SEXUALITYAND SPIRITUALITY The Relevance of Eastern Traditions

Robert T. Francoeur, PhD, ACS Professor of Human Embryology and Sexuality, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ

I n recent years, the age-old association of sex with period of human consciousness6 In this context, Adam and Eve’s original sin in the Garden of Eden has Jaspers is using the term Axial to mean turning point. lost its meaning as individuals increasingly accept According to Jaspers and others, this striking sexual desire and pleasure as a natural good. Social transformation in human consciousness occurred in turmoil, technological changes, increasing recognition China, India, Persia, the Middle East, and Greece with of personal needs, and a sexual revolution have the advent of Confucius, Lao TZU, Buddha, Zoroaster, wrecked havoc with the meaning and relevance of the the Jewish prophets, and the pioneering philosophers traditional Judeo-Christian sexual images, icons, and of Greece. This opened the first Axial period. Every- myths of the purpose of sex, monogamy and male where male consciousness and power gained ascen- primacy over female. dancy over the female principle. In Christianity and Because cultures draw their life blood from their Islam, phallic power virtually subdued the power of myths and archetypes, human beings are searching for the female, except for the veneration of Mary, the new myths and archetypes.’ At the same time, Ameri- Virgin Mother of God. After a male God gave man cans in particular are increasingly fascinated by the dominion over nature in Eden and ancient Greece more sex-positive images of Eastern sexual philoso- gave priority to analysis and objectification, nature phies. This article outlines two major Eastern sexual became Western man’s toy to control and exploit. and spiritual traditions, Tantrism and Taoism, within Although feminine images of sexual power persisted in the context of Hinduism and other religions and the East, they were subordinated to the phallocentric philosophies. After contrasting these Eastern views male. But unlike the West, Eastern cultures maintained with Western values, some practical applications that a respect for nature, emphasizing that health and complement Western sexology are discussed. spirituality are only achieved when humanity respects its place in the cosmos and places itself in harmony Eastern Sources with nature.5,6 Even when the hidden roots of Eastern sexual traditions can be detected, they are found to be far Hinduism more tangled than the origins of sexual values in In India, the amalgam of pre-Aryan fertility religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Archaeologists have with the emerging dominance of male consciousness found 8,000-year-old clay images of feminine power produced Hinduism, a generic term for the traditional and fertility in the pre-Indus settlements on the north- religion of India. Hinduism encompasses a wide range west edge of India. Similar early expressions of a great of seemingly contradictory beliefs, including reincarna- Goddess who guarantees fertility have been found, tion or transmigration of souls, atheism, and a pan- with her subordinate male consort, in regions of theon of gods and goddesses who symbolize the many ancient Egypt, the Aegean, the Danube, Asia Minor, attributes of an indescribable supreme principle or and western Asia. Between 1800 and 1500 BC, waves being. Hinduism embraces both monistic and dualistic of migrating Indo-Aryan people moved from eastern beliefs, and contains many popular local deities and Europe, over the mountains, and into the Indus valley cults. Thus it is not a religion in the same sense of western India. Their worship of a great Goddess Westerners use that term to refer to a system of clear intermingled with the fertility religions of pre-Aryan beliefs about a personal God and a spiritual world inhabitants they conquered in the Indus River val- apart from this material world.’ leys.2,3,4 Historian Karl Jaspers calls this the pre-Axial The ideal life of a Hindu male embraces a wide spectrum of roles, from the student of religion to the and household rituals. Kamu, the Hindu god of love, householder who produces a son to carry on ancestral is also believed to be present during all acts of love. tradition, and from the hermit who tries to achieve He represents love and pleasure, both sensual and indifference to everything in the world he previously aesthetic. His wife, Ruti, is the embodiment of sensual found desirable to the homeless wanderer who re- love. nounces all earthly ties. Passing through these four Hindu scriptures include hundreds of treatises on stages is the Way of Knowledge, an expression that the art of eroticism, allegedly written by the gods and denotes the spiritual path, which leads to spiritual sages. Only three of these manuals, the Kama Sutra, union with the Infinite. Along the Way of Knowledge, Kama Shastra, and Ananga Ranga, have been trans- a Hindu male can pursue four goals: &ma (sexual lated into English. The Kama Sutra (second century love), artha (power and material gain), dharma (spiritual duty), and mokha (liberation).2 The first two Vol. ZQ, No. 4 goals deal with desire, the last two extol duty and SIECUS Report April/May 1992 renunciation. Typical of Axial thinking, Hindu sacred texts explain the paths of desire only from a male Sex Information and Education Council of the U.S. viewpoint, as if desire, pleasure, and power play no Executive Director, Debra W. Haffner, MPH role in the lives of women whose primary activities are Managing Editor, Elizabeth Wilber childrearing and household duties. This mix of desire and duty in Hinduism allows a strong tradition of sexual abstinence by celibate monks The SIEClJS Report is published bimonthly and distributed to to coexist with an equally strong religious celebration SIECUS members, professionals, organizations, government offi- of sexual pleasure in all its forms as a path to the cials, libraries, the media, and the general public. Divine. While sexual abstinence is favored at certain Annual membership fees: individual, $75; student (with validation), stages, Hindu sexual asceticism complements the $35; senior citizen, $45; organization, $135 (includes two bimonthly celebration of sexual desire and pleasure, unlike copies of the SIEClJS Report); and library, $75. SIEClS Report Christian sexual asceticism, which is rooted in the need subscription alone, $70 a year. Outside the IIS., add $10 per year to for redemption from original sin. Most Hindus, even these fees (except Canada and Mexico, $5). The SIEClJS Report is available on microfilm from IJniversity Microfilms, 300 North Zeeb the ascetics and monks, view sex as something natural, Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. to be enjoyed in moderation without repression or overindulgence. All article, review, advertising, and publication inquiries and Hindu sacred writings, devotional poetry, and submissions should be addressed to the managing editor: annual festivals celebrate married love, the fidelity of Elizabeth Wilber, Managing Editor women, and the religious power of sexual union. SIECUS Report Hindu myths of gods and goddesses are symbolic of SIECIJS 130 West 42nd Street, Suite 2500 spiritual powers and energies within and the daily New York, New York 10036 challenges of life faced by all human beings. While 212/819-9770 monotheistic Western cultures tend to objectify and fax 212/819-9776 personalize their God, Eastern cultures view their Editorial Board mythologies as psychological and metaphysical meta- William L. Yarber, HSD, Chair phors that reveal the miraculous and natural wonders The Rt. Rev. David E. Richards of human life and its desires. Loma Sarrel Mythology provides a key to Hindu sexual views. Jeanette Tedesco, PhD Brahms, the Creator, Vishnu, the Preserver, and Sbiva, the cosmic dancer of the cycle of destruction and rebirth form the basic triad of gods in the Hindu Opinions expressed in the articles appear- pantheon. Hindu sexual values are expressed in ing in the SIECUS Report may not reflect the images and rituals associated with Shiva and his official position of the Sex Information and consort, the goddess Shakti. Shakti has several images, Education Council of the U.S. Articles which appearing as Parvuti, the gracious embodiment of express differing points of view are pub- sensuality and sexual delights, as Durga, the lished as a contribution to responsible and unapproachable, and as Kali, the black wild one, the meaningful dialogue regarding issues of helpful, awesome goddess of sex’s transcendent significance in the field of sexuality. powers.2z8 The lingam, a stone or wood phallus, represents Shiva and the concentration of sexual energy by asceticism. Triangular stone sculptures of the Typography by Ray Noonan, ParaGraphic Artists, NYC. yoni represent Shakti and the vulva. Mystical geometric patterns called yantras combine the circular lingam Copyright 0 1992 by the Sex Information and Education Council of the U.S., Inc. No part of the SIECUSReportmay be reproduced in any with triangular yoni. Used in meditation, yantras reflect form without written permission. the belief that sexual practices can be a way of balanc- ing the male and female energies of one’s body and Library of Congress catalog card number 72627361. experiencing cosmic unity. The worship of lingam and ISSN: 0091-3995 yoni, of Shiva and Shakti, are a regular part of public

SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 2 “. . .Eastern cultures maintained a respectfor nature, emphasizing that health and spirituality are only achieved when humanity respects itsplace in the cosmos and places itself in harmony with nature. ”

BC) discusses the spiritual aspects of sexuality, with This emphasis on male ejaculation is often misinter- advice on positions and techniques for increasing the preted. It is not the same as coitus reservatus (with- sensual enjoyment of sexual intercourse. The beauti- drawal followed by ejaculation) or the “male conti- fully illustrated Ananga Ranga or ne Theater of God nence” practiced by the members of the Oneida Com- (15th century AD) describes the sexual organs and munity in the 1800s to prevent unwanted pregnancies. erogenous areas of men and women, the cycles of It is not the same as the passive lovemaking of erotic passion, and an encyclopedia of lovemaking karezza, an ancient technique for prolonging sexual positions. This spiritual tradition of erotic love appears intercourse without ejaculation, popularized by Marie in temple art depicting mithuna, loving couples in Stopes in her 1920s best seller Married Loue. sexual embrace. Such sculptures reached their peak in Taoism also emphasizes the difference between male the sensitive, emotionally warm, and intensely spiritual orgasm and ejaculation, a distinction rediscovered by bas-reliefs celebrating all forms of sexual behavior modern sexologists. According to Taoism, men deplete (except adultery and violence) that cover the l,OOO- their energy when they are driven to ejaculate too year-old “love-temples” of Khajuraho and Konarak.9z10 frequently. Specific Taoist exercises can enable a man to pleasure his partner and enjoy several “non-explo- Taoist Sexual Traditions sive” orgasms prior to ejaculation.13 In their quest for spiritual and physical health, The early Taoist traditions recognized the greater including longevity and immortality, the Chinese capacity of women for sexual pleasure and their vital traditionally turned to Taoism, which originated from role in introducing men to the treasures of sexual the teachings of the sixth century BC philosopher Lao- pleasure and ecstasy. But this mutual, harmonious Tzu.’ Taoism views nature and spirit as interdependent concern for female and male pleasure did not last. In and mutually sustaining. Tao is “the Way,” the “eter- the Han Dynasty (206-219 BC), male interests began to nally nameless” path followed by the wise, the ever- dominate as Taoist exercises were converted into changing rhythmic source of life, and living in har- techniques that focused on men’s pleasure, including mony with all things. Taoism advocates a life of intercourse with virgins and with numerous women in simplicity, integration, cooperation, and selflessness, order to become immortal. Women became the foot- and has no formal dogma or church. It does not bound pleasure toys of men in the T’ang Dynasty (618- recommend asceticism or reject natural desires or 906 AD). During the Manchu Dynasty (1644-1912 AD), cravings. It recommends self-cultivation, healthy living, the egalitarian Taoist sexual philosophy practically and the fuller enjoyment of both earthly and heavenly disappeared in male obsessions.12*‘3 joys. 2v11,12Harmony in one’s sexual desires, passions, For guidance in the customs and proprieties of and joys is a natural and important aspect of health. society and public life, the Chinese looked to the Sexuality is considered part of nature and is not teachings of Confucius (551-479 BC). Early Confucian associated with any kind of sin or moral guilt. In fact, thought was quite sex-positive. Only in the last thou- lovers joined in ecstasy can experience a transcendent sand years of imperial rule did Confucianism adopt a union with the cosmos.13 negative view of sexuality. Some Taoists have sought the secret of longevity in Both Taoism and Confucianism appear to have an alchemical formula. Others have sought longevity borrowed the basic idea of two vital energies, Yin and by bringing the body and soul into a perfect, harmoni- Yang, from earlier Chinese who lived centuries before ous balance,“r12 or by transforming the male or female Confucius and Lao-Tzu. Everything stems from the essence into the “Elixir of Life.“14 dynamic interaction of Y& and Yang.15 Taoist sexual traditions emphasize the importance The polarity of Yin/Yang energies is very different of female satisfaction in all sexual relations. It talks of from the body-soul opposition that underlies Western “a thousand loving thrusts,” and the importance of thought. Western thought maintains a very clear split non-genital touch for both the woman and the man.” between the body and spirit or soul. In Christian In order to increase the enjoyment of sexual inter- thought, salvation and redemption are achieved by course for both women and men, Taoist exercises help subjugation of the body and its passions to reason and a man gain control over his ejaculation, with simple to the spiritual soul. In both Taoism and Confucianism, but sophisticated versions of the Sensate Focus, Stop the vital energies of Yin (earth, dark, receptive, female) and Go, and Squeeze Exercises popularized 2,000 and Yang (heaven, light, penetrating, male) are comple- years later by Masters and Johnson for treatment of mentary rather than opposing aspects of nature. The premature ejaculation and inhibited female arousal and challenge of life is to achieve a healthy, dynamic orgasm. i1 Taoism teaches that men cannot experience balance between these two energies.8~‘2~13 true sexual ecstasy unless they develop the ability to Since both Yin and Yang coexist in every man and control their ejaculation. woman, in different proportions, everyone can

3 SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 cultivate, balance, and unite their psychosomatic Over the centuries, the ecstatic, and at times energies. In sexual play Yin and Yang are aroused and orgiastic, cults inspired by Tantric visions of cosmic can be channeled from the lower levels to the heart sexuality were attacked by ascetic Hindus and and head. According to some modern interpreters, this Buddhists, denounced by the invading Muslims, can be done in self-pleasuring, and in both hetero- opposed by the British colonial government in India, sexual and homosexual relations.11~13*16 and outlawed by the Chinese communists. Some Taoist masters recommend that a male Tantra is a Sanskrit word meaning “thread” or release his semen according to seasonal changes and “continuity.” Tantra involves active ways of trans- infrequently, for example, only two or three times out forming one’s perceptions and energies that plunge of ten instances of intercourse, in order to direct and one back into the roots of personal identity to transform the vital life energies. Similarly, women are nakedly experience the truth and reality of oneself taught to use proper breathing exercises and medita- and the world. Tantric rituals are kept highly secret, tion as ways of circulating and transforming their Yin and require severe discipline and every kind of energy. The mutual exchange of Yin and Yang es- physical, sexual, mental, and moral effort. Instead of sences in intercourse and orgasm is believed to recommending abstinence from the pleasures of life produce perfect harmony, increase vigor, and bring as celibate asceticism in other religious tradi- long life. tions do, Tantra cultivates the realization of an ultimate bliss in order to experience awareness of Tantric Sexual Traditions the true nature of reality, beyond all dualistic concep- Some suggest that Tantric sexual traditions were tions. In Philip Rawson’s modern wording, Tantra derived from ancient Chinese Taoism, or that Taoist urges its practitioners to “Raise your enjoyment to its sexuality was derived from Tantra.13~14*17~18Others highest power and then use it as a spiritual rocket- believe that the earliest Tantric traditions predate fuel.“4 The original Tantras use a cryptic “twilight” Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism and that they were language difficult to understand. Some modern derived from the pre-Aryan religion of Indus Valley books on Tantra such as Sexual Secrets by Nik natives and religious symbols brought from Paleolithic Douglas and Penny Slinger are filled with such Europe by the Indo-Aryan invaders about 1800 BC.19 symbolic terms, while other writers such as Mantak Whatever their origins, Tantric ideas are found in Chia mix traditional with Western terms to more Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Taoist writings in Nepal, clearly elucidate the meaning of esoteric terminol- Tibet, China, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia.2*19 WY. 11,17,20

Hindu Tantric Doctrine (Shaktism) Tanttic Sexuality In Hinduism, Tantric rituals became associated with the worship of Shakti, Shiva’s consort. Hindu Y&beancient teacbers...talked about remaining Tantra reached its most profound external expression desireless in the betgbt of sexual arousal. They in the “love temples” of northeastern India (i’OO-1100 mean that in lovemaking both men and AD).7~9~10Right-handed Shaktism is a refined philoso- women are typically filled with an agenda of phy that focuses on the benign side of Shakti as the desires -for orgasm, for release, forpossessing energy of nature and mother-goddess. Left-handed the beloved. They carry in their minds images Shaktism focuses on Durga and Kali, the violent side of these goals, aim for them, and in this way of Shakti, and sweeps one into conventionally are incapable of directing their total attention forbidden expressions of natural impulses to achieve to what is happening in thepresent moment. transcendence. Ritual violation of social taboos RemaZnfng desireless at the height ofpassion, against adultery and incest, and coitus for otherwise you are not concerned with the next moment. celibate monks, are an important part of these left- You have no tbougbt of the future. You are handed Tantric rites.2~19In Victor Turner’s social then capable of directly feeling and enjoying dialectics of structure-antistructure, Tantric taboo- all the erotic sensations that are happening to breaking (anti-structure) rituals may play a vital role you in the present, while simultaneously in maintaining the flexibility, dynamism, and creativ- remaining sltgbtly aloof as a neutral observer. ity of a social structure or culture.21 i%is “witnessing” becomes possible only when Participants in the Rite of the Five Essences, a you remain focused on the unfolding loveplay. Tantric love ritual, for instance, use the five forbidden You do not know where it is taking you, what MS: madya (wine>, mansa (meat), matsya (fish), will happen, or when it will end. You do not mudra (parched grain), and mattbuna (sexual union) imagine, anticipdte, or direct the show. You in a kind of holy communion.2 It includes enhance- simply wait, watch, observe, and “ride” the ment of the environment with flowers, incense, energy. Z?& is the ultimate discipline, the music, and candlelight, a period of meditation highest meditatton. designed to hasten the ascent of the vital energies of the kundalini (see below), the chanting of a mantra, Reprinted with permission from The Art of Sexual Ecstmy: Be Path of Sacred Sexuality for Western and the couple’s visualization of themselves as an Lovers by Margo Anand, Copyright 0 1989, Jeremy T. -r---L-- r-^ embodiment of Shiva and Shakti, the supreme couple.

SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 4 r A Versefrom THE UPANISNADS (8tb? - Stb? Century lZ C E.)

The Golden God, the Self, the immortal Swan leaves the small nest of the body, goes where He wants. He moves through the realm of dreams; makes numberless forms; delights in sex; eats, drinks, laughs with His friends; frightens Himself with scenes of heart-chilling terror. But He is not attached to anything that He sees; and after He has wandered in the realms of dream and awakeness, has tasted pleasures and experienced good and evil, He returns to the blissful state from which He began. As a fish swims forward to one riverbank then the other, Self alternates between awakeness and dreaming. As an eagle, weary from long flight, folds its wings, gliding down to its nest, Self hurries to the realm of dreamless sleep, free of desires, fear, pain. As a man in sexual union with his beloved is unaware of anything outside or inside, so a man in union with Self knows nothing, wants nothing, has found his heart’s fulfillment and is free of sorrow.

From the book The Enlightened Heart: An Anthology of Sacred Poetry, edited by Stephen Mitchell. Copyright 0 1989 by Stephen Mitchell. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollinsPublishers.

Buddhist Tantric Doctrine what one experienced in a yoga meditation/exercise. In Buddhism, Tantra refers to a series of teachings Yoga is a highly evolved technique of meditation delivered to humans by the Buddha. According to and concentration for disciplining mind and body and Buddhist Tantra, the most effective means of awaken- purifying the sensesfrom their bondage to limiting ing to the true nature of reality is not by intellectual concepts. Yoga combines physiological and psycho- pursuits, but by experiencing the state of voidness and logical methods, which involve postures, breathing, bliss through one’s own body and mind. The Buddhist and in some cases the rhythmical repetition of proper Tantrik controls his/her body and its psychic powers to sound-syllables or mantras that suppress the conscious attain Buddhahood by coming face to face with the movement of the mind in body.23 When the whole elemental forces of the world and transcending the body is disciplined to aid the gradual suspension of desires aroused by them. consciousness, one can experience a state of pure In Tibetan Buddhism, devotion to male and female ecstasy that is without thought or sensation. In this deities stresses the interaction of external and internal ecstasy, the yoga practitioner may use ritual, devotion, energies.* Yahyum is the Tibetan term for the mystical meditation, the intellect, or physical pleasure to find a experience of oneness and wholeness men and complete freeing of the true self from the external women can achieve through sexual intercourse.22 In world and natural causation.24 mystical sexual union, the male and female principles Both early Tantra and Taoism adopted yogic are combined in an experience that resolves all exercises to gain access to the spiritual through dualities and reflects the union of wisdom and com- physical pleasure and discipline. The central concept passion. Because all natural forces and the deity are a in sexual yoga is a physiology which conceives of the union of male and female elements, the highest and body as interconnected by many channels, or nadis, most harmonious energies are experienced in such that are conduits for energy. Two main channels run unions as the realization of the inherent luminosity and along either side of the spinal column, connecting emptiness of all phenomena.22 power centers known as chakras, which correspond to the Taoist tan tien, located between the loins and Tantra and Yoga throat. The third conduit, the susumna, runs from its The system known as yoga was first mentioned in base in the perineal region to the crown chakra. The the Hindu Upanishads (eigth?-fifth? century BC). Yoga, kundalini, named for the goddess Kali, is the powerful literally translated from the Sanskrit as “union,” means but latent energy source that lies coiled like a serpent being aware without thinking. It is the silence of the at the lowest chakra. The kundalini is also believed to mind that is broken by trying to tell another person represent Shakti, the feminine aspect of the creative

5 SIECUS Report, April/May 15 '92 force, the serpent power or mystical fire in the subtle Orgasm and ejaculation are two distinct processes body. The aim of sexual yoga is to arouse the and can occur apart or together. William Hartman and kundalini or serpent power and channel it upward.25 Marilyn Fithian, for instance, report that men are Once aroused, the kundalini can be channeled upward capable of experiencing multiple orgasms as long as through the seven chakras of the subtle body until it they do not ejaculate. 26While most -Tantric teachers merges with the eternal Shiva to confer freedom and urge males to avoid ejaculation at all times, Taoist immortality. By redirecting the body’s most basic and teachers place more emphasis on gaining control of vital generative energies of semen and ovum to the ejaculation rather than eliminating it altogether.“J’ brain, the yoga practitioner hopes to gain spiritual The !Kung of Africa, Sufi mystics, and ancient and energy, cosmic consciousness, and salvation, the contemporary practitioners of yoga, Tantra, and experience of real self completely freed from earthly Taoism, have cultivated the awakening of kundalini bonds and joined with,all reality.24 energy. Descriptions of these experiences bear intrigu- In developing the idea of kundalini energy, the ing similarities to reports of spontaneous experiences Tantriks and Taoists may have adopted earlier Persian of Christian mystics and secular contemporaries. ideas, using meditation, breathing control, postures, Strange as these reports sound in terms of Western and finger pressure to prolong sexual intercourse physiology, their consistency and persistence over without ejaculation. In the process, they added the thousands of years deserve serious attention from goal of transforming and circulating the sexual energy Western scientists. There are hints in the preliminary upward in the body and in exchanges with a partner, research of neurophysicist and author Itzhak Bentov thereby extending the enjoyment of many orgasms and psychiatrist Lee Sannella that a serious clinical and without ejaculation. experimental investigation of the kundalini experience

Taoist Sexuality

ad motrement teacher,which um conductedby ~V&baelwinn, a Tao&t P&C&. Fuy How long have you been practicing Ovarian Kung hasbad any sideeffects, This practice allows sexual energy to be transmutedand not justcoflserved. It also refiies and Ansum For t&e years. spreads it throughoutthe body, revitalizingthe wholebody in Questti Did you find the techniquesdi%cuk to learn? mind and spirit Sothe practiceitself removes the negativeside Ansum I found them easy to learn, especially since from the effects of sexual desire, which for most people appears as vety beginning the benefits were so immediately obvious. I sexualfmstration. Sexual frus&ation is simply _ . blockedsexual w& m&vat& ta practice,but it did requirea c&rainamount of enerw. timeto comoletel;embc& themandr;laketbemapartofmy f&i&on: Do you feel tlle sexualcultivation practice is life. a ’ ’ -ntiaJ to your UpA’.ULucnirihnl growth? m Did you learn them alone or with a partner? Ansum Yes, In A it isnot essentialto have a partner.These Ansluet: Initially I practiced alone having just ended a pz~Gcescan be done by a womanwho hasa-commitment to relationship.I immediatelyfound they empoweredme with celibacyas a way of utilizingher sexualenergy for her own control of my own sexualenergy, and red&coveredsexuality as spiritualgrowth and directingthe transformedenergy toward a resourcefor cultivatingmyself. sewiceto others. Question:What do you meanby resource? There is something else that I feel is very imlxxtant since we A- In the sense that the Taoists speak of cultivating are talkinga aboutthe benefits.From the beginning these one’s nature, refining energy for personal and spiritual practices were very transformative, enhancing my sense of development,with sexualenergy being one raw materialfrom being in control of my own energy and my own destiny. I have which that refmementis accomplished. I actually bad the grown moreresponsible and ableto usemy energiesmore experienceof beingable to directmy sexualenergy witbin my creatively. body, andwatch it transformmy bcdy and my emotions. $@stti Is the Tao all about controllingyour emotionsand ($&tkm What happenswith the sexualenergy when you energies?How does this figure in being effortless and flowing are not interactingand makinglove? free? Ansum When I first began doing Ovarian Breathing, I A- I think aboutmy life asa river. BeforeI practiced discovered immediately that I could move the sexual energy Ovarian Kung Fu, I felt in my emotional and sexual life as if I easilyfrom my genitalsthroughout my whole body. It’svery werealeafonacurrent,anditwasthecunentofcircum- simple,but very powerful.I canincrease my abilityto be stancesthat would sometimesdirect me. Now, knowingthese

connectedand nresentI in life. Over timeI have beenable to Taoistpractices, I feel that I am morelike a raft, and I canuse refineit so that I can share more energy with other people in the currentfor the purposeof followingthe tier. when I look my work and daily relationships.It doesn’t come across at my pastand all the sufferingthat I went throughin someof necessarilyas purely sexual,but I know it ismy sexualenergy my emotionaland sexualr&tionsbips, and I look at friends that I have transformedinto healingand loving energy. now, I seethat the Taoistpractices allow us to be in the river in @m-tiomDo you know of anyonewho is doingthese a way that’sharmonious and flowingwithout beingknocked practiceswho hasbad problemswith than againstthe rocks.We arethe navigators. A?.zsu.m No, I don’t. Everyone I know who has practiced them hasbeen quite enthusiastic about the ben&s. Reprinted with permission from Hading Ime 7hvugh the Tao Qtmtiom And there areno sideeffects? Cultiuatng Femde Sex& Enemy by hkmtak Chia & Maneewan Chia, Arzsum I have never known anyone, male or female, who Q 19t?6, Healing Tao Books, PO Box 1194, Huntington, NY, 11743.

SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 6 may reveal important new insights, much as modern Taoist sexual union is viewed as a way to spiritual medicine has benefited from clinical investigations of liberation, a consciousness of and identification with acupuncture and Ayurvedic herbal medicine.27~28 the Divine, and a way of becoming enlightened through one’s embodiment and interaction with Blending East and West another. Can Western religious thought incorporate To understand the Tantric and Taoist sexual systems these sex-affirming Eastern views without scrapping and appreciate their rich messages, one has to go much of our religious myths and beliefs? Can the beyond the surface of sexual acts, rituals, and roles to spiritual and cosmic sense of sexuality be expressed in get in touch with the cosmology, philosophy and a Western world view without sanitizing or weakening world view that frame these exercises. One also has to sexual passion, or reducing its playful element? deal with Eastern erotics, the way the Taoists and Tantriks interpret sexual feelings, ideas, fantasies, excitements, and aesthetics - what is beautiful or “i%ese ancient traditions celebrate ugly, luscious or nauseating, dull or titillating.29 Unfor- the naturalness of sexualpleasure tunately, too many manuals, especially those present- and the spiritualpotential of sexual ing Tantric sex, are exotic recipe books or tourist brochures for a sexual Shangri-la. Fang-fu Ruan rightly relations.. . ” notes that many books on Oriental sexology, while useful, “...are limited by either concentrating on a Despite these questions and challenges, we need to specialized topic or presenting a popular treatment of remember that nuclear physicist Werner Heisenberg their subject. Some, by treating sexuality as a domain acknowledged that Indian philosophy helped him of pleasure independent of the changing contexts of make sense of some of the seemingly “crazy” prin- medicine, religion, family life, reproductive strategies, ciples of quantum physics. And Western science and or social control, effectively reinforce stereotypes of medicine increasingly acknowledges the value of exotic Oriental cultures.S12 ancient traditions, such as Ayurveda, the Hindu system Complicating any effort to evaluate the extent to of medicine, and techniques of acupuncture originating which Westerners, raised with very different, even from China. opposing world views and erotics, can understand, The life cycles of past civilizations clearly suggest practice, and incorporate these sexual systems into that as they degenerate, their cultures tend to exagger- their daily lives, is the fact that, while some propo- ate the great primordial insights that led to their nents rhapsodize about the potential for ecstatic and greatness. Western cultures have overvalued individu- cosmic experiences in Tantra and Taoism, very little alism at the expense of the environment, separated can be actually known about the subjective experi- human nature from nurturing nature, and turned ences of men and women who practice these sys- everything, including the human psyche, into objects tems. 11,2o to be manipulated, controlled, and exploited. The These ancient traditions celebrate the naturalness resultant technological superiority has given human- of sexual pleasure and the spiritual potential of sexual kind dominance in our global village. It has given relations, a view that may fit well with many people’s Western culture the leisure and affluence that has sensitivities and yearnings. They also accept female allowed women to regain some of the gender equality sexuality and women’s unlimited sexual potential, a they experienced in the pre-Axial era. However, the view that is congenial with contemporary feminist violent, exploitive extremes of Western intellectual and awareness. Contemporary sexuality can be enriched moral assumptions contain the seeds of self-destruc- and broadened by a reawakening of the experience of tion History suggests that Western culture may avoid sexuality as integral to whole-person connectedness. It self-destruction and achieve a transformation into a can also benefit from seeing sexual satisfaction as a new global consciousness if it can integrate values that fluctuating, non-goal-oriented, continuum of responses will bring forth a more balanced culture, respectful of that includes pleasuring, orgasm, and ecstasy.30 Can the unity and harmony of all reality. Jaspers and others these ancient and yet very modern views be translated see in this renaissance the possible advent of a second into the Western consciousness without being trapped Axial Reriod.5r6,33 by faddism? Advocates of yoga and acupuncture have Many critics have deplored the objectification of succeeded in similar challenges. sex and the Western obsession with sexual perfor- In Western religions, spirituality refers to a loving, mance. Christianity, for the most part, has not been personal union of a human being with the Creator who able to integrate sexuality into a holistic philoso- has no gender or sex, although we are said to be phy or see sexual relations, pleasure, and passion as created in “His image and likeness.” In the Bible, avenues for spiritual meaning and growth. There have sexual pleasure is commonly associated with an been a few prophetic efforts in this direction, but original sin - a fall from grace. Sexuality tends to be many Christian churches are having difficulties dealing viewed as antagonistic to spiritual liberation.31”2 In the with sexual pleasure, apart from reproduction, and words of Joseph Campbell, in the West, “eternity along with the spiritual dimension. For individuals or withdraws, and nature is corrupt, nature has fallen...we couples, the Eastern views may have rich mean- live in exile.“’ Neither Hinduism nor Buddhism have a ing, but they will not help with the problem Western concept of an original sin or primeval fall. Tantric and religions face in accepting and affirming alternates to

7 SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 heterosexual, exclusive monogamy in today’s mysticism. In B Gupta, ed. Sexual archetypes: East & West. world. New York: Paragon House, 1986. Eastern sexual and spiritual traditions can help 7. Ness, DS. A History of the worlds religions. New York: Westerners break out of the prevailing reduction of Macmillan, 8th edition, 1990. sexuality to genital activity. Taoist and Tantric sexual 8. Sivaraman, K. The mysticism of male-female relationships: practices highlight all the senses and involve the whole Some philosophical and lyrical motifs of Hinduism. In B energies of both partners in slow, sensual dances that Gupta, ed. Sexual archetypes: East & West. New York: Para- are rich variations of what Western sexologists label gon House, 1986. the “outercourse” of the Sensate Focus Exercises. In 9. Watts, A. Erotic spirituality: The vision of Konorak. New addition, Eastern thought may help refocus our under- York: Collier Macmillan, 1971. standing and appreciation of male orgasm. The obses- 10. Deva, SK. Khajuraho. New Delhi: Brijbasi Printers, 1987. sion in sexually explicit films and videos with ejacula- 11. Chia, M & Winn, M. Taoist secrets of love: Cultivating male tion as the affirmation of masculinity leaves the male sexual energy. Santa Fe: Aurora Press, 1984. with an inevitable flaccid vulnerability that requires 12. Ruan, FF. Sex in China: Studies in sexology in Chinese cul- denial in a vicious cycle of repeat‘ed “conquests” ture. New York: Plenum Press, 1991. followed by inevitable detumescence. Taoist practices 13. Chang, J. The Tao of love and sex: The ancient Chinese can help a male achieve some parity with the multior- way to ecstasy. New York: Viig Penguin Arkana, 1977. gasmic woman by controlling his ejaculation, much to 14. Van Gulik, RH. Sexual life in ancient China. Ieiden, Neth- the benefit of both sexes. erlands: EJ. Brill, 1961. 15. Srinivasan, TM. Polar principles in yoga and Tantra. In B Conclusion Gupta, ed. Sexual archetypes: East & West. New York: Para- Over the centuries, Tantriks and Taoists adopted gon House, 1986. philosophies and practices involving yoga from others 16. Anand, M. The Art of sexual ecstasy: The path of sacred and Yin and Yang from earlier Chinese, and borrowed sexual@ for W&em lovers. Los Angeles: Jeremy Tarcher, 1989. aspects of the cultures of the pre-Aryans and (possibly) 17. Doughs, N, & Slinger, P. Sexual secrets The alchemy of the Paleolithic Europeans. Some Americans have ecstasy. New York: Destiny Books, 1979. already borrowed from the riches of Eastern sexual 18. Needham, J. Science and civilization in China. Cambridge, views. In the future this cross-fertilization may increase England: University Press, 1956. and become more sophisticated. The outcome could 19. Rawson, P. The an of Tantra. Greenwich, CI: New York lead to new icons, archetypes, and meanings for Graphic Society, 1973. sexual relations as expressions of love, passion, 20. Chia, M & Chia, M. Healing love through the Tao: Cultivat- commitment, procreation, playful fun, and friendship ing female sexual energy. Huntington, NY: Healing Tao as well as mystical transcendence and spiritual one- Beds, 1986. ness. 21. Turner, V. The ritual process: Structure and anti-structure. The Western technological imperative needs a Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1969. strong antidote to regain its health in the 21st century. 22. Blofeld, J. The Tantric mysticism of Tibet. Boston: Western culture may find a corrective to its highly Shambhala, 1970. successful, but dangerously exaggerated technological 23. Sharma, PS, & Sharma, Yoga and sex New York: Comer- imperative (Yang) in the ancient Eastern tradition of stone Libmty, 1975. the nurturing potential of a panerotic sensuality (Yin). 24. Campbell, J. Transformations of myth through time. New The health of Western culture can be improved by York: Harper and Row, I990. learning from key elements of the Taoist and Tantric 25. Radha, S. Kundalini yoga for the West Boston: Shambhala, traditions. At the same time, Eastern cultures are also 1985. caught up in the current revolution of human con- 26. Hanman, W, & Fit&n, M. Any man can. New York: St. sciousness that some see as the advent of a second Martins Press, 1984. Axial Period, which is based on gender equality and a 27. Bentov, I. Stalking the wild pendulum. New York: E.P. global and cosmic consciousness, sensitivity, and D&ton, 1977. shared responsibility. This requires mutual collabora- 28. Sannella, L. The Kundalini experience: Psychosis or ttan- tion and cross-fertilization on all sides. scendence. Lower Lake, CA: Integral Publishing, revised edi- tion, 1987. References 29. Her&, G. Representations of homosexuality: An essay on 1. Campbell, J. The power of myth. New York: Doubleday, cultural ontology and historical comparison, Pan 1. Jourvlalof 1988. the History of s&xuulity, 1991, l(3), 481-504. 2. Bullough, VL. Sexual variance in society and history. Chi- 30. Ogden, G. Women and sexual ecstasy: How can therapists cago: university of Chicago Press, 1976. help? Women and Iherapy, 1988, 7(2,3), 43-56. 3. Gin-has, M. The language of the Goddess. New York: 31. Lawrence, Jr, RJ. The poisoning of Eros: Sexual values in Harper and Row, 1989. conflict. New York: Augustin Moore Press, 1989. 4. Rawson, P. Tantra: The Indian cult of ecstasy. New York: 32. Rainke-Heinemenn, U. Eunuchs for the kingdom of Avon Books, 1973. heaven: Women, sexuality, and the Catholic Church. New 5. Jaspers, K. The Origin and goal of history. New Haven, CT: York: Doubleday, 1990. Yale University Press, 1953. 33. Paglia, C. Sexual personae: Art and decadence from 6. Cousins, EH. Male-female aspects of the Trinity in Christian Nefemti to Emily Dickinson. New York: Random House, 1990.

SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 8 A THEOLOGY OF SEXUAL PLEASURE

Wilhm R. Stayton, ThD Human Sexuality Program, Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

‘

A comment which I hear very often is “What is a recruited all of the local clergy who would participate Baptist minister doing in the field of human sexuality? and offered a concurrent course for parents. Again, we It seems incongruous!” What a sad commentary on the had a large turnout and a tremendous success. Then perceived relationship between religion (especially that other churches and councils of churches heard about of Baptists) and sexuality! The perception most often our program and asked me to run similar programs for offered is of a “Jerry Falwell” type, denouncing such them. Soon I was traveling all over New England forms of sexuality as persons with a homosexual setting up sex education programs. It became very orientation. Actually, the fact is that being a minister in apparent to me how hungry our people are to know a local congregation led me to this new form of about their sexuality and how closely our sexuality is ministry as a sex educator and sex therapist. My story bound to our spirituality. Eventually I ended up in this undergirds my belief that we are born both spiritual ministry full time. It constantly amazes me how many and sexual. One of the tasks of life is integrating into ordained clergy are in the sexology field. Their stories wholeness these two aspects of our being. are not much different than mine. Early in 1965, while I was serving the First Baptist In this paper, I would like to share a theology about Church of Gloucester, Massachusetts, my high school sexual pleasure that has evolved as a result of study, youth group asked me if I would offer some sessions my own thoughts, and experiences in this ministry. I on sex education. My feelings were mixed. I felt am going to offer some biblical, scientific, and cultural excited, challenged, scared, and perplexed. Excited contributions which I believe are important to develop- because they were asking for something I did not have ing a theology of sexual pleasure. the courage to ask for when I was their age; chal- lenged because sexuality is an ethical and moral issue The Bible and Sexual Pleasure and the church was certainly the proper arena for sex Contrary to the belief of many Christians, the Bible education; scared because I had no idea how the is not a sex book: that is, the writers of the Bible were congregation would view such a venture; and per- not as concerned about the acts of sex as they were plexed about what I should tell them. What do they about human relationships and the motives and need to know? Where would I get my information? consequences of sexual acts. There is no question that Could I be honest, truthful and open with them? What writers were well aware of the forces of passion and if there was conflict over my answers to their ques- love as one reads, for example the beautiful love song tions? Could I lose my job? I turned to two other clergy of the Song of Songs, with its powerful climax: in the community and together we decided we would support each other and together offer a four-session Love is as powerful as death; passion is as strong course. Among our congregations we had about 60 as death itself. It bursts into flames and burns young people. We asked them to bring signed notes like a raging fire. Water cannot put it out; no from their parents saying they could take our course. flood can drown it (~6-7). The night the course opened, we had several hundred young people show up - all with signed notes from It is tragic that so many within the Christian faith their parents. We had to go to the sanctuary of the have dwelt on a few scriptural references and force-fit largest of the three congregations. There we were in a them into their own concepts of sexual morality. It is sanctuary, under the cross, talking about sex. I must hard to understand the Christian mind that can be so admit it did throw me at first. flexible and non-literal regarding such topics as semen The kids were great! I learned more from them and menstruation (Lev 15:16-301, treatment of a during that four weeks than they learned from me. disobedient son (Deut 21:18-21), women in church (1 How eager they were to learn! How incredibly incisive Cor 14: 34-35), submission of wives (Eph 5:6), slavery were their questions! How sensitive they were to my (Eph 6:5), and the proper dress and behavior of discomfort! The course was a hit. In fact, within six women (1 Tim 2:9-15), but when it comes to topics weeks, the Board of Education of Gloucester asked us like masturbation (Gen 38:6-lo), homosexual practices if we would offer a course for Junior Highs and hold it (Gen 19:1-28; Lev 18:22; 20:13; Rom 1:26-27; 1 Cor 6:9- in the high school facilities. For that course, we 10; 1 Tim 1:9-lo), transsexualism and transvestism

9 SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 (Deut 22:5), and sex and the unmarried, there is rigid Masters and Johnson - William Masters, MD, and inflexibility and a claim of absolute literal interpreta- Virginia Johnson of St. Louis can be credited with tion of the Bible. beginning the movement towards understanding the Regarding the passages above about masturbation physiology and chemistry of human sexual function- and homosexuality, I would make the following ing. As a result of their groundbreaking work in comments. First, it is a gross misinterpretation to Human Sexual Response4 they were also instrumental associate Genesis 386-10 with masturbation. This in describing the dysfunctions that occur when the passage is about the sin of Onan, which occurred physiological and/or chemical system is blocked from when Onan refused to fulfill his obligation under the functioning. They describe the dysfunctions, their Levirate law to impregnate his dead brother’s wife, etiology and treatment, in their second book on Tamar. Not having our current scientific knowledge Human Sexual Inadequacy.5 regarding coitus interruptus as a poor and unreliable Masters and Johnson divide the sexual response method of birth control, Onan used this practice to cycle into four phases: excitement (or arousal), pla- keep from inseminating Tamar. teau, orgasm, and resolution. Masters and Johnson Second, since the topic of homosexuality, which is described in detail each of these phases in both the such an important issue in the church today, is going female and male. to be covered elsewhere in this journal, I will limit my comments. Most helpful to me in understanding the Orgasm biblical references to homosexuality have been Derrick Sherwin Bailey, Homosexuality and the Western Christian Tradition,I John J. McNeill, SJ, The Church and the Homosexual,2 and James B. Nelson, Embodi- ment.3 From these writers, it seems apparent that the

Bible does not speak about homosexuality as a sexual Female orientation. Furthermore there is some question as to Male whether biblical authors, especially Paul, are talking Masters and Johnson, 4 Phases of Sexual Response about homosexuality at all. Some scholars now believe that Paul is referring to pederasty, a practice common As a result of their work, we discovered that males in his time. If homosexual acts are what Paul is talking and females are born sexual and that sexual responses about, then it seems that he is discussing these acts as occurs from before birth until death. While still in if they were being engaged in by heterosexual persons utero, females vaginally lubricate and males have (see Rom 1:26-27). erections. These phenomena occur while males and Truly, if Jesus Christ is the central figure in history females are asleep, every 40-80 minutes, until death for Christians and the focus of God’s humanizing unless interrupted by disease or chemical interven- action, then it is an important fact that he never refers tions. If human beings respond sexually from before to any of the sexual practices described above. Using birth until death, then this has important implications Jesus Christ as our norm, all practices and biblical texts for our understanding of our creation as sexual beings should be judged in light of his person and teachings. with the potential for sexual pleasure as a natural part When he was asked: “Teacher...what is the greatest of our life. commandment in Law?” Jesus answered by quoting The fact that sexual response is pleasurable has from Leviticus and Deuteronomy. “ ‘Love the Lord theological significance. It could be said that the your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with Creator intends sexual pleasure for the human crea- all your mind.’ This is the greatest and the most ture. For example, females have an organ, the clitoris, important commandment. The second most important which has no other function than sexual pleasure. commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you While it has an analog in the penis, the penis has other love yourself.’ The whole Law of Moses and the functions such as urination and as a way of transmit- teachings of the prophets depend on these two ting sperm. Pleasure is intricately woven into human commandments” (Matt 22:36-40; also Mark 12:28-34 sexual response. If sexual pleasure was intended only and Luke 10:25-28). Jesus himself makes love the for procreational purposes within the marriage bond, central core of his message and ministry. Nowhere then God has played a terrible joke on the multitudes does he, even in his teachings of self denial, condemn throughout history who never married or could not sexual pleasure. His concern always seems to be the have children or who theoretically could have had wholeness, the spiritual well-being, and loving rela- over 30 children during their child-bearing years! Must tionships of persons. not our theology take into account the fact that we have the capacity to experience sexual pleasure at Science and Sexual Pleasure birth and that sexual pleasure can be experienced until In the last 25 years, there have been many great death? contributions to our understanding of sexual pleasure Helen Singer Kaplan - In the late 1970s Dr. Helen coming out of the medical and behavioral sciences. Singer Kaplan of Cornell University proposed an There are three major contributions which to me are important fifth stage to the sexual response cycle, foundation stones for understanding the natural function which precedes the original four. She called this the of sexual pleasure and its theological significance. desire phase. She found that people could be blocked

SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 10 from sexual pleasure and response before excitement evening - in fact it was perfect! There was no sex - I or arousal could take place. Such people have an am not sure that I really even knew much about sex aversion to sex and to sexual pleasure. So Dr. Kaplan then, but it was a very important learning experience. I did a study of the components of sexual desire. She was developing the art of seduction, which later would wrote this up in a very helpful book, Disorders of play a vital part in sexual pleasure. I still think of that Sexual Desire.6 Among the causes of a lack of desire wonderful date whenever I wear Old Spice. were such factors as childhood sexual trauma, child The next phase of ESP is the Sensations phase. Our sexual abuse, rape, negative attitudes towards sex, low senses are nature’s aphrodisiacs. They are all that a self-esteem, and religious orthodoxy that repressed person needs to gain and maintain sexual arousal and sexual expression. It is amazing to me how many pleasure. The importance of touch, vision, hearing, people I see suffering from a lack of sexual desire who smell, and taste can not be overstated. Touch is a chief blame their dysfunction on their religious upbringing. means of healing and pleasure, but all to often, touch To me this is an indictment of Christian theologies that becomes a way of controlling and punishing. Then it have failed to take into account a theology of sexual becomes abusive and a person so abused will have pleasure or even a theological affirmation of sexual great difficulty in deriving pleasure from this very expression other than for procreative purposes. important sense. Seeing and hearing one’s beloved and David M. Reed - An important contribution to our the sight and sound of sex can be very stimulating understanding the psychological nature of sexual unless one is taught that the body is gross and the response was proposed by Dr. David M. Reed of sounds of sex are frightening. The smell and taste of Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. His theory sex also stimulate, unless one has been told the smell has yet to be published, but in my judgement is crucial is bad and to taste sex is wrong because the sexual to understand the importance of sexual pleasure. He organs are dirty. As a sex therapist I have learned how calls his theory ESP, or the theory of the Erotic Stimu- important the senses are to helping a couple with a lus Pathway. He describes ESP in four phases. dysfunction. The fewer senses the couple uses the more difficult it will be to help them become func- : tional. Sexual function depends on sexual pleasure and that pleasure is based on our sensations. Yet how do we educate our children with this knowledge? The third phase in ESP is called the Surrender phase. For orgasm to take place as a pleasurable experience, one needs let go and give control over to the experience. If one has been taught to be overcontrolled or there are power struggles in the relationship, then the psychophysiologic response will be affected. The fourth and final phase, the Reflection phase, is most important. How a person feels immediately after the sexual experience will act as feedback to future David M. Reed, The Edc Stimulus Pathway sexual experiences with that person. If the immediate reflection is positive; that is, warm, loving, pleasurable, Dr. Reed’s model is based upon a theory of psycho- then the desire will be stimulated for the next time. If, sexual development. When young people begin to on the other hand, the reflection is negative; that is, date, they are experiencing the first stage of ESP, the the person did not like the way s/he experienced his/ Seduction phase. This important stage has two compo- her response, or is negative about the partner or the nents: first, seducing oneself into being interested in situation, then the feedback will act to lower desire for another person and second, learning how to seduce the next time. the other person into being interested in you. For A common problem in long term relationships is young people this stage is enough in itself. that couples forget the importance of the seduction For example, I will never forget my first date. I can phase and go right for the sensations or orgasm phase. remember how excited I was when my 7th grade An example is the couple who lets sex go until the last classmates told me that Julie liked me. I can remember experience of an already busy day just before going to how that relationship progressed during the 7th grade. sleep. Typical is the couple who has a “quickie” at we used to send notes to each other, then we started 11:20 p.m., between sports and Nightline (or Johnny talking on the telephone to each other, and finally she Carson), during the weather report. When this occurs invited me to the end-of-the-year dance. It was a over time, then even the sensations begin to lose their formal dance. The time I spent picking out my clothes, power. It is interesting that in working with couples taking a long bath, getting ready, combing my hair involved in extramarital affairs, one of the major even amazed my parents. Then, even though I was experiences that makes the extramarital affair exciting only 12 years old, I went to the medicine cabinet in is that the Seduction phase is reintroduced into a our bathroom and splashed a lot of my father’s Old relationship. Keeping seduction alive in a long term Spice aftershave lotion on my face. My father drove us relationship is vitally important and should be taught to the dance and picked us up. It was a wonderful as part of a person’s preparation for marriage.

11 SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 Again, it is impressive how important sexual plea- has profound implications regarding theology, as will sure is in human relationships and sexual function. Yet be discussed later in this article. how often do we prepare our children or help adults Another researcher, Fred Klein,l’ deepened Kinsey’s within the context of the church to experience the concepts further by creating a grid for describing fullness of God’s intention for sexual pleasure? Where sexual orientation and its complexity. Klein identifies is a theology for this important aspect of life? issues of sexual attraction, sexual behavior, sexual fantasies, emotional preference, social preference, Sexual Orientation and Sexual Pleasure lifestyle, and self-identification, using the Kinsey Rating In recent years, there have developed a number of Scale to get a profile. This multi-dimensional grid has theories regarding erotic responses and sexual orienta- been very helpful to the therapist in working with tion. Alfred Kinsey and his associates7 saw sexual persons who feel confused about their sexual orienta- orientation on a bisexual continuum from exclusively tion. heterosexual to exclusively homosexual, based on In my experience as a sex educator and sex thera- exoeriences and fantasies with other persons. He pist, I have not been fully satisfied by either the Kinsey oftered a seven point continuum from 0 to 6, as or Klein models, because I find that people are sexu- ally aroused by more than other people of the same or opposite sex. In my 25 years as a psychotherapist, I Predom- inant have found that sexual orientation is a very complex heterosex- phenomenon. In 1980, I was asked to be an issue uality with editor on the subject of human sexuality for a nursing incidental more thnn journal, Topics in Clinical Akming,” where I presented homolex- incidental I I udity homo.ex- herero- sexuality an expanded model for looking at sexual orientation. uality ,cxuality In Francoeur,” this model was named Stayton’s 1 2 3 4 5 6 Paneroticism. Source: McCary,I J.L. Human .%x&i0 3rd cd. (New York: Basic Books 1971), p. 339. The thesis of my model is that potentially anything Kinsey Sexuality Scale in the universe can have erotic value for someone. Sometimes this can be very appropriate, at other times, Kinsey believed that a 0, or exclusively heterosexual inappropriate. For example, being turned on erotically person, would be one who never had any type of by the beauty of nature or good music is totally genital homosexual experience, desire or fantasy. A 6, appropriate in this model, while being turned on by or exclusively homosexual person, would be one who hurting oneself, someone else, or acting out sexually never had any type of genital heterosexual experience, with children is totally inappropriate. As I listen to desire or fantasy. In between these two extremes people in my practice discussing their sexuality, I am would be gradations of homosexual and heterosexual convinced that there is nothing in this universe that experiences, desires or fantasies. Almost any textbook someone does not turn on to. As a theologian and as a on Human Sexuality has information on the results of psychologist, I am concerned about all the dimensions Kinsey’s study on sexual orientation based on 5,300 of a person’s relationships, sexual and non-sexual, men and 5,900 women. whether with the self, others, the things in their life, or Interestingly, cross-cultural research indicates that the with whatever is ultimate in their life. I have tried to majority of societies that have existed are non-repressive reflect this concept in the following diagram. regarding sexuality, unlike the United States which is one of the more repressive cultures to have existed. Ford and Totally Beach8 and Marshall and Suggs9 indicate that in non- Math, Sciences, etc. sexually repressive societies, the majority of people are in the 2. (predominantly heterosexual with more than incidental homosexuality) category. Significant in the research is the indication that people are born with bisexual potential. Most of the well-known researchers in the field, from Freud to Kinsey to Masters and Johnson, agree about the bisexual potential of the majority of people. In fact, OTHERS 3 there is no research to indicate that humans are born to be zero on the Kinsey scale. To the contrary, evidence indicates that humans are born sexually neutral, or Kinsey three, and have the potential of developing in either or both directions between homosexuality and heterosexuality. Further, only in sexually repressive cultures, such as our own, do we find such a high value on exclusivity at either the 0 or 6 end of the scale. One needs to remember that we are talking about erotic potential, not necessarily lifestyle or life experience. In my judgment, this information Stayton’s Paneroticism

SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 12 In considering this model, it is my premise that On the other end of this continuum are those who besides responding erotically to another person or find they are aroused erotically by animate objects, persons, humans can also find sexual pleasure in such as a favorite pet or a particular type of animal. It relating to their own bodies. In working with an is a fact that many people, especially in our culture, get individual, it is very important to assess the relation- their touching needs met through their household pets. ship with the self. If we introduce a Kinsey-type rating While this does not usually lead to sexually acting out, scale, we would find at one end of the continuum a the pet can still become the object of the person’s person who is totally self absorbed. Pathologically, we preference for an emotional outlet. The vast majority of call this narcissism. At the other end of the continuum these experiences do not result in childhood, adoles- is a person who would deny him or herself any cent or adult pathology unless the person is discovered pleasure. We would diagnose this person as having a in the act of having sex with the animal and made to martyr-complex syndrome. The ideal of health would feel shame or alienation from family or friends. It is in be someone in the 3 range, who holds in creative the process of being discovered and the reaction of the tension the ability both to serve self or deny self when discoverer that psychological damage can occur. Of either would be appropriate. This would also be true course if animals are the only recipients of a person’s sexually. Self pleasuring in the context of a healthy sexual feelings, then it is appropriate to refer the self-image can be very helpful in developing one’s person for therapy. sexual response cycle. An almost unanimous perspec- Because sexual orientation is set very early in life, tive in the field of sexuality today is that autoeroticism probably by 5 or 6 and not later than 7 years of age, it is healthy, desirable and important to adult sexual is very difficult, if even possible, to change a person’s adjustment. Masturbation is a lifelong and enjoyable orientation through therapy later in life. Through practice for many people in our culture. In cases of therapy the person can explore other possible erotic sexual dysfunction, it is common to recommend alternatives and learn to control the need for harmful masturbation as a part of the treatment plan (if it is erotic behavior. In some cases, such as pedophilia within the person’s value system). Does this not have (adults who are sexually attracted to children), the implications for Christian education? Young people medical profession can now help the person control should be given an understanding of masturbation and the impulse to sexually molest children through the use its health-giving benefits throughout the life cycle. We of medication, combined with psychotherapy. emphasize the importance of healthy self-esteem, yet, Probably the most controversial dimension in my almost all Christian sexuality education curriculum model is the one in relationship to the Thou in one’s either presents masturbation as negative or ignores it life. In the years that I have been presenting this as if it did not exist.13 The church, too often, instills model, I have talked with scores of deeply spiritual guilt rather than affirmation for this practice, thus persons who have experienced sexual pleasure and causing one to be cut off from an important part of the response during periods of meditation, prayer and relationship to the self. communion. While this may sound blasphemous or Another dimension of a person’s relationship is to pathological to some, it seems to make perfect sense to objects. Again, if we introduce a Kinsey-type scale, we others who have experienced the sensuality of spiritual would find at one end of the continuum inanimate feelings. Indeed, the Bible frequently pictures objects; at the other end, the animate world. In relation humanity’s relationship to God with the language of to inanimate objects, erotic responses and sexual marriage. The Bible talks about the bride and the pleasure occurs with almost any object. The more bridegroom, the marriage of God and Israel, of Christ common responses reported to the therapist are and the Church, and of our oneness with Christ, so that clothes, art, rubber, vehicles of transportation, nature, it does not seem out of context to see a whole relation- explicit erotic material, money, and parts of the body. ship with our Creator God as having an erotic compo- This list can be supplemented with literally thousands nent. of other possibilities. As a young person, one of my favorite events was In sex therapy it is not unusual to hear people the occasional Sunday night “Singspiration” at our report being sexually aroused by art, music, particular church. Some of the gospel tunes that we sang were foods or drink, a particular setting such as the sea- very sensual indeed. I especially remember “I come to shore, a stream, a mountain lake, vacations, or strenu- the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses. ous activities like sports. Particular clothes, parts of the And he walks with me and he talks with me and tells body, certain smells, or good communication are also me I am his own.” What sensual feelings that tune used often listed as important to a person’s ability to experi- to evoke in me. As Francoeurl’ states in response to ence erotic feelings. I consider these healthy and this transcendent dimension: positive aspects of a person’s sexual orientation. There are also unusual, but harmless, objects or activities, A few artists and poets, like the Pre-Raphaelite such as rubber artifacts, dressing in clothes of the Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882) and the opposite sex, or particular articles of clothing which Romantic William Blake (1757-1827), England’s are needed for erotic arousal. Finally, there are the greatest visionary poet, have captured the unusual, but harmful “turn ons,” such as being aroused transcendental dimension, human sensuality, and by weapons, infliction of pain or inappropriate acting eroticism. The mystical writings of two medieval out sexually that is against the public morality. Spanish saints, Theresa of Avila and John of the

13 SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 Cross, contain many examples of transcendental ately go out and “get into trouble.” The fact is that erotic expressions in poetry and meditations. In most childhood and early adolescent sexual acting out more recent times, the work of anthropologist is a form of experimentation based on sexual igno- Loren Eiseley and the astronomer-poet Carl rance. Sagan have touched on the domain of transcen- The third barrier to a theology of sexual pleasure is dental cosmic sensuality. The Tantric Buddhist that our culture is sexually secretive. Sex is presented tradition of sexuality with its symbolic lingam/ as the great mystery and the more mysterious it is, the yoni (the male and female principles) and the more healthy and pleasurable it will be when temple sculpture of Hinduism express the marriage occurs. Sex is presented as so personal, so transcendental/erotic dimension in the Eastern intimate, that it is inappropriate to share one’s deepest cultures. fantasies and sexual thoughts with anyone. Strong judgements are often made on the person who has If “nature’s intention” is to create persons who are erotic fantasies that do not coincide with ‘normal’ fully sexual in every sense of the word and every heterosexual, monogamous, and married sexual dimension of their relationships, then how do we intercourse. Lustful thoughts and sexual passion are present this aspect of our creation in a theological not to be admitted to by the Christian, so that such framework? What pleasures are appropriate and what thoughts are kept down in the recessesof the most are not appropriate? This is the challenge for the secret place within. theologian of today. The fourth barrier is that the church has not valued sexual pleasure, nor included sexual pleasure as a Culture and Sexual Pleasure value in Christian education curricula. Basically there Our culture has developed several barriers which are two opposing sexual value systems within the hinder the development of a creative theology for church.‘* Both are just as ancient as the other and each sexual pleasure. The first barrier is that our culture is has prominent spokespersons throughout history. The sexually traumatized. We are bombarded daily by a first sexual value system is the one most identified with type of unnatural sexuality which is highly commer- the church. It is based on a procreational ethic, which cialized, exploitive, and presents women as sex sees male sperm as the bottom line because the sperm objects. This view is found in our advertisements and is the “seed of new life.” Women are seen in this value in the visual, spoken, and written media. We are led to system as having the role of nurturer and supporter. believe that the only highly sexual person is the Like the child who asked his/her parent where s/he person with the perfect body, bodily dimensions and came from, and the reply was: “Well Daddy planted his weight, and who is young, and not religious. Rather seed in Mommy and that seed grew up and became than presenting another, healthier view, the church is you!” In this unscientific explanation, there is no seen as anti-sexual, except for procreational sex within concept of the egg carrying life, just as the sperm marriage. Many people in our society grow up with a does. In this view, procreation requires intercourse model of a celibate marriage, because they cannot with another person of the opposite sex, within imagine their parents having a meaningful, highly marriage, and in a manner which promotes pregnancy. eroticized sexual relationship. If children grow up to For the purist in this value system, birth control, believe that, at best, they should be suspicious of their abortion, masturbation, homosexuality, premarital sex, sexuality and, at worst, to hate their sexuality, then alternative sexual lifestyles, and erotic sexual behaviors they do not have a good foundation on which to build other than intercourse would be prohibited. The focus a healthy attitude toward experiencing sexual plea- of concern for this value system is entirely on the sure. “acts” of sex carrying the moral value. The second barrier to a theology of sexual pleasure The second sexual value is based on the nature of is that our culture values sexual ignorance. While relationships, rather than various “acts.” This view valuing knowledge and education generally, when it holds that the Bible and Christianity are about human comes to sexual self-knowledge the value is reversed relationships. The bottom line of this value is Jesus’ and we go on the premise that it is better not to statement, cited earlier in this paper, on loving God, know. Most parents dread the day their child becomes one’s neighbor and one’s self. Various sexual “acts” sexually aware or inquisitive. The common scenario is and lifestyles are measured against the norm of what that the child asks some question about sex; the are the motives and consequences of the ‘Lacts” and mother turns the answering of the question to the how do they enhance relationships with self, others, father (if the boy asks), and the father becomes and God. This view holds that there is nothing inher- tongue-tied and stammers through some evasive and ently sick or sinful about the “acts” of sex that are incoherent jumble of words. If the daughter asks, the done mutually, without coercion, without harm to any mother gives her a booklet put out by the Kotex of the participants, and out of sight and sound of Company. If we give our children anything, it is unwilling observers. usually the basics of sexual plumbing and some These two sexual value systems are not compatible. anatomy, but usually nothing about what will make The first does not value sexual pleasure, but empha- for being a good lover. Somehow there is a fear that if sizes the procreational nature of sexuality. The second children are given a good knowledge and understand- values sexual pleasure as enhancing the quality and ing of sexual response and pleasure, they will immedi- intimacy of loving relationships. If we are to develop a

SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 14 theology of sexual pleasure, it will have to come out either spiritual growth or service to humanity. The of a value system that emphasizes the dimensions of a current focus on sexual meaning in our time is a persons relationships - with self, others, the “its” in reaction of humans striving to understand the nature of life, and the Thou. their sexuality. Many are fearful of implications. Maybe one of those implications will be the rediscovery that Defining a Sexual Theology Based Upon a the entire universe is our potential sexual orientation Pleasure Principle and that we can find sexual pleasure in all the dimen- It is my thesis that love, spirituality, and sexuality sions of our life. That will happen when we join our are inextricably bound together. As I have tried to sexual self with our spiritual self and seek appropriate point out in this paper, nature’s (and Gods) intention ways of expressing that pleasure in all our relation- seems to be to create persons who are sexual in the ships. fullest sense of the word, with a sexual system that responds to sexual pleasuring. ” And God saw that the And we ourselves know and believe the Creation was GOOD” (Gen 1:31). How then do we love which God has for us. God is love, take all the information above and work it into a theology of sexual pleasure that is relevant for dally and whoever lives in love lives in union Christian living? The New Britannica-Webster Dictio- with God and God lives in union with nay and Reference Guide (1986) defines theology as him. follows: “The study and interpretation of religious faith, practice, and experience, esp., thought about REFERENCES God and his relation to the world.” If we take the last 1. Bailey, DS. Homosexualityand the WesternChristian part of this definition, that is, God and God’s relation tradition. London: LongmansGreen, 1955. to the world, then it is important to ask )I What is in 2. McNeill, SJ,JJ. The Church and the homosexual.Kansas City: SheedAndrews and McMeet, 1976. the mind of God regarding our creation?” There are 3. Nelson,JB. Embodiment.Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg several ways of exploring the mind of God. PublishingHouse, 1978. One of those ways is through the Bible. A powerful 4. Masters, W &Johnson, V. Human sexual response. Boston: description of God in the New Testament is that God Little, Brown, 1966. is Love (I John 4%9). Jesus certainly presented a God 5. Masters, W &Johnson,, V. Human sexual inadequacy. of love in his ministry and he affirmed this when he Boston: Little, Brown, 1970. responded to the Pharisees with ” the great command- 6. Kaplan, HS. Disorders of sexual desire. New York: Simon ment” to love God, oneself and others. John affirms and Schuster, 1979. love as central when he states that “...God loved the 7. Kinsey, AC, Pomeroy, WB & Martin, CI. Sexual behavior in world so much that he gave his only Son” (John ~~16). the human male. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1948; Kinsey, AC, Pomeroy, WB & Martin, CI. Sexual behavior in the human Love seems to be a central reality in the mind of God female. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1953. and is not abstract or static, but dynamic and active. 8. Ford, CS & Beach, FA. Patterns of sexual behavior. New The love described above also defines God’s relation- York: Harper and Row, 1951. ship to the world and how God wants humans to 9. Marshall, D & Suggs, R, eds. Human sexual behavior. relate to each other. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1972. Another way to sort out the mind of God is 10. Klein, F. The bisexual option. New York: Arbor House, through the findings of scientific research. If all of 1978. creation is from God, then the more we can learn 11. Stayton, WR. A theory of sexual orientation: The universe as about creation, the more in touch we will be with the a turn on. Topics in Nursing, 1980, l(4), 1-8. mind of God. In the works that I have cited above of 12. Francoeur, RT. Becoming a sexual person. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1982. Masters and Johnson, Kaplan, Reed, and many others 13. Stayton, WR. Religion and adolescent sexuality. In D not cited, we have learned much about human sexual Grevanus, ed. Adolescent Sexuality and Pregnancy. New York: function. I am in awe at our creation as sexual beings. Thieme-Stratton,Inc., 1985. Our capacity for love, for relationship, and our ability 14. Stayton, WR. Alternative lifestyles: Marital options. In DC to respond to intimate relationships with such deep Goldberg, ed. ContemporaryMawiage: SpecialIssues in and meaningful sexual pleasure is a humbling experi- Couples7berapy. Homewood, IL: Dorsey, 1985. ence. To restrict sexual pleasuring to the procreational function, and to validate sexual pleasure only when it Reprinted with permission from the American occurs in heterosexual relationships, diminishes the Bapttst Quarterly, June 1989, Volume VIII, creative capacities God gave humans for expressing Number 2. Copyright 0 1989 by the American love. Baptist Historical Society. Finally, the mind of God can be discerned when- ever humans seek wholeness, that is, to integrate William R. Stayton, 7%D, a member of the SIECUS mind, body and spirit. The quest for wholeness and Board of Directors, is a certified sex therapist and spiritual oneness with God and with each other is educator and a licensed psychologist in privateprac- experienced in every period of history and among all tice. He is on the faculty of the Graduate Program in peoples. When the integration of love, sexuality and Pastoral Counseling at La Salle Univemity in Pbiladel- spirituality are experienced, God’s intention is born phia, as well as the Human Sexuality Program at anew in the world. Sexual pleasuring does not hinder University of Pennsylvania.

15 SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 SE2WALJTY AND S’I+UDY COMMISSIONS IN CHURCHES AND SYNAGOGUES

The Rt. Rev. David E. Richards Counselor and Organizational Consultant with Performance, Inc., Coral Gables, FL

A t this time it appears that many religious bodies, One of the major problems in any group working both Christian and Jewish, are finding it necessary to together on issues of human sexuality is that this work respond to questions arising among their constituencies cannot be done without each participant’s sexual regarding issues relating to sexuality. Study reports and attitudes, history, and conduct somehow or other resolutions appearing in both local and national coming into play. Any comment a person makes on the settings often engender debate over sharply differing subject of sexuality is connected to some extent with viewpoints within congregations and national struc- her or his own sexual life. Talking about sex, even in a tures. In some instances, the debate results in the purely academic or theoretical way, is still a deeply withholding of funds by contributors in an effort to individual experience and inevitably has the potential force compliance with a particular and strongly held for being personally self-disclosing. Some members of point of view. a group working on sexuality issues may not wish to Appeal is often made to the Holy Scriptures, but be open about their own sexual feelings and experi- interpretations vary and the citing of the same critical ences. Propriety as we customarily know it in most passage sometimes is employed to defend positions religious groups does not allow for revelations and that are quite opposite to one another. Frequently, the self-disclosures of such a deeply personal nature. This issues are seen as fundamentally ethical ones, and this means that one of the issues the group needs to may result in one group accusing another group of address initially is the safety they feel with one another holding viewpoints that are patently immoral. Currently in an encounter that may require a closeness and it is difficult to see how the debate will be resolved. intimate sharing that could be disquieting and uncom- There are indications that some divisions within groups fortable for some. This factor cannot be overlooked if are so sharp that schism, or the breaking apart of the group is to work cooperatively and collaboratively. certain groups, could possibly occur. Feelings run very deeply about sexuality-related issues such as abortion, Addressing the Topic of Human Sexuality homosexuality, and sexuality and HIV/AIDS education Sexuality and sexual behavior demand our attention for young people in a religious group setting. today in unprecedented ways. Never before in human The following comments suggest not the content history has this topic been of such central and perva- but the approach and scope of study commission sive concern to so many persons. While historically reports aimed at helping religious groups address sexuality has always been a source of fascination and issues of human sexuality. A matter of great concern curiosity, it now impacts on a global scale with an these days is spirituality, however, by and large most urgency that is magnified by the alarming rate of the religious committees and commissions dealing with growth of the world’s population, by the spread of sexuality omit any consideration of the intimate HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, by connections between sexuality and spirituality. In greatly increased awareness of the incidence of all addition, these groups might begin from, or at least forms of sexual abuse including sexual harassment, by include, a major consideration of sexual health rather the increase in teenage pregnancy, by the divergent than focusing exclusively on sexual ethics and sexual perspectives surrounding homosexuality, and by new pathology. The latter concerns are extremely impor- insights regarding psychosexual development, sexual tant, however a foundational view of sexual health is behaviors, and gender. required in order to see each of these in their proper Sex is no longer viewed as a purely private affair, perspective. the management of which can be left entirely to personal choice and preference. It cannot be hidden Studying Sexuality in a Group Setting from the younger generation until they are “ready” to In centuries past, religious groups were frequently become sexual. It is no longer simply a spicy topic divided by issues of faith and belief. It appears now used to entertain and to increase the media’s reader- that divisions could occur in these times not on the ship and viewership. In the age of AIDS, sex can no basis of who believes what or why, but rather on the longer be viewed as a source of risque fun for those basis of who loves whom and how, and how sexuality who choose to be permissive. We are beginning to becomes integrated as an aspect of being human. understand that neglecting sexual health leads to

SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 16 serious problems with vast and extensive implications Ethics and Morality for societies all over the world. Ethics and morality obviously form an essential part When a religious body decides to address the topic of the whole theme of sexuality. In recent years, of human sexuality, there is no approach through however, it seems that sexual rules are the only which this can be done helpfully without considering matters involving sex about which some churches and the totality of this issue which is now, and always has synagogues are concerned. This preoccupation with been, of universal importance. A so-called theology of rules greatly limits the influence religious bodies may sexuality needs to integrate the psychology, the have in this area. Rules cannot and dare not be over- sociology, the physiology, the morality, and the looked, but the simplistic insistence upon enforcing spirituality, of sexuality and sexual behaviors. rules will not deepen understanding regarding sexual There are, in my judgment, at least four subthemes health. Education and preparation for ethical behavior that need to be considered: is broader, more complex, and more demanding than simply stating, restating, debating, and arguing about what is right and what is wrong. l sexual health: its meaning and definition;

l sexual pathology: the importance of diagnosis and treatment; Sexuality and Spirituality Sexuality and spirituality are closely related, but l sexual ethics: values, morality, and behaviors; and only recently has this relationship begun to be ex- plored. However, as the world has taken up anew and l sexuality and spirituality: their connection and interrelationship. afresh an interest in spirituality, is has become clear that spirituality cannot be disconnected from sexuality. The tendency to allow this to happen has led to the It is likely that there are more than these four neglect of sexual health that is now so pervasive. aspects of sexuality that need to be addressed in a Surely the religious bodies must have something comprehensive and holistic treatment of the subject. significant to say on this subject. However, a good beginning might be made by at- tempting to study the whole realm of human sexuality Conclusion under these four categories. Spirituality, as historically understood, is a means of bringing about human transformation and deepening Sexual Health one’s awareness of all aspects of human experience. Sexual health has rarely been the focus of religious Religions throughout the world have encouraged spiri- commentaries on sexuality. However, any comprehen- tual disciplines and insights as avenues for the holistic sive statement needs to include a description or exami- discernment of life’s meaning and purpose. While nation of what is meant by sexual health. Literature on sexuality is understood as biological and emotional, it this topic is extensive. Sexual health as a topic has is also important to understand how it contributes to been addressed by the World Health Organization and the spiritual significance of human interactions. by various professional groups, and is the main theme While there seems to be an increasing interest in of the Sex Information and Education Council of the secular circles in what might be thought of as non- U.S. A consideration of sexual health and some institutional spirituality, at the same time, it is impor- agreement about what this term means can help to tant for religious institutions to struggle with defining establish the base or normative foundation for all other for themselves and for their constituencies the relation- discussions and considerations. ship between sexuality and spirituality, and to discover in terms that minister to the contemporary person just Sexual Pathology how these major components in life interrelate. Sexual misconduct has become a prominent issue of concern in our society. The news media has high- The Rt. Rev. David E. Richards, formerly Director of lighted incidents of rape, sexual harassment, and the Office of Pastoral Development for the House of incest, and covered the stories of abuse survivors and Bishops of the Episcopal Church, is a member of the abuse perpetrators. The sexual misconduct of clergy SIECUS Board of Directors. He is currently working has attracted special attention in the past few years. with others in developing a program for a Center for There are treatment facilities that currently offer Sexuality and Religion. Theproposed center would valuable services to clergy and other professionals establish an interfaith, interdisczplina y forum for who experience severe sexual problems, The Rev. religious bodies of all faiths and denominations to Marie Fortune and The Center for Domestic and Sexual enter into dialogue with professionals in a variety of Violence in Seattle, as well as many other organiza- fields related to human sexuality. Its goals would be to tions, have created an array of useful resources in share sources of knowledge and guidance in order to dealing with this area. Some care facilities specialize in help religious groups address and respond to complex the treatment of sexual compulsion and sexual addic- sexual issuesand dilemmas, to enhance cooperation tion. The area of pathology is of concern to churches and the exchange of ideas wit&n groups, and to begin and synagogues because they offer a means of reliev- to resolve differences that emerge not only between ing the pain and healing the destruction that are denominations, faith groups, and jurisdictions, but caused by the neglect of sexual health. within local and denominational groups as well.

17 SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 SEXUALITY EDUCATION RESOURCES FOR RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS A SIECUS Bibliography

T his bibliography serves as a companion piece to the was prepared by Laura Steele Clapp, library assistant and SIECUS annotated bibliography, Current ReligiousPeqbec- Pamela Papish, Columbia University, with the assistance of &es on Sexuality, which was published in August/Septem- Jim Shortridge, director of Library Services. ber 1991. The selections include a brief description and are Copies of this bibliography, together with Current Reli- listed by denomination to familiarize readers who are inter- gious Pempectiveson Sexuality, can be purchased from ested in the availability of specific religious resources. The SIECUS at the following costs 1-4 copies/$2.50 each; 5-49 distributors and/or publishing houses are marked with an * copies/$2 each; 50+ copies/$l.50 each; plus 15% postage/ and follow the resources. handling (p/h). SIECUS is located at 130 West 42nd Street, &XL&&~ EducationResources for Religious Denominations Suite 2500, New York, NY 10036; 212/819-970.

Written for teenagers and young adults DanielF Polishet al Episcopal Church on HIV/AIDS and other STDs. Revised and Presents ideas expressed in the Torah expanded edition 1990, $4.95. and Talmud as well as contemporary views SEXUAIlTY: GIIT OR BURDEN? of Judaic law. 1991, $10. DorothyF. RoseC DonZbyJ Brittain SEXUALITY: Fact and Fantasy Outlines seminar to help adults clarify (In the Image Serb) LovEINY0uRLIFEz their values and understand their feelings Karen G. Bockelman(Student book) & A Jewish View of Teenage Sexuality regarding sexuality. 1980, $3. Anita A. Johnson(Teacher’sguide) RolandB. Gittelsohn Six-session program for senior high Spiritual framework for discussion abut *Diocese of CentralNew York,310 Mont- school students and young adults. 1982, teen sexuality within a Jewish context. Top gomey S&e&Syracuse, NY 13202;319 Student book, $3.95; Teacher’s guide, its include information on love, premarita.l 47ti59G $4.85. sex, birth control, anatomy and physiology of sex, HIV/AIDS and other sexually trans- SINGLES ASK: Answers toQuestlons mitted diseases, abortion, homosexuality, Evangelical Lutheran Church About Relationships and Sexual Issues dating, intermarriage, and spiritual aspects HaroldIvan Smith of sexuality. 1991, $9.95. AIDsANDcHRIsTI‘4NYouTH: Addresses questions about HIV/AIDS, re- A Guklebook for Adult Workers with lationships, dating, and sexuality from a bib- LOVE, SEX, AN-D MARRIAGE: Youth lid perspective. 1988, $9.95. AJewishView John Kerr RolandB. Gitteh-oh Designed to assist youth group leaders “AugsbulgForhess, 426 South5th Street, Discusses changes in the last decade in educate youth about HIV/AIDS. 1987, $2.10. Box 1209,Minneapolis, MN55H; 800/ the mores of sex and marriage and oEers 32846%. advice on commitment and relationships for THECHURCHANDTHECHAIIENGE high school students and young adults. OF AIDS (Adult Forum Series) 1980, $7.95. JamesM. Cbilds,Jr. Judaism A study guide about HIV/AIDS for adult Wnion of A w&&an HebrewCongregations, groups. 1987, single copies/$.80 each, $8.80 AIDS -INSIGHT AND STRATEGIES: 838 5th Awnue, New Yont,NY 10021;212/ per dozen. A Resource for Religious School and 249-0100. Congnqational Program Development FuLLYHuMAN(wltnessserles) Dr. BetsyKatz CLinda H&&se Ma& Wti&vm Includes curriculum guidelines, learning Lutheran Church Thirteen-session course for senior high activities, and HIV/AIDS education re- school students. 1990, Student book, $3.95; sources for all ages, from Kindergarten level IEARNINGABO~SEXSERIES Teacher’s guide, $4. to adults. 1991, $10. 1988. Six texts: Each One Speciully (ages 3-5), $6.50; ZWonder why(ages 6-81, $7.95; rtaNKxRYANDsExuAIlTY: COURSE ON HUMAN SEXUAIlTY FOR How YouGot to be You(ages 8-111, $7.95; Cases,Coexling,andCare ADO- IN RELIGIOUS 7be New You (ages 11-141, $7.95; Loti of G. LloydRediger scHooIs, YOUTH GROUFS,AN-D L@,brd ofMe (ages 14 and up), $7.95; Examines sexual problems that members CAMPS Ssnrality:God’s Precious GQ’? to Pare& and of the clergy may need to confront and pm Anne& Daum&Barbara Strvngin C!&&zn (adults), $7.95. Complete set, vides models of intervention and treatment. Sixteen-hour curriculum designed to help $45.95. Six corresponding videocassettes, 1990, $11.95. teens cope with changing sexual mores. $12.95 each; set of stis59.75. 1981, $2.50. SEX, LOVE, OR INFATUATION: *ConcordiaPublishing House, 3558 South How Can I Really Rnow? DRUGS, SEX, AND JNTEGRITY: Jeff&sonAwnue, St.Lot&, MO, 63118; Ray E. Short What Does Judaism Say? 8W325-3391.

SIECLJS Report, April/May 1992 18 *UnitedStata CatholicConference, Views sexuality as a gift from God, and Presbyterian Church publishing&Promotion Sennh, 1312 thus a reflection of Gods love for us as part Massacbuset&Amue, m Washington, of creation. 1991, $1.95. DC 2ooo5;8oQ/2354 722. CHRISTIAN REFIECHONS ON THE VIOLENCEINTHEFAMILY: LSSUES OF ABORTION sExUAIlTY:God%Good1dea A Workshop Curriculum for Clergy and O$iceof the GeneralAsembly Camly @Gmn G Matthewl&ding OtherHe@ers CoIIection of articles on contraception Addresses teenagers’ questions about Marie M. Fortune and abortion. 1986, $4. sexuality and God, based on the scriptures. Resource tool for those working in the 1988, Student’s edition $3.95, Teacher’s edi- areas of child, spouse, incest, and elderly THECOVENANTOFLlFEANDTHE tion $4.95. abuse. 1991, $15.95. CARINGCOMhtUNHY: Covenant and Creation *HaroldShaw Publishen, PO Box 567, *Pi&@mPress, 700 l%.pect Axnue East, O$;ceof the GeneralAssembly Wbeahnz,Ll60189 8OC/742-9782. 4thmq Chekmd, OH 44115,800/537- TheologicaI positions on contraception 3394. and abortion. 1983, $1.50. Unitarian Universalist GOD’S GIIT OF SEXUALITY: United Church of Canada A Study Guide for Young People in ‘Ihe Association Reformed Tradition CONTRACEITION AND ABORTION Curriculu?n selwices ABOUTSEXUALABUSE Recommendations for the 1980 Report Assists youth in examhing sexuality FredG Betty Ward as Amended and Approved by the within a biblical context, Topics include pu- A participant-oriented program for teens Xkventy-Eighth General C~uncll of the berty, anatomy and physiology, STDs, and and young adults. May be used separately unitedChurchofCaMda relationships. 1991, Leader’s guide, $15.95, or as a supplement to About YourStxuulity. UnitedChurch of Canada(UC0 Younger youth/Older Youth guide, $6.95, 1990, $14.95. Outlines the United Church of Canada’s Parent’s guide, $6.95. position on contraception and abortion. ABouTYouRsExuALITY 1989,25 copies/$2.50. NAMINGTHEUNNAMED: dqckculdenoood Sexual Harrassment in the Church A complete multimedia program for jun- GIFT, DILEMMA AND PROMISE Council on Womenand the Church ior high school level and above. Revised UnitedChurch of Canada(UC0 Reports on problems regarding sexual edition 1984, $89.95. A&nations on human sexuality in&d- harmssment and explores ways of involving ing official statements. 1984, $4.50. the church. 1982, $2.50 AIDS: Your community WarrenJ. BlumenfekiG ScottW A.kxander MEMBERSHIP, MINBIRYANDHUMAN PROBLEMPREGNANCYKEEPINGTHE in interfaith guide to community based SEXUAIlTY COVENANT: Guldellnes for Mhdstry ministry. 1991, $15.45. UnitedChurch of Canada (UC0 Just& for WomenCommittee A new statement of the United Church of Guidelines for evaluating and/or estab- THE WELCOMING CONGREGATION Canada by the 32nd General Council. 1988, lishing ministries to women and men with Resources for AfErmiq Gay, Lesbian, 25 copies/$1.75. problem pregnancies. 1990, $1. andBkxualUni@rianUniversalkts Rev.Scott W Akumdq editor *Ditnkionof Missionin Canada,85 Stnzet TEENAGEPREGNANCYz Includes tips on getting a program Cl&r AvenueEast, Toronto, Ontario M4T TheKidsNextDoor started, guidelines for enhancing religious lM@ 41u925-5931. CurriculumServices education classes and youth groups, and a A six-session Youth Elect Series Course section on Christian workshops. 1990, for adolescents in grades 10-12 and their $24.95. parents; part of ChistianEducation: Shared United Methodist Church Approaches, a curriculum for 12 Protestant *Unitarian UniuetsalistAssociution, denominations. 1983, $3.30. 25 BeaconShve& BQston, MA 021@; F-WITNESS ON TODAY-S 617/742-2100. ISSJES Human Sexu&ty, 19851988 *PresbyterianPublishing House, OrderSer- UnitedMethod&t C%uvch uica, 100 withrspoonstrvet, Lolhuiue, KY Study booklet contains policy statements 40202-13~ 8oa/5242612. approved by the General Conference of the United Church Board for United Methodist Church. Updated annu- Homeland Ministries ally, l-9 copies/$.70 each, lo-99/$.65, 100 or more/$ 60. Roman Catholic Church THESFARCHFORINIIMACY Bill St&house C Manjkd Wtigbt-Saunden *Disciplesh@Resources, 1908 Gmnd HuMANsExuALITY: For grades 10-12; part of A YouthElect Avenue,FQ Box 189,Nashvtlle, TN3 7202- A Catholic Pas- for seriesCoursefor O&r Youth.1981, $43.50. 0189 615/34D-7284. Education and L&long karning UnitedStates Catholic Conference SEXUALABUSEPREVEWIO~ GROWINGLOVEINCHRISTIAN Bishops’ statement that provides guid- A Study for Teemyqxs MARRIAGE ance on questions and concerns regarding Marie M. Fortune UnitedMethodist church human sexuaIity. 1991, $9.95. A curricukim for presentation at five con- Oficial marriage manual of the United secutive weekly sessions or on a weekend Methodist Church. 1991, Couple’s manual THESEXUAL CHALLENGE retreat. 1984, $3.95. $3.95, Pastor’s manual $10.95. GmwIngUp- UnitedStates Catholic Confm TALKINGWlTHYOURCHBDABOUf *Abingdon Press, PO Box 801,2018tb Explores issues surrounding premaritaI SEXUAIlTY Avenue,South, Nashtilh?, TN37202 8OCV sex. 1330, single copies/$.95 each, 12/$19.95. R. KennethOsk?rmi&r 251-3320.

19 SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 of reference for personal behavior. When the frame was From the Executive Director dismantled, guilt wasn’t the only thing that fell away; we also lost the guidewire of personal responsibility.” The editorial also appeared as a full page advertisement in 7beNew York Times labeled “When was the last time you had a good conversation SEXUAL BACKLASH about sin?” The message seems to be that everyone - regard- less of age, personal circumstance, or personal values - would be better off if they just gave up sexual behaviors. Debra W. Haffner, MPH Nowhere is this sexual backlash more evident than in the growing fear-based sexuality education movement. When I entered this field 17 years ago, the opposition’s tactics were simple. They worked strenuously to keep sexuality education I have recently finished reading Susan Faludi’s excellent out of schools and they largely failed in their efforts because book, Buc&zs~. As many SIECUS members know, I rarely the American people, then as now, wanted sexuality education endorse books or videos, In fact, it is SIECUS policy to not offer for their children. Today, the opposition has become much quotes for book jackets or video covers, not wanting to create a more sophisticated. Rather than simply opposing sexuality “SIECUS seal of approval.” However, sometimes I read or see education, which they recognize is counter to the community’s something that I think is so important that I make an exception, wish for its children, they now promote a new brand of and this is one of those times. Buy this book. Read this book. It sexuality education, which SIECUS has dubbed “fear-based may be one of the most important books that you will read this education.” Hiding behind such titles as “abstinence education,” year. It was for me. these programs are designed to instill fear, shame, and guilt in Faludi dramatically outlines the backlash against women young people about their sexuality. They are the backlash that we have been experiencing for the past decade. Through response to comprehensive sexuality education. critical investigation of the news and entertainment media, SIECUS has identified more than 16 fear-based education supposedly objective research studies, government policies, and programs. These programs go by such innocent names as Sex far right organizations, Faludi illustrates the powerful forces that Respect,Teen-AID, AANCHOR, ChallengeProgram, and You Are have been trying to convince women that the women’s Unique,and rely on scare tactics, inaccurate and biased movement was bad for them and that we were better off in information, gender stereotypes, outdated portrayals of the traditional roles as wives and mothers. Her interviews with far American family, and anti-choice, homophobic, and sexist right activists Beverly LeHaye and Connie Marshner and values. Even worse, they withhold needed information about Operation Rescue’s Randall Terry are alone worth the price of prenatal care, contraception, sexual orientation, and abortion the book. from young people. They lack respect for cultural and eco- Having read the book, I have become newly sensitive to nomic differences, contain subtly disguised religious messages, the many areas of backlash in our society. While reading the and present only one side of controversial issues. book, a reporter from i%e New York Timesasked for my Fear-based education programs teach that premarital sex is reaction to Mattel’s new doll, “Bundle Baby,” which comes in a always dangerous. SIX Respect tells young people that there is sack designed for little girls to wear. When a button is pushed, “No premarital sex if you want to be free,” and that “There is the doll kicks the child to simulate intrauterine kicking. Another no way to have premarital sex without hurting someone.” The button allows the child to hear a fetal heartbeat. According to risks that they list include disease, pregnancy, cervical cancer, Mattel, the doll is designed to teach little girls “the magic of abortion, guilt, doubt, fear, disappointment, self-hatred, pain of motherhood.” It seems to me that the toy is a form of backlash exploiting someone or being exploited, stunted growth in training for 3 to 8 year olds. I told the reporter that while personal identity and social relationships, being fooled into encouraging nurturing behavior among both little boys and girls marrying the wrong person, hanging on to a relationship to is beneficial, encouraging little girls to “experience” pregnancy save face, and using sex to avoid intimacy. I cannot help but as preschoolers is not a good idea. wonder what the eight out of 10 married Americans who had Conservative columnists have been having a field day with premarital intercourse think about this. Hillary Clinton. One columnist suggested that she is an ideal What they forget to tell young people is that contraception role model for today’s young women because she has subju- will prevent an unplanned pregnancy...that a latex condom gated her own career to her husbands goals and another sug- vastly reduces the risk of a sexually transmitted disease...that gested that if women can’t stand the heat, “perhaps they should abortion is safe and legal.. that if you suspect a pregnancy, you go back to the kitchen.” Backlash at its best. must seek immediate medical attention...that sexuality is a We have recently been observing a sexual backlash in the natural and healthy part of life and that forming a sexual media, with some surprising messengers. In a recent column, identify is a critical developmental task of adolescence. Fear- Dear Abby endorsed a reader’s concept of a “Great American based education programs put our children at risk of Sex-Out” using the “Great American Smokeout” formula. Abby unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and wrote, “Thank you for a potentially lifesaving suggestion. Now, transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. if people will just say no - and make it stick - we will be a Fear-based education programs are being proposed in much healthier society.” A recent Newsweekarticle on safe sex communities around the country. In recent months, we have ended “Already there is anecdotal evidence that high school been contacted by diverse communities in such states as students in some cities are getting the message that sex is no Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, California, Illinois, Wisconsin, fun at all when you’re dead...It took nearly three decades for and Florida. Every week, parents in two or three communities social attitudes to harden against smoking, but when they call SIECUS for help in fighting the opposition’s attempts to did, millions of people who could never quit gave it up implement fear-based education programs. We have identified rather than be pariahs. A similar shift is occurring with respect more than 45 communities that have faced a struggle between to heavy drinking and even drugs. And it will happen with sex; fear-based education and comprehensive sexuality education it has to happen, People want to live.” A December editorial in during this school year. the Wall StreetJournal seemed to endorse the notion of sin, SIECUS is leading the fight against fear-based education. stating “...but we will say this for sin; it at least offered a frame Through a new grant from the Ford Foundation, we will be

SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 20 Continued from previous page SIECUS will provide indepth assistance to communi- ties that are targeted by the fear-based education able to coordinate the national response to these efforts. We proponents. We will work to assure that all young people are working with the national media to educate the public receive the information they so badly need. And we will about this threat, We are developing a clearinghouse of continue our efforts to halt the backlash against sexual materials, and preparing case studies of communities that have rights and sexual pleasure. successfully fought these efforts. We are developing a kit of We need the help of our members and SIECUS materials for communities to use to develop and implement Advocates. Please notify SIECUS if there are local comprehensive sexuality education. attempts to implement fear-based education, or if you SIECUS’ National Guidelinesfor ComprehensiveSexuality learn of other examples of sexual backlash. Become Education have been distributed to more than 7,000 schools active in your community and state. Be sure to sign up as and organizations. The Guidelineswill help communities design a member of the SIECUS Advocates Network. effective education programs for children at all levels. They Sexual backlash is only a part of the backlash against provide a framework for encouraging youngpeople to women, civil liberties, and pluralistic values. We need to postpone sexual involvement while providing accurate understand the backlash, and we need to develop prevention information to those who are involved in sexual effective strategies to respond. Together, we can make behaviors. a difference.

SIECUS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 1992

President: Robert Selverstone, PhD Trish Moylan Torruella Psychologist in Private Practice Planned Parenthood SIECUS Westport, CT Federation of America New York, NY STAFF Secretary: William R. Stayton, ThD University of Pennsylvania Susan E. Vasbinder Philadelphia, PA Sexuality Education Consultant Executive Director Philadelphia, PA Debra W. Haffner Vice President:Lorna Sarrel Yale University Steve Rabin Deputy Director New Haven, CT Powell, Adams & Rinehart Director, Program Services Washington, DC Patti 0. Britton Treasurer:John C. Robbins John Robbins Associates Cory Richards Office Coordinator New York, NY The Alan Guttmacher Institute Elliot J. Cohen Washington, DC James W. Bowman Deputy Director James Bowman Associates The Rt. Rev. David E. Richards Director, Finance and Administration San Francisco, CA Bishop, Episcopal Church Joseph DiNorcia Coral Gables, FL Alwyn T. Cohall, MD MembershipAssistant St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital Barbara H. Stanton Diane Holschuch New York, NY New York, NY Program Assistant Beverlie Conant Sloane, PhD Jeanette Tedesco, PhD Patty Kirby Dartmouth College Western Connecticut State University Hanover, NH Danbury, CT Director, National AIDS Initiative Clive M. Davis, PhD Ralph Weaver Carolyn Patierno Syracuse University Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation Syracuse, NY Raritan, NJ Executive Assistant/ DevelopmentAssociate Margaret Gates Ruth Westheimer, EdD JoAnne B. Pereira Girls Incorporated Radio and TV Host New York, NY New York, NY Director, Libra? Services, Mary S. CalderoneLibrary Mary Guess Flamer Pamela M. Wilson James L. Shortridge New Jersey Department of Education Sexuality Education Consultant Trenton, NJ Oxon Hill, MD Libra y Assistant Laura Steele Clapp Robert L. Johnson, MD William L. Yarber, HSD New Jersey Medical School Indiana University Managing Editor Newark, NJ Bloomington, IN Elizabeth Wilber

21 SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 legal, medical, and religious - GOD’S COUNTRY: BUILDING BRIDGES: who claim they have the right and A Case Against Theocracy Gay and Lesbian Reality and the the power to define and enforce Catholic Church Sandy Rapp what is normal for all. Doing this, Binghamton, NY: Harrington Park Robert Nugent & Jeannine Gramick they could spare themselves and Press, 1991, 139 pp., $29.95 hc, Mystic, CT: Twenty-third their readers many agonizing, ab- Publications, 1992, 218 pps., $9.95 surd, yet still predictable questions, $14.95 pb. pb. typically about homosexuals being In God’s County, Sandy Rapp Building Bridges: Gay and Les- child molesters. rails against fundamentalist Chris- bian Reality and the Catholic While the essays grouped under tians who have spent the 1980s educational and social concerns are Church is the most recent in a se- working to chisel away basic pri- problematic in their approach to ries of contributions on issues af- vacy rights as established by the the issues of rights, myths, and fecting gay men and lesbians pre-Reagan Supreme Court. It is what is “natural,” - all the essays within the Catholic Church by Rapp’s thesis that “many U.S. on religious life and evolving theo- Jeannine Gramick and Robert citizens...do not understand what is logical perspectives are quite good Nugent of New Ways Ministries. happening” and “do not know how and worth the cost ofthe book. The book offers 14 essays arranged to counter what is happening” vis- Gay and lesbian lay Catholics in four topical sections: educa- a-vis the fundamentalist attack on will most appreciate the essays in tional and social concerns, coun- privacy rights. Part Four. They detail and analyze seling and pastoral issues, religious Rapp is particularly concerned the “official” statements on homo- and clerical life, and evolving theo- about reproductive rights for sexuality made by various national logical perspectives. women and civil rights for lesbians bishops’ councils, as well as While the fourth part is useful and gay men. Her approach is ran- Vatican documents, and argue that to a broad spectrum of readers, dom criticism, directed at anyone the U.S. Bishops Conference has both heterosexual and lesbian or and everyone who might be ob- precipitated discussion of this is- gay, engaged in pastoral ministry, structing these rights. Convinced sues on a grand, worldwide scale. education, activism, and church life that no one disciplinary field can No one else I know of has col- in general, the essays in other parts adequately address the systemic lected, translated, published, and have more specific target audiences. homophobia and misogyny that analyzed these papers written by The essays in the first two sec- fundamentalists play upon, Rapp bishops and bishops’ councils in deliberately eschews “the lenses of tions may be most helpful for Europe and the United States, as Catholics in all walk of life, who various focus fields” in order to well as the Vatican. These two au- are beginning to explore issues consider as a whole the “crystali- thors provide a community that of- zation of the 2,500-year-old patriar- about lesbian and gay rights, and ten feels under siege with a much myths surrounding what is “natu- chal agenda.” needed and deeply appreciated One big problem with this book ral” and “normal.” However, in perspective on how much has is that in rejecting focus, Rapp has these chapters, the writers engage been accomplished in a relatively written a book that lacks focus. In readers who assume that homo- short time. chapters with titles such as “Psy- sexuality is the “problem” that les- Gramick and Nugent are very ” “Religion,” and “Politics,” bians and gay men either (immor- important people in the demanding chology, Rapp tries to address such sweep- ally or foolishly) choose or are bio- and often frustrating conversation logically afflicted with. This is between gay and lesbian Catholics ing topics as HIV/AIDS, homopho- painful and discouraging for a les- and the Church hierarchy. Their bia, the causes of homosexuality, bian or gay reader weary from lives have been made “difficult” by Freud, Kinsey, creationism, censor- years of answering the most igno- bishops who would prefer that they ship, cross-cultural misogyny, the rant and stereotypical questions take up another line of work. But history of abortion rights in the about homosexuality over and they both have remained faithful to United States, Jesus, Paul, biblical over. The authors would accom- the goal of providing diverse exegesis, Mesopotamian myths, an- plish more if they did a critical people on life’s journey with an- cient Hebrew culture, and New Age analysis of heterosexism and the other helpful tool, and the lesbian spirituality. She covers all this and compulsory nature of heterosexual- and gay Catholic community and more in less than 140 pages. ity in the United States, rather than their advocates can be deeply God’s County does have some attempt to answer every objection grateful. strengths. At one level, the book to gay rights and every strange and Reviewed by Irma Levesque, aims to be a primer for confronting inaccurate myth about lesbians and founder of the Lesbian and Gay anti-choice and homophobic rheto- gay men. I would like to see them Catholic’s Group, Church of St. ric. To that end, the book can serve engage the various institutions - Francis Xavier, New York City. as a helpful resource. The chapter

SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 22 on abortion is particularly relevant, Judeo-Christian history and scrip- SEXUALITY AND SPIRITUAL although one must slog through a ture. She is understandably put GROWTH lot of Rapp’s own rhetoric to find off by the way fanatical groups Joan H. Timmerman the valuable tidbits embedded use the Bible to beat up on lesbi- New York: Crossroad, 1992, 160 there. Rapp is at her best when she ans, gay men, and women seek- pp., $12.95 pb. writes briefly of her own experi- ing abortion. Rather than simply ence confronting anti-choice dem- sticking to her premise that bibli- The author’s rationale for writing onstrators and lobbying for the cal injunction should not be the this book is to suggest that there is lesbian/gay civil rights bill passed basis for legislation, Rapp at- a connection between sexuality in Suffolk County, New York. tempts to rebut the fanatics verse and spirituality. In her introduction, Despite the forcefulness of by verse. Such rebuttal should be she states, “Sexuality is integral to Rapp’s writing, the weaknesses of left to people who themselves spiritual growth and depends on the book are many. There are hold the Bible as sacred text. By it.” She then sets to demonstrate important aspects of responsible stooping to the level of the Bible this to us by providing us with criticism that Rapp does not take thumpers, Rapp demeans the known facts from the fields of very seriously. She never clearly very text that inspires many pro- sexuality and spirituality, and to defines her target audience, gressive Jews and Christians to look at these facts in a new context claiming to address the “many U.S. fight the battles that Rapp advo- within a Christian tradition. Short citizens” who she thinks are cates. case studies add a touching and unaware that their privacy rights As an alternative to Judeo- realistic effect to the book. are being threatened. Rapp also Christian traditions, Rapp posits a The first chapter, “Real Sexuality never clearly defines who it is that New Age philosophy. In this sec- and Other Concepts,” starts with an is threatening these rights. At tion of the book, which bears overview on sexuality, spirituality, different points in the book she little relation to the rest of God’s and “sacramentality.” The section lambasts televangelists, fundamen- Country, Rapp airs some disturb- on sexuality is quite memorable. talist Christians, the Roman Catho- ing views about HIV infection. Timmerman cites the example of a lic hierarchy, the anti-choice She quotes an alleged psychic as well known actress with a self- movement, and the Republican saying that “the trigger” for an ill- image based on physical features Party, with particular attention to ness such as HIV/AIDS may be and a sex-goddess stereotype. The Ronald Reagan and George Bush. “an imposed judgement” such as actress is quoted as saying, “My These are the people, blurred to- societal homophobia. “When any beauty is all I ever really had.. .My gether in a right wing mass, who individual is in agreement with life is over.” As explained by the are identified as “theocrats,” pro- such judgement,” the psychic author, this example illustrates how ponents of government by religious claims, “an illness can manifest.” sexuality is driven by physical&y, authority. Although it is fair to say In other words, internalized which, in turn, is driven by spiritu- that the people in these categories homophobia might leave a person ality. Although this example is are extremely conservative and more susceptible to HIV or op- simplistic, it demonstrates an reactionary when it comes to portunistic infection. Rapp denies interdependent relationship be- public policy, lumping them ail that this New Age perspective tween sexuality and spirituality. together in such a fashion under- blames people with AIDS for their The next chapter, “The Sexuality mines some of the book’s impact. diagnosis, but it sounds to me too of Jesus and the Human Vocation,” It is also bad politics to be so much like a new twist on the old will probably elicit a mixed re- imprecise about who is perpetrat- “AIDS is God’s gift to homosexual sponse from readers. The chapter ing what injustice. Rapp consis- men and IV drug users” theory. begins with interpretations on tently uses passive voice, trying to Rapp has tried to write a book Jesus’ personal lifestyle. These convince us that something bad is that in simple and straightforward interpretations question Jesus’ being done but never naming the language explains why certain celibacy and questions the possibil- person or party who is doing it. I members of the far right are off ity of marriage: “It is already believe that we in progressive base in their legislative attacks on commonplace to acknowledge that movements are past the point lesbians, gay men, and abortion the Gospels do not address the where it is acceptable, for example, rights. Her goal is admirable, issues of Jesus’ personal to blame a faceless mass of people, however, God’s County is too lifestyle.. the absence of direct generically labeled “society,” for undisciplined and unfocused to statements about his celibacy the homophobia that lesbians and be the textbook that Rapp wants would point to the probability that gay men encounter every day. The it to be, and too simplistic to be he was indeed married for at least gay and lesbian movement has the guide that either the pro- part of his life...that Paul, when he come too far in naming the nature choice or lesbian and gay move- was justifying his own celibate of the oppression and the oppres- ments need it to be. status, did not call upon the sors to take such a dangerous step Reviewed by Elizabeth Edman, example of Jesus...” These interpre- backward. MDiv, Chaplain to AIDS Health tations may provoke readers to As a Christian, I take umbrage at Services, Jersey City Medical Cen- question their own beliefs about Rapp’s shallow interpretation of ter, Jersey City, New Jersey. Jesus’ personal life as a non-sexual

23 SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 *AUDIOVISUALS l AUDIOVISUALS l AUDIOVISUALS l

This is one example of the wide range of reproductive health ACCESS DENIED powerful ammunition being used in issuessuch as changes in the law as Produced by Julie Clark, Dolly the controversial war over abortion. a result of recent Supreme Court Meieran, & Dana Nasrallah, The lines are clearly drawn: it is a decisions, the lack of clinical trials of ReproVision, 718/622-1130. Distrib- battle of women’s rights versus the RU486 in this country, the dearth of uted by Women Make Movies, 225 rights of unborn fetuses. The war is comprehensive sexuality education, Lafayette, New York, NY 10012, 212/ being fought everywhere acrossthe cuts to Title X funding, and chal- 925-0606. 1991, l/2” and 3/4” video, country, on city streets, in the courts, lenges to the reproductive rights of $50 rental, $225 purchase. in state and federal legislative bodies, minors. on the radio, and most visibly and The film powerfully weaves these Recently, while on vacation in relentlessly - before the doors of issuestogether by intercutting recent Florida, I was changing stations on abortion clinics. interviews with reproductive rights my rent-a-car radio and came across Access Denied is a 28minute activists with black and white film the National Right to Life Network. I documentary compiled by clips, circa 1950, of women in more almost turned past the station, but ReproVision, the film/video offshoot traditional roles, such as homemakers then I chose to listen as a female of WHAM (Women’s Health Action in the kitchen and nurses pushing doctor described a young woman Mobilization). ReproVision describes baby carts side by side. The most strapped down by two assistants Access Denied as “agit-prop” or effective footage comes from the while “the abortionist” injected her agitating-propaganda. Clearly, it is an front lines of the battle in front of with a sedative. The young woman attempt to inform and activate people abortion clinics. Anti-choice activists woke after the procedure and to become engaged in the pro-choice blockade entryways, sing hymns screamed “My baby, my baby! What movement. This video focuses largely praising Jesus, and are shown being did you do to my baby?!” on clinic defense and presents a physically carted away by police

Continued from previous page connects it with spirituality. For author’s approach is nonjudgmental example, according to the author, and nonalienating. “Being and Do- and celibate human being, and some intimacy is the combination of love ing” describes how being, more may choose to believe that he was a and sex. She proposes, “Intimacy for than doing, is the traditional con- sexual being. This chapter raises an us as human beings is the way to the cern of spiritual growth counselors important point - by denying Jesus’ experience of God as immanence, as and offers guidelines to improve sexuality, we may also be denying Spirit. . ..Sexual intimacy is the only self-worth. She includes a brief dis- our own sexuality and its potential effective analogy for expressing the cussion of the counseling needs of for enhancing spiritual development. meaning of intimacy with God.” people with HIV/AIDS. Timmer- The longest chapter of the book With respect to religious leaders and man’s statement encouraging absti- concerns the “Stagesin Sexual- premarital sex she states, “Better to nence in new relationships seems Spiritual Growth.” The stages include: spend energy and wisdom learning too harsh and simplistic for people sexual unfolding-spiritual awakening, what the empirical realities are, with HIV/AIDS who seek sexual in- making and breaking commitments, while giving people the meanings timacy from their partners. commitment in marriage, pregnancy that enable them to extend the range Overall, Sexuality and Spiritual and parenting, loving again after loss, of the sacred through their sexual Growth has an attractive presentation, and keeping one’s vitality while lives.” This same statement could with focal points at the end of each aging. The author states early in this apply to parents; this particular chapter, sections clearly presented, chapter, “I do not propose a defin- chapter would benefit parents in and somewhat diverse case studies. able norm which all are expected to attempting dialogue with their The author’s writing style is the most reach, or attempt to describe a children on sexuality. difficult feature of the book. Reading chronology that links a particular The remaining three chapters are certain sections requires thoughtful stage with age.” She provides much shorter than the previous ones. analysis due to ambiguities in her detail for each stage, especially the “Cycle of Changes” illustrates how presentation. However, Timmerman first stage which includes sexual sexual-spiritual growth takes place by succeedsin her attempt to integrate decisionmaking steps and first sexual sheddingtaboos. “Theology of Spirit” personal spirituality and sexuality. intercourse. Her sexual decision- discussesthe doctrine of God, the theol- Reviewed by Marcia M. Zorrilla, making steps are not innovative (she ogy of morality, and moral decision- r&k reduction curriculum intern, is providing us with known facts). making. Although the word “moral” is Women’s Action Alliance, New York What makes it unique is how she associatedwith righteousness,the City.

SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 24 Continuedfrom previous page thus the viewer - that orgasm/ inhibiting to learn enhanced self- sexual energy is creative energy and pleasuring in a group setting; second, during a snow storm. opposing them that through this creative energy what influence did the aspect of are the people conducting clinic women can accessthe “Goddess being filmed have for the partici- defense who wear day-glo orange within.” pants; and third, how could this vests and talk about how their This sexually explicit video opens model be applied to an all-male personal experiences led them to with an informative autobiographical group. become involved. These escorts act overview, in which Dodson provides One concern about this depiction as a shield surrounding the woman a context for the program based on of self-pleasuring is the emphasison trying to enter the clinic on three or her work. Author of three books on hand-held vibrators, rather than four sides until she makes it into the self-pleasuring, she states, “(I real- manual self-stimulation. Some sex door. Anti-choice advocates surround ized) husbands and lovers would therapists, educators, and lay persons them, holding up large photos of come and go, but my relationship may worry about how to achieve unborn fetuses, and verbally and with myself was a constant.” Later similar results without mechanical physically try to prevent the woman she adds, “masturbation is the aids. In addition, because the nature from entering the clinic. ongoing love affair that each of us of the medium requires an hour-long As stated above, this film is self- has with ourselves throughout our distillation of a weekend workshop, described as agit-prop, and thus uses lifetime.” She describes the role of the orgasm sequence gives the some extreme examples to illustrate masturbation as a holistic aspect of impression that orgasmsare (and how serious this issue is for the rights the broader sexual context within perhaps should be) of a lasting and lives of all women. Some women’s lives and the importance of duration. This role modelling about members of the review committee learning how to enhance one’s length and intensity of orgasm, not found it to be anti-religious and experience with sexual pleasure unlike the depictions in some pointed out that it contains some through masturbation. sexually explicit commercial erotic misinformation. However, Access A common theme among work- media, could lead to unnecessary Denied can be an effective tool to shop participants is the desire for pressure on the viewer who may mobilize involvement in the pro- better orgasms.The video allows the expect that she has to experience choice struggle and ends with viewer to follow, along with the orgasm in the same manner. Despite constructive suggestions for what workshop participants, a multi-step these areas of concern, the video is a people can do to keep choice alive, process that involves integrating skillful integration of whole person such as writing letters, joining a sexual sensationswith the sexual sexuality that encompassesbody- women’s self-help group, or getting response cycle, along with specific mind-spirit and presents images and involved in clinic defense. techniques, to learn how to improve ideas for the sexual empowerment Reviewed by Elena F. De&&, HN the quality of one’s orgasms. of women. and health coordinatol; SafeSpace, Selfloving illustrates the various Selfloving may be best suited for New York City. components of the workshop, which use by sexuality professionals(such include: exercises on breathing; a as therapists, counselors, and discussionabout how participants educators) as a complementary tool feel about their orgasms; physical for the treatment or educational SELFLOVING postures that access various aspects process. It would also work well Betty Dodson, Box 1933, Murray Hill of the body’s energies; a panoply for the individual male or female Station, New York, NY 10156, fax of variety and beauty of female viewer to broaden an understanding orders/requests for information to: genitalia and reactions to the viewing of female sexuality and to gain 212/679-4240, l/2” video, $45, bulk process in a “genital show and tell”; insightful guidance for sexual prices available. discussionabout the “beautiful, erotic enhancement. and touchable” self and healing This program has been con- Betty Dodson has created a aspects of self-loving; use of ducted internationally, with weekend breakthrough video on female vibrators and vaginal barbells to celebrations for women in several sexuality for adults. Selfloving is a improve sexual response; the role of European countries as well as healing, spiritual, educational, and fantasy; an “erotic recess”; an eye- experiences throughout the United enlightening journey for women of gazing ritual; and a final segment States. By allowing women to have a all ages. A group of women attend- about release, intensity, laughing, safe space for sexual discovery and ing one of Dodson’s Selfloving and crying, followed by a group sexual expression, Dodson has workshops explore their potential for body massage.The video is designed offered a great gift - to allow sexual fulfillment and embrace their to capture the workshop partici- women to come home to themselves. identities as sexual human beings. pants’ responses to the whole And, as she herself concludes the The skillfully placed narration acts as process and to serve as a teaching video, “I wish you many happy a guide to the delicate wayfaring the model for others. orgasms!” group undertakes, as each woman Some possible discussionques- Reviewed by Patti 0. B&ton, courageously and openly sharesher tions that arose upon viewing the SIECUSdeputy director and Jim thoughts, feelings, and physical self. video are: first, whether the women Shortridge, director, SIECUSL fbrary Dodson reminds the group - and in the group found it more or less Services.

SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 accompaniesthe videocassette of the program, which will SIECUS NEWS be available at local video stores. The guide may be ob- tained by calling l-900/407-2000 (a $2.25 charge will be GU1DELcINES UPDATE: SIECUS distributed more than incurred to cover the cost of the booklet), or by sending 7,000 copies of the National Guidelines for Sexuality Edu- $2.25 to: Children’s Television Network Parents Guide, cation during the first six months of their release. Due to Box 40, Vernon, NJ 07462. The coalition’s next meeting is the nationwide demand, the book is now in its second scheduled for October 1992 in Washington, DC - further printing. The Guidelines have been distributed interna- details will follow. Any national non-profit organization tionally as well, and translations into Cantonese and Man- interested in joining this expanding and vital force for darin may be developed for use in schools in The comprehensive sexuality education should contact Peoples Republic of China. SIECUS staff recently pre- Deputy Director Patti Britton at SIECUS. sented on the Guidelines at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and conducted a Guidelines NEW BOARD APPOINTMENT: Patti Britton is currently workshop at a conference on comprehensive health edu- serving on the board of NaSHEC (National School Health cation jointly sponsored by the National Education Asso- Education Coalition), a 60-member coalition of health, ciation, the American Health Foundation, and the U.S. Of- education, and youth-serving agencies, which advocates fice of Education. to assurecomprehensive health education and services for all school-based youth. HIV/AIDS TBAINING WORKsHops: Over the winter SIECUS sponsored three “Train the Trainer” workshops in NFSEM ANNOUNCES NATIONAL FAMILY SEXUALITY Anchorage, AK; Burlington VT; and Lincoln, NE. Two MONTH: The National Family Sexuality Education Month trainings were also delivered in Tucson, AZ to community (NFSEM) coalition, of which SIECUS is a member, is cel- and school-based educators. Upcoming SIECUSHIV/AIDS ebrating October as National Family Sexuality Education trainings, will be held in: Syracuse, NY (May 19-20); Port- Month. NFSEM, a coalition of more than 50 members, is land, OR (August 20-21); Seattle, WA (August 25-26); St. supported by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Paul, MN (October 29-30); Durham, NC (November 16- which encourages parents in their roles as primary educa- 17); and Philadelphia, PA (January 7-8, 1993). tors of their children. This year’s theme will help families to communicate about making healthy choices. The an- SIECUS TRAVEL: During the fall and winter SIECUS staff nual NFSEM campaign kick-off meeting will be held on presented speechesin Washington, DC; Minneapolis, MN; June 12th at the Center for Population Options in Wash- Burlington, VT; New Orleans, LA; Atlanta, GA; San Diego, ington, DC for all invited coalition members. For more in- CA; Greenwich, CT; New York, NY; and Philadelphia, formation, call Mike McGee at PPFA: 212/2614627 Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg, PA. Executive Director Debra Haffner spoke in London, England about the Guidelines GRANTS AWARDED: SIECUS is grateful to the many and integrating comprehensive sexuality education into foundations and corporations that are supporting our ef- the British national curriculum. Director of SIECUS’ Na- forts in 1992. The Compton Foundation continues to do- tional AIDS Initiative Carolyn Patiemo delivered the key- nate generously to ensure the continuation of NCSSEac- note speech at a workshop sponsored by the New York tivities. The Public Welfare Foundation provides general City Board of Education for the Chancellor’s expanded support to SIECUS programs and initiatives. The Ford HIV/AIDS Program. Deputy Director Patti Britton gave the Foundation has made a generous grant to promote com- keynote speech at a workshop of educational administra- prehensive sexuality education and to assistin a nation- tors, school board members, and teachers, sponsored by wide effort to combat fear-based education. The Dyson the Tucson Education Association. Foundation has provided a grant to assessthe current sta- tus of school-basedHIV/AIDS education in the United MEDIA COVERAGE: In recent months, SIECUS has been States.A report highlighting the trends in the states and featured in more than 100 articles, including the Boston suggestingrecommendations for improvements will be Globe, the Los Angeles Times, 7&e New York Times, USA published in the fall. The development of an upcoming Today, US News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, booklet for teens on communicating about sexuality and and the Washington Post. SIECUS staff have recently ap- HIV/AIDS has been made possible by a grant from peared on ABC’s World News Tonigbt, CBS Morning Carter-Wallace, Inc. News, CNN’s Crier G Company, Cros@re, ESPN, and pro- grams on local television stations. NEW FROM SIECUS: The 1990-1991SIECUS Annual Re- port and a 1992 Publications Catalog insert listing new NCSSE UPDATE: SIECUS’ National Coalition to Support SIECUS publications are now available. Copies can be ob- Sexuality Education (NCSSE) held its semi-annualmeeting tained free of charge by writing to: SIECUS, 130 West on April 10th in New York City. More than 30 representa- 42nd Street, Suite 2500, New York, NY 10036. tives from 20 organizations were present. The coalition is now comprised of 57 organizations. The meeting was NEW FOSlTIONS: SIECUSis pleased to announce the fol- very successful, and was highlighted by a presentation of lowing new staff positions: Director of Public Policy and the Children’s Television Network special, “What Rids Public Policy Associate. Interested professionals are asked Want to Know About Sex and Growing Up.” The program to send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to: aired May 13th on PBS and featured SIECUS Board Presi- Personnel, SIECUS, 130 West 42nd Street, Suite 2500, New dent Bob Selverstone. A 24-page parents’ guide York, NY 10036.

SIECUS Report, April/May 1992 26 Conference and Seminar Calendar

SIXTH ANNUAL NATIONAL PEER HELPERS FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CONFERENCE, “PEER HELPING: CREATING A TRANSGENDER LAW AND EMPLOYMENT POLICY, CO~JPEERATZVECOMMUNITY,” June 20-23, 1992. Pre- August 24-August 30, 1992. Sponsored by Gulf Coast Conference Basic and Advanced Training from June 17-19. Gender Community with Bar Association for Human Rights, Loyola University, Lake Shore Campus, Chicago, Illinois. Association of Women in Law, and University of Houston’s Contact: Nancy Phillips, 21715253456, fax 217/789-4388. student legal society. For attorneys and other legal profes- sionals, human resources professionals, and members of the 13TH ANNUAL GAY AND LESBIAN PARENTS COALITION transgender community, all of whom have an interest in the INTERNATIONAL (GLPCI) CONFERENCE, “FREEDOM, current status of, and in strategies for, progressive changes FRIENDS AND FAMILY,” July 3-5, 1992. Workshop topics in either the law and/or employment policies as they pertain will address parenting and effective skills, positive disci- to the transgendered community. “There are many pline, and understanding teenagers; family planning, people...in both the legal and employment professions who including adoption, alternative insemination, and surrogacy; are not transgendered but who want to help. There are social issues concerning HIV/AIDS, racism, activism, coming transgendered people...who are still scared of the laws and out, and death and dying; relationships, including married for their jobs.” Hilton Southwest, Houston, Texas. Contact: gay issues, partner communication, and co-parenting/step Phyllis Randolph Frye, Attorney, 5707 Firenza, Houston, TX parenting; and relaxation. Hyatt Regency, Indianapolis, 77035-5515, 7131723-8368. Indiana. Contact: GLPI, PO Box 50360, Washington, DC 20091, 201/583-8029. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SELF-HELP/MUTUAL AID, September 2-4, 1992. Sponsored by the Canadian SUMMER 1992 GRADUATE PROGRAM IN HUMAN Council on Social Development. Government Conference SEXUALITY, “SEXUALITY IN TWO CULTURES,” June 29- Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Contact: Golden Planners, July 24, 1992 (New York City); July 25-August 15 126 York Street, Suite 404, Ottawa, Ontario KlN 5T5. (Copenhagen, Denmark). Sponsored by New York University’s School of Education, Health, Nursing, and Arts SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, “ALCOHOL: Professions. Three programs, one in New York City and two DRUGS OF ABUSE, IMMUNOMODUIATION AND AIDS,” in Copenhagen, will offer lectures from American and September 9-12, 1992. Sponsored by the University of Danish faculty, discussion groups, films, and activities, with Arizona, Department of Family and Community Medicine an emphasis on cross cultural issues in human sexuality. and NIAAA-Specialized Alcohol Research Center. Tucson, Contact: Office of Special Programs, New York University, Arizona. Contact: Dotty Sherwood-Cooney, Program Coordi- SEHNAP, 32 Washington Place, Room 62, New York, NY nator, or Ronald R. Watson, Program Advisor, 602/626-6001, 10003-9903, 212/998-5090. fax 602/626-2030.

ADVANCED SEXUAL ABUSE TREATMENT SYMPOSIUM, SIXTH ANNUAL ALABAMA AIDS SYMPOSIUM, September August 5-8, 1992 (Breckenridge, Colorado); and October 14- 30-October 2, 1992. Sponsored by the Alabama Department 2 -/(San Antonio, Texas). Contact: Barbara Murdock, Meta of Public Health with 47 Alabama agencies, organizations, Resources, 1997 F Kimberly Village Lane, Marietta, GA and institutions. Will provide an interdisciplinary exchange 30067, 404/933-0215. of information about HIV/AIDS in order to share problems, seek solutions, build skills, identify options of prevention FIFTH NATIONAL CATHOLIC HIV/AIDS MINISTRY and care, and plan for the future. Civic Center, Montgomery, CONFERENCE, August 6-11, 1992. Sponsored by the Alabama. Contact: Joan B. Huffstutler, Chief, AIDS Education National Catholic AIDS Network (NCAN). For persons Field Services Branch, 2451 Fillingim Street, Mobile, AL beginning or presently engaged in Catholic Church spon- 36617, 205/471-7322. sored HIV/AIDS ministry and Catholics working in HIV/ AIDS service organizations. Will cover current medical INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DRUG POLICY information; address issues of spirituality, rituals, and prayer; REFORM, with Professional Seminars “Drugs, Medicine and provide opportunities for fellowship and renewal. and Health” and “Drug PoBcy and the Law,” November Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois. Contact: NCAN, PO BOX 11-14, 1992. Conference topics will include the prevention 422984, San Francisco, CA 94142, 415/565-3613. of drug abuse, the spread of HIV/AIDS among IV drug users, and legislative strategies and drug policy reform. NORTH ATLANTIC TRAINING INSTITUTE FOR “Drugs, Medicine and Health” will focus on the pharmacol- COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATORS, “NATICIIE ‘92,” ogy of drugs, treatment, HIV/AIDS, recent research, medical August 10-14, 1992. Sponsored by Training Center for use of prohibited drugs, and treatment of pain and other Health Professionals, Cicatelli Associates, and JSI Research current issues related to drugs, health, and healing. Loews and Training Institute, Region I Family Planning Training. L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, Washington, DC. Contact: The Drug Will provide skills training designed to strengthen profes- Policy Foundation, 4801 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite sional competence and productivity of educators; methods, 400, Washington, DC 20016-2087, 202/895-1634, 202/537- techniques, lesson plans, resources, and materials for 3007. sexuality education; peer assessment and feedback; self assessment of skills, knowledge, and attitudes as an educa- ELEVENTH WORLD CONGRESS OF SEXOLOGY, “YOUTH, tor; and updated information on selected topics. Wells SEX, LOVE AND FAMILY,” June l-5, 1993. Rio de Janeiro, College, Aurora, New York, Contact: Anne Terrell, Planned Brazil. Contact: Professor Isaac Charam, Sociedad Brasileira Parenthood Tompkins County, 314 West State Street, Ithaca, de Sexologia, Praca Serzedelo Correla 15, Sala 703, NY 14850, 607/273-1526. Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil 22040, 021/256-2991.

27 SIECUS Report, April/May 1992