

Join Sexuality Acceptance, Gender Awareness (SAGA) for an LGBT 101 Workshop. The workshop will cover basic terminology, spectrums, coming out, common myths, and how to support LGBT individuals. It will be a fun time for people who know lots and those who know little. See you then.

Sponsored by SAGA

Dating-Relating panel discussion

Want to discuss healthy dating relationships? Our panel of students and alums will share their stories and insights, as we think about:

- friendship in dating, in marriage, and with single friends
- defining the relationship (how, when, why...)
- emotional and physical boundaries
- where is God in the relationship?
- can Christians just date without it being loaded with expectations of marriage & lifelong commitment?
- the joys and pressures of Calvin's dating culture

Fall Premarital Workshop

Register by October 25, 2011

The Broene Counseling Center again is offering a premarital workshop for students planning to marry in the next year. The workshop will take place over two (2) consecutive Saturday mornings, October 29 & November 5, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It will be led by Rick Baez, Psy.D. Topics addressed will be family of origin, communication, conflict management, nurturing the relationship, and much more. In addition, couples will have an opportunity to take a premarital inventory and review the results with a Broene counselor at a later date. The cost is a mere $50 per couple which makes this an incredible bargain and opportunity. It is a great way to prepare for a rich and lasting marriage.

To sign up or ask questions, please visit the Broene Counseling Center or call us at 616-526-6123.

The End of Sexual Identity
Jenell Williams Paris will speak from her new book The End of Sexual Identity: Why Sex is Too Important to Define Who We Are. Andy Crouch, author of Culture Making, says: "This is a singularly important book, about sexuality but also about culture, and it is a model of charity, clarity and creativity. While this is certainly not the last word on Christian sexual ethics, it could be the first word of a better and more honest conversation about holiness and faithfulness amidst our age's sexual confusion."

Jenell Williams Paris is professor of anthropology and sociology at Messiah College in Grantham, PA. She teaches, writes, and speaks on issues of sexuality and gender in Christian perspective. Jenell has published many articles and books, including Urban Disciples: A Beginner's Guide to Serving God in the City and Birth Control for Christians: Making Wise Choices.

Watch Jenell's interview on Inner Compass.
Click here to listen to the MP3.

The Truth About Sex
In this talk Jenell Williams Paris will examine some powerful cultural myths about sex, and how they can lead to distorted expectations for marriage and intimacy.

Jenell Williams Paris is professor of anthropology and sociology at Messiah College in Grantham, PA. She teaches, writes, and speaks on issues of sexuality and gender in Christian perspective. Jenell has published many articles and books, including Urban Disciples: A Beginner's Guide to Serving God in the City and Birth Control for Christians: Making Wise Choices.

Watch Jenell's interview on Inner Compass.
Click here to listen to the MP3.

The Stob Lectures

Lecture 1: The Covenant of Marriage: Its Biblical Roots, Historical Influences, and Modern Uses
John Witte, Jr. is Jonas Robitscher Professor of Law, Alonzo L. McDonald Distinguished Professor, and Director of the Center for the Study of Law and Religion Center at Emory University. A specialist in legal history, marriage law, and religious liberty, he has published 200 articles, 13 journal symposia, and 26 books.
www.calvinseminary.edu/continuingEd/stob/

Sponsored by Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary in honor of Dr. Henry J. Stob.

The Stob Lectures

Lecture 2: Faith-Based Family Laws in the West? What Role for Religious Communities in the Governance of Marriage?
John Witte, Jr. is Jonas Robitscher Professor of Law, Alonzo L. McDonald Distinguished Professor, and Director of the Center for the Study of Law and Religion Center at Emory University. A specialist in legal history, marriage law, and religious liberty, he has published 200 articles, 13 journal symposia, and 26 books.
www.calvinseminary.edu/continuingEd/stob/

Sponsored by Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary in honor of Dr. Henry J. Stob.

Single
A panel discussion about the pressure Calvin students feel to date.

Through My Eyes
This documentary provides an unflinchingly honest look at the role of today's young Christians in the gay debate: what they think, how they perceive the church, and what they wish other Christians knew. Over two dozen young Christians agreed to share their private feelings, struggles, and experiences on camera. All of them have a personal stake in the debate. And all of them hoped that their stories might make a difference. Created for Christians by Christians, Through My Eyes tackles one of the most controversial topics today with compassion and sensitivity. Cosponsored by Residence Life, Campus Ministries, the Sociology department and SAGA.

Watch Trailer on YouTube

Film 45 minutes, with discussion following.

Why the Bible says Sex is for Marriage
A talk by Pastor David Beelen.

Come and join us as we delve into scripture on this important topic. Where does the Bible teach that sex outside of marriage is wrong? What does it say, and why? And what does it mean for us?

"Exploring our Identity as Women"
Honest conversations for women about being female, friendships, dating, sex, and being faithful in the everyday-ness of life

Fridays at 1:30-2:30pm, Feb. 3 - Mar. 9

Facilitated by Janet Glassford, Lisa Jousma, and Laura Rodeheaver

Email mentoring@calvin.edu for more information

Men's Discussion Groups: What does it mean to be a man in today's culture?

• 6 weeks
• Free lunch
• Honest talk about how our families, faith, culture, and media have shaped our ideas about being men

Wed 12:30pm, student senate meeting room, starts Feb 8
Led by Associate Chaplain Aaron Winkle asw3@calvin.edu

Wed 12:30pm, faculty meeting room, starts Feb 8
Led by Broene Counselor Rick Baez rb27@calvin.edu

Email Aaron or Rick to sign up.

LGBT Stories

Gay and lesbian members of the Calvin Community share their stories of life, sexuality and faith. Hosted by Shirley Hoogstra

"Lady Power" with Dr. Nancy Bauer

Sponsored by Gender Studies.

Nancy Bauer's faculty page.

Premarital Workshop

9:00 am to 12:30 pm

A workshop led by Rick Baez, Psy.D, introduces engaged couples to keys for vibrant marriages. The workshop will be based upon the latest findings in research and Christian principles for relationships.

Cost: $50/couple

To register, contact the Broene Counseling Center at 616-526-6123 or broene@calvin.edu.

Naomi Wolf "Beyond Victimization: The Beauty Myth Revisited"

This lecture is part of the GRCC Diversity Lecture Series.

Author of seven books, including the New York Times best seller, The Beauty Myth, Naomi Wolf focuses on gender equality, pervasive inequities in society and politics, the defense of liberty in America and internationally, and body image. She is the Co-founder of the Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership, which teaches ethics and empowerment to young women leaders. In Give Me Liberty: A Handbook for American Revolutionaries, Wolf argues that breathtaking changes take place when ordinary citizens engage in the democratic system the way the founders intended, through civic engagement. This lecture begins at 7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Panel Discussion: What makes for a good and lasting marriage?

With couples who have weathered the storms of life and are still happily married, including Dale and Marcia Cooper, and Elsa and Ren Broekhuizen.

Pornography panel discussion

Calvin students and guest Sara Hoekstra will address the effects of pornography on their lives and relationships. Moderated by Associate Chaplain Aaron Winkle.

Cosponsored by the Broene Counseling Center, Residence Life, and Campus Ministries.

Calvin Dating Research: a presentation by senior Jasmine Wilson

Exploring Life Choices: A Women's Discussion Panel
Daunted by the options that face you regarding career, education, service, marriage and family? Women of all ages wrestle with these choices and how they shape our lives. You are invited to engage with a panel of women whose lives have followed different paths, whether by choice or circumstance. This is an opportunity to hear their stories, ask hard questions, and explore your own hopes and possibilities for the future.

Women's Day Event - "Break Out: Questioning Society's Female Stereotypes"
Please see event page for more details and registration.

Bake Sale
Helping to raise money to help human trafficking survivors through the Hope Project. Sponsored by Social Justice Coalition and Sexual Assault Prevention Team

Prayer to End Sexual Assault

MissRepresentation
A film that "explores how mainstream media contributes to the under-representation of women in influential positions in America and challenges the media's limiting and often disparaging portrayals of women, which make it so difficult for the average girl to see herself as powerful" co-sponsored by SJC and SAPT

Speaker: Malynda Jennings
Malynda Jennings will be speaking about her experience as a Human Trafficking Survivor. Sponsored by SJC and SAPT.