2009-2010 Schedule

Stop Child Trafficking NOW Walk Against Child Slavery

Sponsored by the Social Justice Coalition and SCTNow

"A Theology of the Body: Love, Happiness and Sex" by Christopher Kaczor. Listen to the discussion (MP3)

Pope John Paul ll’s reflections on the body and sex, known as the Theology of the Body, explore the thesis that “The body, and it alone, is capable of making visible what is invisible: the spiritual and the divine. It was created to transfer into the visible reality of the world, the mystery hidden since time immemorial in God, and thus to be a sign of it.”

Theology of the Body has been described as "one of the boldest reconfigurations of Catholic theology in centuries."

Christopher Kaczor is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He is the author of numerous books on issues of ethics, philosophy and religion.

Porn Discussion Groups

The sexuality series is offering three discussion groups based on Michael Leahy's book, "Porn Nation."
Groups will meet once a week for 4 weeks, starting the week of October 12 (times TBD with participants).
The groups are for anyone wanting to think about effects of porn on society, relationships and faith. They are not counseling groups:

1) Men's group
2) Women's group
3) Group for men or women whose significant other may have issues with porn.

"Porn Nation" discussion guides will be provided free. Copies of "Porn Nation" (student edition) will be available for $4.
To sign up, email sexualityseries@calvin.edu.

Dr. Freda Bush "The Effects of Casual Sex on the Brain" Listen to the discussion (MP3)

New research reveals that sexual activity has a biological and chemical impact on the brain. Dr Freda Bush discusses these dramatic findings and how they prove materially that sexual behavior has far-reaching effects on how we think and feel. Dr.Bush is an OB/GYN who shares from over 40 years of experience in sexual health on how to cultivate relationships around values that build productive lives. She is co-author of the book “Hooked: New Science on How Casual Sex is Affecting Our Children.”

Women's Discussion Group:
Discussing faith, relationships, sex, decisions about the future, family and career. Led by Lisa Jousma and Janet Glassford.

Thursdays 3-4pm
Contact mentoring@calvin.edu
Sponsored by the Mentoring Office

Premarital Workshop

The Broene Counseling Center is again offering a premarital workshop to any Calvin student(s) planning to get married within a year or so. The workshop consists of two consecutive Saturday mornings, Oct. 31 and Nov. 7 and will be led by Randy Wolthuis, Ph.D. Topics covered include family of origin, nurturing a relationship, communication, money, and conflict management. Cost is $35 per couple. To sign up or ask questions, please call us at 526-6123.

The Neurobiology of Pornography 'Addiction' in the Male Brain by Dr. William Struthers, Wheaton College.

Is there such a thing as an “addiction” to pornography, and why are so many men caught up in it? A neuropsychological model which examines several underlying issues related to pornography use and what has been called the “male brain” will be presented.

Sponsored by the psychology department

"Sexual Purity - Be Real!"
How can we take Jesus' call to sexual holiness seriously in a culture where kids as young as middle school are hooking up for oral sex? Pastors Joy Bonnema and Aaron Winkle share their thoughts on sexual purity - what it is and isn't, and why it's important for our relational wholeness both now and in the future. Bring your questions!

Joy Bonnema, former Calvin biology prof, is Pastor of Congregational Life at Madison Square Church.
Aaron Winkle is Calvin's Associate Chaplain for Upperclass Students.

"Miss HIV" documentary film about the clash of ideologies in the fight against AIDS - the liberal human-rights approach that sees sex as an inalienable right for everyone, vs. a Christian approach that was highly successful in Uganda that promotes abstinence and faithfulness, plus the use of condoms. Some of the people interviewed and followed through the film are young African women who are taking part in a beauty pageant to decrease the stigma associated with being HIV positive (hence the title). Other footage is from interviews with various experts/activists, and clips from speeches given at an international AIDS conference in the west in 2006. This is a compelling movie that raises important issues of freedom and responsibility regarding sexual activity.