Religion's Response to the New Sexuality

, Volume IV Number 2 November 1975 ISSN: 0091-3995 Sex Information and Education Council of the U.S.

RELIGION’S RESPONSE TO THE NEW SEXUALITY

by The Rev. Leon Smith, B.D., Ed.D. *

This article is based on a paper given by the writer at the existence. The church is concerned not only with 1974 Milton S. Eisenhower Symposium at Johns Hopkins specific issues and controversies, but with the University and on responses to it made by representatives of basic Christian understanding of man’s sexuali- several major Protestant denominations in the U.S. and ty. ” Canada. Nevertheless, it represents the views of only one What follows are brief descriptions of twelve trends in person as he describes what he sees happening in the religion’s response to the new understanding in human churches, for there is a wide variety of responses among the sexuality. churches, even within a single denomination. The original paper was shared with 20 denominational Sex Education in the Churches leaders with requests for their reactions and official state- ments. Replies were received from fewer than half of them. The most obvious trend is a great increase in sex educa- One reported that his church had taken “no official actions.” tion in the churches for persons of all ages-children, youth Another cautioned against calling some items “trends” since and adults. Some churches have committees on human he saw them as only “trickles” at the present time. Such sexuality whose task is to see that a life-span education in caution is well taken, but the original impression remains- human sexuality is developed. They review their present trends do begin with trickles, yet have more to do with programs and curriculum resources to identify new units of directions of movement that seem to have within them study that may be needed. Some churches, such as the enough force to become established than with final achieve- Missouri Synod Lutherans, the Southern Baptists, the ment of a position. Futhermore, in this particular area it Methodists and the Unitarians, have developed full lines of appears that the direction of each trend is inherent in the curriculum resources in human sexuality. Others have basic theological position, taken by many churches, that nationwide programs to train leaders for such programs. The sexuality is a good gift of God, and that what remains is to United Methodists, for example, have 100 certified leaders discover and affirm positive healthy ways of functioning as who plan to reach 6,000 young people plus their parents in sexual beings. An example of this basic position is the official the two-year period, 1975-76. Sex education is increasing for statement in “The Social Principles of the United Methodist ministers themselves such as in the extensive program in the Church” adopted in 1972: American Lutheran Church.

“We recognize that sexuality is a good gift of Support for Sex Education in Public Schools Cod and we believe persons may be fully human only when that gift is acknowledged and affirmed The church’s support of sex education in the public by themselves, the church and society. ” schools is a long-standing policy of many churches in the U.S. and Canada. Many churches rallied to the support of Another is the one adopted by the Lutheran Church in SIECUS and the public schools when these were under attack America in 1970, which also notes the cultural and ethical by extremist groups in 1969 and 1970. A typical policy state- changes taking place: ment is the one reaffirmed by the United Methodists in 1972: “Sex, marriage and family are gifts of God in “We support the development of school sys- which to rejoice. Their essential goodness cannot tems and innovative methods of education de- be obscured by any crisis of our time. signed to assist each child toward full humanity. As traditional moral codes are being chal- All children have the right to full sexual educa- lenged, there is a profound struggle to formulate tion, appropriate to their stage of development, bases of ethical judgment which have meaning that utilizes the best educational techniques and for contemporary man. Powerful forces of social insights. ” change, joined with discoveries in the medical and life sciences, influence all aspects of human Support of Sex Research

‘Rev. Smith, a SIECUS Board member, is Director of Educa- Instead of opposing sex research, as many religious tional Ministries in Marriage for The United Methodist leaders did when the first Kinsey studies were released, Church, Nashville, Tennessee. Continued on page 74 STAFF CHANGES AT SIECUS

The SIECUS Board of Directors announced at its October ing continued her studies in zoology and psychology at the meeting that Dr. Mary S. Calderone has assumed the staff University of California, Berkeley under Dr. Frank Beach, the position of President of SIECUS, and Dr. Joyce Dudney distinguished researcher in sexual behavior. She received her Fleming was appointed SIECUS’ Executive Director. In an- Ph.D. in 1970. At Berkeley she served as director of a nouncing these changes, Dr. Wardell Pomeroy, SIECUS psychological laboratory, where she was involved in the design of research studies. While in California she was frequently a speaker on female sexuality for the American Association of University Women. As the new Executive Director of SIECUS, Dr. Fleming stated, “Since its founding 11 years ago SIECUS has directed most of its efforts to educating the helping professions about the need for human sexuality education. Now we must expand this dialogue to include everyone who wants to talk, or to listen. Developing the lines of communication between SIECUS and these individuals will be my major goal. We are planning to develop a network of SIECUS affiliates, local organizations that will assess the sex education needs of a community and develop appropriate programs. Our affiliates will give us a clearer picture of local issues and concerns; we in turn will give them guidance in meeting those concerns. Each community has a unique pattern of sex education needs and resources. I will help the local groups map these patterns and design appropriate programs.” Dr. Fleming brings a rich and diverse background in research, administration, and journalism to her new duties as Executive Director of SIECUS: Welcome!

Volume IV, Number 2 November 1975 Dr. Joyce Dudney Fleming, S/ECUS’ new Executive Director The S/ECUS Report is published bi-monthly. Subscriptions and Dr. Mary S. Calderone S/ECUS’ President conferring at are sold on a volume basis only, with volumes beginning in a recent Board of Director’s meeting. September. Subscription rates: Individual, $9.00 for one year; Canadian and foreign, $10.50. Institutional, $15.00; Canadian and foreign, $16.50. Single copies of any issue, $1.50. Queries about subscriptions and delivery should be sent to Behavioral Publications, 72 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10011. Editorial queries should be sent to SIECUS at the address Chairperson, stated that Dr. Calderone will continue her below. leadership role in the development of policy and programs of S/ECUS Report is available on microfilm from University Microfilms, 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 48106. the organization which she has served as Executive Director Editor-Joyce Dudney Fleming, Ph.D. since its inception in 1964. She will be able to increase her Managing Editor-Derek L. Burleson, Ed.D. lecturing, writing, and television commitments, and will con- Consulting Editor-Mary S. Calderone, M.D. tinue to represent SIECUS in the United States and abroad. Copyright @ 1975 by The Sex Information and Education Dr. Fleming comes to SIECUS from Psychology Today Council of the U.S., Inc., 122 East 42nd St., New York, NY magazine where she served as Assistant Managing Editor for 10017. three years. In this post she was responsible for commission- Library of Congress catalog card number 72-627361 ing, editing and writing articles on human sexual behavior for NO part of the S/ECUS Report may be reproduced in any that widely-read publication. A cum laude graduate in form without written permission from the SIECUS Publica- t&s Office. psychology from Ohio Wesleyan University (1965), Dr. Flem-

2 SIECUS Report, November, 1975 SPEAKING OUT

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S YEAR AND SEXUALITY

Evalyn S. Gendel, M.D.

If there were a broader, universally accepted under- en, will loudly deny that they believe in the feminist standing of the women’s movement, it would be easy to movement, or will declare that they would never become make generalizations--not necessarily correct-about its re- part of it. Others who are indifferent to women’s rights will lationship to sexuality. Stereotypic ideas and a whole belief generally laugh at the efforts which are being made and system have rapidly developed around a definition of dismiss them. Those who are threatened by it, however, will feminism. It has been defined as everything from the causal mount anti-feminist campaigns using slogans which utilize factor of male impotence, to the answer to world peace. the anti-male, anti-family idea to dissuade other women from Three pertinent issues need to be addressed to help sort out becoming active and will go so far as to imply that the goals these definitions and, if possible, to prevent another sexual are also un-American and a threat to our system of govern- mythology from emerging. ment. The fact that feminists work toward setting women free The first issue concerns the confusion of women’s rights to be what is best for them and toward their rights to options, with the so-called sexual revolution and sexual freedom. The is overlooked. Freedom to choose a career with or without second revolves around the misconception by many women being wife, mother, lover and homemaker is as precious as and men in this country that the women’s movement auto- choosing to be wife, mother, lover and homemaker with or matically requires the women who are part of it to be without having a career. anti-male, anti-motherhood and family, and maliciously ag- At the international level, a microcosm of the extent of gressive. The third issue involves the larger scope of the this confusion was seen at the International Women’s Year worldwide feminist movement which itself demonstrates the Conference in Mexico City in June 1975. Awhole new view of spectrum of women’s concerns across political, national and feminism was formed by many women who attended. The cultural boundaries. Third World, Developing World, and the Industrial-Western The women’s movement encompasses concepts of World were represented by women with diverse human sexuality that relate primarily to women’s recognition backgrounds and needs. The dream of a merging of these of their total individualism and the integration of their sexual- worlds into a “Fourth World” of compassion and peace ity into that expanding knowledge of themselves. It is to be which women might fashion, was not attained. Women from distinguished from the feminist struggle to eliminate sexism countries where they are still virtual slaves, or are fighting for as deeply prejudicial behavior. It must also be separated from food, clothing and bare survival were not moved by those the arena of the sexual revolution where it is being equated who sought equal professional career opportunities, or legal with a move for sexual license for women. Social, economic and social rights. Some women described cruel ritual and legal sexist practices deny civil rights to women and the punishments still inflicted on daughters whose state of movement concentrates on removing those types of barriers. virginity was in question in family-made marriage arrange- In affirming their own sexuality, the emphasis is toward ments-to the point of some being murdered if they brought enhancing self-understanding and examining sex roles in the “disgrace” upon their father’s house. Women from such society for both women and men. The establishment of open countries were disinterested in concerns over sexism in relationships between the sexes, and the need for intimacy literature, politics, or career development. Nationalism, rac- and caring between the same and opposite sexes are some ism and religious prejudice were prevalent among women of the characteristics related to sexuality. Women’s liber- of all nations’ as they are in their male leaders. Goals for a ation or women’s rights defined solely as sexual freedom is women’s international charter were often defeated as these a narrow and mistaken myth, often used by those who are issues flared. Many delegates reported disillusionment and threatened by it to ridicule the movement, or to imply a disappointment with what occurred. To me, this is not dis- narrowness of focus, in order to diminish its impact. couraging, however. Before any group can find common In the United States feminism has also come to evoke, ground and strong uniting bonds, it must struggle to over- for some people, an image of militant, even violent, “bra- come long accepted beliefs and values related to race, burning” women who would remove men from all positions religion, color and political persuasion. These separating of power, who hate all males and who dislike all women who influences are part of the cultural heritage of each person take care of their homes, husbands, children or lovers out of (woman). Women are often astonished to find that they their own wishes and desires. Many women and men, for harbor these characteristics of regional, national and inter- instance, who will actively support the Equal Rights Amend- continental backgrounds and the antagonisms which they ment, or defend other legal and social areas affecting wom- generate. Continued on page 15

SIECUS Report, November, 1975 3 I I IDO YOU KNOW THAT I I I

Louisville Times The quarterly journal called Sex Roles, under the editorship Runs Sex Information Column of Phyllis Katz, a psychologist at the City University of New York, is published by Plenum Press in New York. The daily newspaper has become a new source of sex The first issue will report on such subjects as how men education in Louisville, Kentucky, but not by printing lurid and women differ in the way they perceive spatial relation- news stories about rape and other sex crimes. In April, 1975 ships, why women seek to avoid success, and vocational the Louisville Times with a circulation of nearly 200,000 aspirations of preschoolers. Says editor Katz, “A person’s introduced a new weekly column called “It’s Okay to Talk gender determines to a large extent the kind of life style he or About Sex.” The column written by Robert C. Long, M.D., of she will have. Yet scientists are just beginning to obtain some the University of Louisville School of Medicine and SIECUS understanding of how sex roles mold individuals, and how Advisory Board member, consists of a question-and-answer such roles may be changing with time. We are hopeful that format based on letters from readers. Dr. Long believes this this new journal will at once consolidate and increase our column provides a unique opportunity to extend sex educa- understanding of these very significant issues.” tion throughout the community. The newspaper’s editors Subscriptions to Sex Roles are $14.00 for individuals and expected there would be some opposition to the column in $35.00 for institutions. Write to Plenum Publishing Corpora- the form of letters or phone calls, but none has surfaced. tion, 227 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011. Readership of the column has not been studied as yet but feedback indicates that it is being discussed widely throughout the community. Increasing the frequency of the column to more than once a week is currently under discussion. International Congress of Sexology- Montreal 1976

The Society for the Scientific Study of Sex and the Condom Commercials on TV-Pro and Con Department of Sexology, University of Quebec in Montreal will co-sponsor an International Congress of Sexology, Oc- Recent broadcasting of TV commercials for condoms by tober 28-31, 1976 in Montreal, Canada. Program topics will a California station initially drew such negative reactions from cover sex therapy, sex education, sex differences in eroti- viewers that they were taken off the air. A little later the cism, and ethical issues in sex therapy and research. Short viewer responses changed eight-to-one in favor of the com- research papers are invited. For further information contact mercials and they were reinstated. In an informal poll, con- Professor Robert Gemme, Department of Sexology, Univer- ducted by the ACOG hewsletter, of Fellows of the American sity of Quebec in Montreal, C.P. 8888, Montreal, Quebec, College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists there was general Canada H3C 3P8. support of the concept of TV advertising contraceptives as long as they were in good taste. Stated Louise B. Tyrer, M.D., former head of ACOG’s Division of Family Planning and now Vice-President for Medical Affairs of Planned Par- Adult Sex Education Program enthood-World Population, “It is certainly as important that Available on Video-Cassette viewers be as aware of contraceptive options as they are of douches, mouthwashes and other consumer health products A comprehensive sex education program for adults is now now advertised on TV.” Another positive response came available on video-cassette from the Public Television Library. from George M. Ryan, M.D., Past Chairman of ACOG’s The course called Human Sexuality was developed by the Committee on Obstetric Practice, “This kind of advertising College of Continuing Education, University of Hawaii and can help keep the public aware of the practical aspects-not was originally broadcast on the educational television station just the passion-of sex.” in Hawaii. Instructor for the course.is Dr. Milton Diamond of the University of Hawaii Medical School. The course consists of 30 half-hour programs covering such topics as sexual development, sexual identity, sex and the law, sex and the New Journal handicapped, sex and the arts and sex and ethics. This On Sex Roles Launched program in video-cassette format can be used by any organization that has video playback equipment. For futher infor- A new scholarly journal devoted to research on sex roles mation about this program contact The Public Television and their relationship to child rearing, socialization, sexual Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024. behavior, work and personality has just been announced. Phone (202) 488-5000.

4 SIECUS Report, November, 1975 WHERE THE ACTION IS

SEX EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR SOCIAL WORKERS ESTABLISHED AT UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII

By Derek L. Burleson, Ed.D.

The field of social work, historically dedicated to helping geographic area has a varied and multi-ethnic population people in need, now has a training center to prepare social providing diverse cultures for study of sexual attitudes and work students to deal with sex-related problems of clients. behavior. The University of Hawaii School of Social Work has an- Training Programs Begin Summer 1976 nounced the establishment of the Center for the Study of Social Work Education in Human Sexuality which has been After the initial planning year the first training session funded with a five-year training grant from the National will be held the summer of 1976, with similar sessions held Institute of Mental Health. the following three summers. These intensive four-week Only a handful of the schools of social work in the sessions will cover desensitization experiences to increase United States currently provides any direct training and comfort in dealing with sexual behavior, basic information clinical experiences in dealing with sex-related problems. about the range of sexual behavior, types of sexual problems Under the leadership of Dr. Harvey L. Gochros, Professor of encountered among sexually oppressed groups, levels of Social Work, the University of Hawaii School of Social Work intervention social workers can employ in preventing and has been developing over the past five years a curriculum in alleviating sex-related problems, skills in counseling about human sexuality tailored to the needs of social work. Now sexual problems, and behavioral and other approaches for with the establishment of their Center, states Dr. Gochros, dealing with sexual problems. who will serve as its Director, “For perhaps the first time, a Two types of candidates are invited to apply for this new and significant area of social work practice curriculum training opportunity over the next four years. First priority will be subject to a systematic attempt to organize and will be given to teachers currently on the staff of schools of produce curricular materials, to train instructors, to develop social work who have begun or are planning courses, insti- pedagogical approaches that reflect the orientation of social tutes or workshops for social workers in human sexuality work to sex-related problems and to develop the necessary with a special interest in serving the sexually oppressed. It is resources to deal effectively with the problems.” felt that by reaching staff now working in schools of social work, the training they receive can in turn be passed on to others. The second group invited to apply are social workers Focus on Special Populations in agencies and institutions directly serving sexually op- A major goal of the Center will be to provide training that pressed clients, who wish to establish programs and services will have a direct impact on social work services dealing with in sex education and counseling. Successful candidates for sex-related problems of populations who have usually been the program will receive round trip air fare to Hawaii, tuition overlooked. Such groups include ethnic minorities, the aged, and a per diem stipend of $30 a day. the physically handicapped, the mentally retarded, the This is an outstanding continuing education opportunity, homosexually oriented, the victims of sexual offenses and but is limited to 15 participants for each year of the program, the imprisoned-all victims of sexual oppression. so competition for the training grants will be keen. Never- Dr. Gochros feels Hawaii has some unique characteris- theless, if even half of the schools of social work in this tics that make it a logical site for the Center. First, the work he country can place a staff member in this training program and and his colleagues have already done in developing a con- then in turn develop their own programs, the field of social centration in human sexuality in the School of Social Work work could begin to have a tremendous impact on the sexual has given them experience in curriculum development and health of this nation. faculty preparation. The Center will also work cooperatively For further information about applying for this program, with nationally known authorities in sex education from write to Mr. Jerry Murphy, M.S.W., Project Coordinator, other faculties in the university representing the schools of University,of Hawaii School of Social Work, Hawaii Hall, 2500 law, medicine, and public health. Hawaii itself within a small Campus Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822.

SIECUS Report, November, 1975 5 mBOOK REVIEWS

loving Women/loving Men: Gay Lib- brothers to join him in his grievance U.S. (SIECUS) in St. Louis in the fall of eration and the Church. Sally against any theology which remains un- 1971. The conference provided a forum Gearhart and William R. Johnson, informed by contemporary, experien- for researchers in sexuality and values editors. San Francisco: Glide Publica- tial realities, in his rejection of lifeless and religionists for dialogue. The re- tions, Inc., 1974. (165 pp.; $6.95). legalism, and in his contempt for the searchers sought to present to the re- patriarchal and paternalistic features of ligious community current research Reviewed by Alan P. Bell, Ph.D. institutionalized Christianity. He calls data about how sexuality and values upon the Church to re-examine its no- develop in the human being. The re- This five-chapter paperback consists tions of the place and purpose of sexu- searchers then departed from the con- essentially of two movements, an ality and, in the process, to rediscover ference, giving the religionists an op- adagio followed by a con spirito. The its own mission to humankind. portunity to discuss the theological first three chapters take the reader The last chapter, by the lesbian au- implications during the closing day. slowly and sometimes monotonously thor, takes up this and other cries. Her Neither the conference nor the book through the relatively brief history of strident words, like crashing cymbals, comes to any momentous conclusions homosexual/heterosexual dialogue explore and reject all of the ways in or resolutions, but certainly it should within the Church. An account of how which the Church has been a party to send religionists in search of a proper the Council on Religion and the the continuing degradation of women. and fitting theological stance regarding Homosexual was formed, including the She attacks the Church’s “masculist” the insights of behavioral research. It nature of this initial gay/straight spar- theology and, above all, its authoritar- should inspire any reader to deeper ring, is followed by a now familiar ian and hierarchical structure which personal investigation, discovery, and apologia for homosexuality in the light makes infants of those who buy into it. celebration of one of God’s greatest of various Biblical injunctions, where She rejoices in all the “No’s!” which gifts toward a fulfilled and abundant Old Testament pronouncements are lesbians have directed toward a culture life. put in their historical context and St. intent upon training women to be less The final chapter, by the Rev. John C. Paul is put in his place. Evidence of than who they are. And, finally, she is Thomas of the Jesuit Center for Social gays’ attempts to be heard in the intelligent enough to realize that her Studies, Georgetown University, Church and to have an impact on the forceful recommendations are actually suggests that the conference (and, I collective ignorance of ecclesiastics is a plea that the Church, as she has add, the contents of this book) bring reported in some detail. Minor succes- painfully experienced it, must die. Her participants (readers) to a “fertile ses in various denominations are re- strong reactions suggest that her plea zero.” “ In the sense that it provides corded, with more denunciations than also contains the hope that the the tolerance and rationality needed to congratulations meted out to the estab- Church’s death will be followed by its ensure effective dialogue on any moral- lishment. The chapter’s most important resurrection in a totally different form. ly sensitive, emotion-laden issue under point is that dialogue between Thanks to this book, I think I have a conditions of pluralism and change.” homosexually and heterosexually clearer picture of what the shouting is Researchers contributing to the book oriented persons is imperative, to all about. I now have the sense, as include: Philip and Lorna Sarrel of Yale, which I would add, regardless of the never before, that gay liberation Wardell Pomeroy of New York, Judd initial outcome. It is only out of the amounts to more than revolutionary Marmor, president of the American painful attempts to meet and be met, to slogans, that its concerns have to do Psychiatric Association, William Mas- effect a genuine communication be- with us all, and that its impatience is ters and Virginia Johnson, Lawrence tween persons who are too convinced not simply with various institutions, Kohlberg and Carol Gilligan of Harvard, of their own points of view, that new but the entire fabric of society and with Carlfred Broderick of University of perspectives and new determinations dehumanization in any form. A, PR. Southern California, Robert Staples of will never emerge. Even those fiats University of California-San Francisco. handed down by certain enlightened Tieing it all together is the keen edito- authorities can be no substitute for the Sexuality and Human Values. Mary S. rial pen of Mary S. Calderone, Pres- gutsy exchanges of common folk. Calderone, M.D., editor. New York: ident of SIECUS. The first movement hardly prepares Associated Press, 1975. (158 pp.; $7.95). The twelve chapters deal with de- the reader for the next. In the last two velopment of gender identity, counsel- chapters the authors speak their minds Reviewed by lames Sie fkes, B. D. ing, sexual knowledge, attitudes and with a remarkable and convincing pas- values in three sub-cultures, sexual re- sion. Their highly articulate views indict This gem of a book is the result of a sponsiveness, moral reasoning and the Church at its very core. The gay unique conference on religion and value function, and theological reflec- male author not only takes out after the sexuality sponsored by the Sex Infor- tion. Biblical literalists, but urges his gay mation and Education Council of the Continued on page 7

6 SlECUS Report, November, 1975 This book is a must for parish pastors “problems.” I suspect it will aid other ious topics under discussion. and other teachers and counselors in women who also fall into this general For those who prefer a “scientifically religious community. l recommend category. PR, A. detached” and clinically removed ap- it for church study groups at many proach to the controversial areas in levels. While it is geared to the profes- human sexuality, this text will not be the first choice. For those who want to pro- sional, even youth can participate in Human Sexuality: A Psychosocial its contents. I found myself reading vide a richly articulated series of discus- Perspective. Richard Hettlinger. Bel- sions of those areas most relevant to the from it to my sixteen-year-old daughter mont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Co., and twelve-year-old son at the supper lives of college students as background 1975. (315 pp.; $6.95). table one evening with enlightening for further study, this book can be an exciting choice. Throughout the book and rewarding discussion for the whole Reviewed by Haskell R. Cop/in, Ph.D. family. I will settle for “fertile zero” as a the author’s wealth of experience as good first step for church .and society. counselor and teacher of college stu- For the sex educator who teaches a dents for more than a score of years Sexuality and Human Values takes a course in human sexuality at the college large and positive step in that direc- shines through. He is aware that stu- level the reading resources are becom- dents come to college with diverse tion. A, PR ing ever richer. There are several types backgrounds and preparations for deal- from which to choose: basic coming with the world of sexuality: “There prehensive texts on human sexuality, is evidence that for a significant propor- The Sexually Aggressive Woman. books of readings from the relevant Iit- tion of today’s college men and women, Adelaide Bry. New York, NY: Peter H. erature, special treatments of specific unexamined and uninhibited sexual Wyden, 1975. (181 pp.; $7.95). topics. Hettlinger’s book will be a wel- freedom is possible without anxiety, come competitor in an increasingly conflict, or apparent psychological Reviewed by Diane B. Brashear, Ph.D. competitive field, for he has produced a harm. Yet there are many others for highly readable text book which not whom this is not the case, who need At first glance, this book would seem only treats many of the most salient help in clarifying their sexual needs and to be of little value to our basic under- areas in human sexuality (including support in sustaining their deepest con- standing about women and would fall pornography, premarital sex, sexual victions when the loudest forces on into a category of sensational research. varietism, sexual liberation, and the fu- campus are proclaiming what one The author, a Philadelphia therapist, ture of marriage), but provides diverse psychiatrist has called ‘a sexual utopia in advertised in personal columns for readings on each of the topics which which the kingdom of the orgasm will women who were “sexually aggres- reflect the controversies that prevail. supposedly replace the house of the sive,” and then interviewed them. At Hettlinger calls his book a “psychoso- ego.’ ” best, this book is heuristic research and cial perspective” and leaves the task of For the latter group this book can be may identify some interesting hypoth- elucidating the biology and mechanics helpful in exploring the pros and cons eses. The book mainly contains case re- of sex to others (though a brief appen- of sexual issues. Not only is it an excel- ports of sexual behavior of women who dix provides up-to-date information for lent candidate for the college level view themselves as aggressive. The au- college students concerning birth con- course in human sexuality, it can be a thor defines the sexually aggressive trol, abortion and venereal diseases). rich resource for the sex counselor or woman as a “doer,” an initiator, one Hettlinger sets as his main task the educator who deals with pre- and post- who is at least equal if not dominant in development of a philosophy of sexual- college populations. A, PR, SH her participation in the sex act. The case ity. He states: “Whether an individual reports are descriptive, sometimes finds intercourse an appropriate ex- reading more like an erotic novelette pression of a particular relationship or than a behavioral report. In general, the not; whether his or her fulfillment is book characterizes sexually aggressive heterosexual or homosexual; whether Human Sexuality, A Health Practition- women as active, heterosexual, geni- the goal is a traditional marriage, life in a er’s Text. Richard Green, M.D., editor. tally oriented, and who may separate commune, or whatever-these seem to Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins sexual intercourse from romantic at- be quite secondary (though not unim- Company, 1975. (251 pp.: $14.50, $9.50 tachments and long standing relation- portant) issues. What matters, I suggest, paper). ships. Although some of the women is that the student learn to act and think were bisexual, the case reporfs’gener- sexually without evasion, deceit, or illu- Reviewed by Evalyn S. Gendel, M.D. ally reflected heterosexuality. Most of sion; that he or she can distinguish the the women were married to sexually false myths (of the old and the counter This is a well edited, well written and competent males who, the author cultures) from the truth; and above all important book. It is not only one that inferred, could not completely satisfy that there is growth in the capacity for will assist the health practitioner, but these sexually energetic females. Many self giving, sympathy, and caring.” The also those in related fields of counseling subjects felt they were not like other author presents carefully reasoned and and referraltin the helping professions. women. While there are serious limita- compassionate arguments in defense of Alth,ough it is intended primarily as a tions to this kind of reporting, I also his positions while attempting to pro- textbook on human sexuality for medi- welcome more enlightenment about vide “equal time” for those who do not cal students and doctors (who indeed such females who are socially and share his perspective. In this he mainly need this type of collected works to fill psychologically functional but not succeeds, providing excellent re- an important hiatus in the medical liter- “promiscuous” norwith other so called sources throughout the text for the var- Continued on page 8

SIECUS Report, November, 1975 7 Continued from page 7 contents into meaningful and related Since the attitude of the staff serving ature), its potential audience is much areas. The book seems hastily assem- the pregnant teenager is crucial to the broader. bled, e.g., the name of the senior au- success of medical and counseling ser- The editor has done an excellent job. thor of an article on social psychiatry is vices, the chapter (White, et al) on this The continuity between chapters is omitted from the title page of his chap- subject is much needed and well done. made clear and at the same time asks ter, there are “open” parentheses with- Theyadvocate helpingtheyoungparent some provocative questions. Chapters out “closed” parentheses, etc. A suc- beyond the birth process and on into such as, “Why Sex Education for Medi- cession of such minor but irritating de- the trying periods of adjustment as cal Students?” and “Explicit Sexual Ma- tails served to convince th.is reviewer young parents who need a variety of terial in Medical School Curricula”, to that Zackler and Brandstadt must be services. “For one adolescent they may name the first and the last, cover a better doctors than editors! provide only abortion counseling and wide range of topics. The.dust jacket shows the faces of two medical services; for another prenatal The contributors are all well experi- young girls who stare out with all the services, schooling, child care, and enced in the areas in which they write blankness of a Barbie doll, their heads youngparents’counselinggroups; and, and, except for two chapters, all are inclined as though in shame. Where is for a third, residential and infant care original contributions written especially the flesh and blood, real-life child- services while she is seeking employ- for this text. Although there are numer- mother who abounds in America today? ment and/or a living situation.” ous authors, there is a consistency to And where is the teenage father? He is a In their Foreword, the editors’ key the writing stylewhich is helpful in mak- phantom in this book. Not a single word is prevention. Perhaps, then, ing this the kind of book that you want chapter speaks to his needs, frustra- the highlight of this book is the chapter to read at once for total scope and then tions, strengths, or fears. The first two “Bringing About Change” (Howard) to use as a reference for specific areas, chapters (both written by Cutright) use commenting on the formerly punitive There is a great deal of concise infor- the opprobrious term “illegitimate” al- societal attitude toward the teenage mation for all health professionals and though others do not. There is a sym- pregnant girl and the ignoring of her for other individuals who work in coun- pathetic chapter (Shouse) dealing with special needs. Howard places all this in seling situations. I believe the editor has “Psychological and Emotional Problems perspective. “Thus rejected by family, accomplished what he intended in fill- of Pregnancy in Adolescence“ which isolated from peers, ostracized by the ing a special need for education about recognizes the individuality of these school system, barely tolerated by the human sexuality in medical and other very young women.“Even though they medical establishment, and mostly ig- professional schools. I highly rec- may share some general psychological nored by the social service system, it is ommend its use. PR features, pregnant adolescents and no wonder that young mothers showed their families, including their babies, up so disproportionately in a negative boyfriends and husbands, cannot be way in divorce, health, educational, The Teenage Pregnant Girl. Jack Zack- stereotyped. There is as much variety in employment and welfare statistics. In- ler, M.D. and Wayne Brandstadt, M.D., this population as there are geograph- deed, society has been reaping the re- editors. Springfield, IL: Charles C. ical regions, cultural differences, and wards of its own neglect and hostility.” Thomas, 1974.(300 pp.; $12.95). personality styles in our society.” She Citing the social changes which took also included a verbatim panel discus- place in the 1960’s stemming from the Reviewed by June Dobbs Butts, Ed.D. sion by pregnant teenagers which is full civil rights movement and consequent of pathos, courage and wry humor. It quests for legal redress of awide variety The subject matter to which the book makes for startling contrast to the statis- of societal inequities, Howard feels that addresses itself is of compelling import. tical survey reportage of the initial chap- the mood of America today is solidifying Teenage mothers are increasing in ters. in the direction of prevention of un- every region, race, and class. The gen- Another interesting chapter is wanted teenage pregnancies and to- eral public, the young women them- “Obstetrical and Medical Problems of ward the unbiased offering of human selves, as well as those who serve them, Teenage Pregnancy” (Stepto, et al.) services to young childbearing and need a collection of good resource which explains with medical accuracy childrearing families. PR, A. materials to help them understand this and humanistic concern the myriad phenomenon. Such a bookwould serve stresses which a pregnancy must im- Other Choices for Becoming a Wom- a useful purpose; unfortunately this pose upon the body of the young per- an. Joyce Slayton Mitchell. Pittsburgh, one is not it. son at a time of her critical growth and PA: Know, Inc., 1975. (180 pp.; $5.00 There is an unevenness in this book development. Other authors, whose paper). which struck the reviewer from the first work is factual and whose opinions are glance at the dust jacket through the non-judgmental, speak from the van- Reviewed by Maude I. Parker, M.A. reading of its I2 disparate chapters. The tage point of specialists who deal with editors are conspicuous by their ab- this population: Pilpel’s chapter on This handbook is touted as the only sence: they contributed no chapters al- current laws, Selstad’s writing on the feminist handbook for high school though their research is mentioned by role of the community health nurse are women. It offers palatable, non- others. What is missing, therefore, is examples. A case study (Ryan & Sharpe) threatening, almost routinely conven- their point of view in interpreting and provides a model for a comprehensive tional presentations of the usual guid- collecting cogent information and opin- service program, and there is a chapter ance topics for girls 15-18 years old, ions. Even the use of sub-divisions (Jekel & Klerman) on program eval- but hardly lives up to its promotional would have helped focus and clarify the uation. Continued on page 9

8 SIECUS Report, November, 1975 blurbs that promise challenging ap- an audience among the more intro- deals with becoming orgasmic with a proaches on topics dealing with career spective teen women who are progres- partner once orgasm is easily achieved decisions and sexuality. Rather this sing from Seventeen and Cosmopolitan alone. Other subjects deal, in some- book provides realistic and reasonable to Redbook and MS. LT what less detail, with sexuality and suggestions for changing life styles for pregnancy, sexuality and aging, taking young women. care of one’s own body, and bringing Some of the topics, e.g., summer For Yourself: The Fulfillment of Female up children sexually. employment, fall completely within the Sexuality. Lonnie Garfield Barbach. Throughout the book, basic informa- conventional jobs of bus girl, waitress, Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Co., tion, amplified with helpful biblio- car hop, baby sitting and volunteer 1975. (218 pp.; $7.95). graphic and other sources, is interwov- work. Sexual topics such as homosexu- en with the shared experiences and ality and masturbation are handled gin- Reviewed by Linda Steichen-Hodes feelings of the many and diverse wom- gerly. The reader is told to check in en with whom Dr. Barbach has worked other references if she has more inter- This is a superb book. Dr. Barbach, a in her groups. This combination of in- est in the topic of homosexuality than is clinical-social psychologist building formation, support, and sharing make covered in the short paragraph pro- upon her experience as a sex therapist it a very personal book and accounts vided. The author states that masturba- using Masters and Johnson and other for its uniqueness. Although primarily tion could have a bad effect if it inter- techniques, has developed a new dealing with heterosexual women of all fered with other activities but no men- treatment program for “pre-orgasmic” ages (since this was the primary make- tion is made of what activities she has women. The phenomenal success of up of her groups), Barbach continually in mind, thus leaving the reader these five-week group sessions (pre- supports the right of each woman to perplexed. There is no discussion liminary statistics from the Human Sex- make her own choices about all as- about high masturbatory frequency as uality Program at the University of pects of her sexual self. “When you possibly indicative of some emotional California Medical Center indicate that take control of your life, and feel free problem. The sections on religion are 93% of the women left their groups to be yourself, you lose fear. . . . This equally fuzzy. The chapter on Judaism consistently experiencing orgasms), diminished fear coupled with a sense does not, for this writer, offer any reas- indicate that Dr. Barbach is on to some- of self-respect allows for greater re- surance that the image of woman has thing. That something appears to be a spect of others and their rights to be been or will be equal to that of man in combination of Permission-to be one- themselves . . . Sexual liberation is a the eyes of believers. self, to be a woman, to be sexual, to be beginning.” The debunking of stereotypes is at- in control; Confrontation-of the Though documented, annotated and tempted by authors in chapters on mar- myths and fears internalized by women indexed like a text, this book is rather a riage choices and career decisions. The socialized in our culture, and richly woven tapestry of information point is made that rigid stereotypes are Support-both from Dr. Barbach and and how-to’s which can only be liberat- retardants to achieving one’s full po- from the many women with whom she ing to the men and women who read it. tential as a woman and they can be has worked, who are quoted in the It is a welcome addition to the changed. Rancor and anti-male prop- book. therapist’s as well as the non- aganda are not discernible; in fact, Ms. Although written primarily for therapist’s bookshelf, where hopefully Mitchell consistently reveals a whole- women who are pre-orgasmic and who a similarly liberating book on male sex- some outlook on human interactions. do not have access to an established uality might soon join it. A, PR Margaret Mead’s chapter on friendship sex therapy program (which usually re- explores the good things about friend- quires a cooperative and steady sexual ship with women as well as men, which partner), For Yourself will also be valu- Consenting Adult. Laura Z. Hobson. have not always been favored by high able to women in general who want to Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Co., school women in the past. Mead enjoy and develop their sexuality, and Inc., 1975. (256 pp.; $7.95). explores the good points of change, to their partners. Very readable, it is especially those that are allowing written with warmth, sensitivity and re- Reviewed by Frederick E. Bidgood, young people more time for self- spect for the uniqueness and individu- M.A. discovery, developing independence ality of every woman. The first three and learning about other people. chapters deal with many of the myths, It is only rarely that the S/ECUS Re- The chapter, “Read to Learn,” pro- misinformation and repressive at- port reviews fiction, but occasionally a vides a good list of books by women titudes with which women are novel is published which, because of and about women. Such a biblio- socialized today, often leading to feel- its subject matter and treatment, de- graphic resource is valuable for all ings of shame, anger, boredom and serves the professional consideration feminists who would extend their con- frustration. Following chapters focus of our readers. Such a book is Consent- nection to other women through read- on physiological-psychological aspects ing Adult, which deals with the topic of ing. Both fiction and biography can of female sexuality and orgasm, and homosexuality in a way which no other provide models of inspiration, helping upon the five-week course of exercises work has attempted-from the view- young readers to become more ful- used successfully by women in the point of the parent of a homosexual filled as women. groups to become orgasmic. These adolescent. Other Choices for Becoming a exercises are described in sufficient de- As a novel, the book is both sensitive Woman offers a modicum of informa- tail so that the reader can herself prac- and powerful, delineating the gut-level tion on sexuality and will probably find tice them at home. Another chapter Continued on page 70

SIECUS Report, November, 1975 9 Continued from page 9 tached to the label “homosexual.” our Sexual Children,” and “Coming to emotions of alienation, rejection, re- When it strikes close to home-to their Terms with Sexual Terms and Politics.” crimination, guilt, hostility and fear own son or daughter-today’s parents The first section is the weakest. While face the same heartache and pain, the which all but tear apart a liberal, Gordon’s emphasis is rightly on com- same agonizing search for help, for munication, and the concepts he dis- middle-class family when a teenage information, and for understanding as son, the youngest of three children, cusses exemplify healthy sexual at- did Tessa. While the book is obviously announces that he thinks he is a titudes, he skips from topic to topic, homosexual. In the microcosm of Tes- no panacea, the factual information often repeating himself. He uses the sa, the mother who is a successful book presented may be of considerable help irritating “royal we” (as in “we believe” to such troubled parents. But what may when he means “I believe”), and he editor, and her family, the narrative chronicles thirteen years of gradual be of far greater benefit is the power of makes unsubstantiated, sweeping change in the attitudes of society to- this novel to generate a sense of iden- generalizations-many of which his ward homosexuals-a period encom- tity and empathy with Tessa, thus help- readers would like to believe-such as, passing the British Wolfenden Report, ing parents to begin to reassess their “The areas in which good schools the beginnings and growth of the gay feelings and attitudes toward their work together with parents to provide liberation movement, up to the deci- homosexual children in light of this comprehensive sex education are the information, to come to grips with their sion in 1973 of the American Psychiatric neighborhoods with the lowest rates of Association to delete the category of fears and alienation from their chil- VD, unwanted pregnancy and birth.” homosexuality from its Manual of Men- dren, to accept them as the same chil- At times Gordon seems to be writing so tal Disorders. From 1960, when her dren they had always cared for and hastily that one doubts that he means teenage son reluctantly and apologet- loved “before,” and to welcome them what he implies-eg., that adolescents ically announces his homosexuality and back as full members of their families. who trust their parents would tell them asks for Tessa’s help in overcoming this Despite some literary difficulties in everything (p. 36). “sickness,” the novel deals with the trying to pull together smoothly all of Gordon’s discussion of homosexual- relationships among all the family the research, reports, events and con- ity exemplifies his tendency to cover members as they make their individual troversy surrounding the topic of material inadequately. Not only does attempts to cope with the situation. homosexuality within the narrative he separate homosexuality and bisexu- Tessa reacts (as most parents still framework, Consenting Adult is an im- ality, but he totally ignores Kinsey’s O-6 Scale, preferring instead to say “I sus- would today) with considerable emo- portant book, not only because it will tional confusion, but with a vast quan- be widely read, but because it can be a pect that no one is either heterosexual tity of what is often downgraded as valuable resource-as a source of in- or homosexual. . . .” “mother-love,” and a persistent sense formation, comfort and inspiration- A chapter on the single parent and one on fatherhood by Professor Robert of responsibility to stand by her son, to for parents of homosexual children and try to understand, to provide psychiat- for those pastors, physicians and other Picket are both highlights of the first ric treatment to effect a “cure,” and to professionals to whom they turn for section. learn as much as she can about this help. But whether read within an edu- The second section-on children’s strange affliction of her son and its cational or counseling context, or sexuality-is better organized and impact on her family. Thus begins a merely as leisure reading, it cannot more useful. Gordon presents con- long, painful, educational and emo- help but be a moving and positive ex- structive information such as ways of tional growth process for the family but perience. A, P, PR talking about and dealing with mastur- especially for Tessa. For her son, it in- bation, methods of handling a child’s undesired use of slang. He (Gordon cludes a disheartening and self- let’s Make Sex a Household Word: A denigrating period of psychoanalysis; a Guide for Parents and Children. Sol says “We”) firmly believes that children lonely search for identity, self-worth Gordon, New York: The John Day Co., under the age of 17 should not engage in sexual intercourse because of their and self-acceptance; and, finally, his 1975. (256 pp.; $8.95). “coming out.” For Tessa, it is a parallel lack of emotional maturity and the process-starting with a frantic obses- Reviewed by Lorna B. Flynn, M.A. usual lack of birth control. sion for information about the topic of Elizabeth Canfield contributes an ex- homosexuality (carefully summarized There is an enormous amount of cellent discussion of the rights and responsibilities of adolescents, but in- and shared with the reader) to deal constructive material in psychologist with her confusion and parental con- Sol Gordon’s new book for parents. explicably follows it with one on questions asked by college students which cern, tempering into an intellectual ac- However, it is hampered by poor or- ceptance of her need to affirm the ganization and the author’s penchant lacks continuity and adds nothing to personhood of her son, and finally re- for writing something about every pos- the book. joicing with him at his acceptance of sible aspect of sexuality without deal- A tame but commendable article on and comfort with himself. ing adequately with many areas. While the double standard by Roger Libby and Ronald Mazur is unfortunately pref- It is the depiction of this growth the title suggests that the book is for aced by a caveat that could keep it process that gives the book its both parents and children, this re- therapeutic value. Although society’s viewer thinks that a more appropriate from being read because of the fear that its ideas are too permissive! general condemnation of homosexuals audience is the unsophisticated adult. has been mitigated over the past fifteen Gordon divides the book into three This section also includes an excellent chapter on sex and the handicap- years, there is still a tremendous de- sections: “Coming to Terms with Our gree of opprobrium and stigma at- Sexual Selves,” ‘I Coming to Terms with Continued on page 77

10 SIECUS Report, November, 1975 Continued from page 10 havior in the context of love were simi- Comportement Sexuel des Francais”). ped, and a poor one on sex education lar for males and females. There was a Finally an index would have been a in schools and religious organizations. difference, on the other hand, in at- welcome addition and simplified the Another disappointing chapter attitudes toward sexual experiences tak- task of the average reader. tempts to address morality. It is confusing place in the absence of love. Males In spite of its flaws, this serious and ing and disorganized and never really showed more dualistic sexual attitudes meticulously written book will be of deals with this important topic. than females. (Dualism is defined by interest to professionals involved in re- Gordon’s “Bill of Sexual Rights and the authors as a situation in which search and teaching in the field of Responsibilities” highlights the final sexual behavior is the same within or human sexuality. PR section. It deals with such topics as outside of a love context.) Men were freedom from stereotyping, freedom of also involved in more sexual activity in non-loving contexts. It was also found information, and freedom of sexual ex- Naked Nomads: Unmarried Men in pression for the handicapped. that males were more sexually incon- America. George Gilder, New York, gruent (contradiction between the at- Elizabeth Canfield’s “Skeptic’s Glos- NY: Quadrangle, 1975. (180 pp.; $7.95). sary” contains much food for thought titude and behavior) than females. It is of interest that female subjects were and family discussion. A very brief sec- Reviewed by Larry P. Scott tion on physiology could have been more religious than their male coun- omitted. Gordon’s own glossary is use- terparts. This book was something of a sur- ful, but his list of selected readings is If we compare this book with the prise to me. With society’s growing very incomplete. The book is indexed. classic Kinsey report on human sexual acceptance of singleness as a viable life While there are no new ideas in this behavior, we notice marked differ- style, I anticipated it would espouse book, it does contain quite a bit of ences in findings. For instance, on the and support this way of life. How useful and constructive information. Its subject of masturbation: according to wrong I was. As a single man, I initially lack of organization and its inclusion of the Canadian authors’ statistics, 66% of resented the many criticisms and statis- incomplete, confusing and unneces- the males sampled had masturbated, tics indicating that we, as a group, are sary material should have been avoided most of them two or three times over derelicts of various persuasions. How- by an author-editor from whom people the past six months. Only 24% of the ever, one can agree that the “Playboy” working in the field of sexuality have females sampled had masturbated over image is, in many cases, a facade repre- come to expect much. P A the past six months, the majority of senting shallow interactions among them once or twice. The Kinsey report, lonely individuals, with singles bars La SexualitC Prkmaritale (Premarital in comparison, indicates that the rate being prime examples of this facade. I Sexuality). Claude Crepault and of masturbation was much higher, for do take issue with the repetitious statis- Robert Gemme. Montreal: Les Presses example, by age 20, 33% of the females tics (which soon become tedious) and de L’Universite Du Quebec, 1975. (208 and 92% of the males had masturbated. references about single men being pp.; $6.95). However, we must bear in mind that lonely, failures (financially, etc.) crimi- Kinsey asked whether the subject had nals, mentally ill, accident- and Reviewed by Gabriel V. Laury, M.D. ever masturbated, while Crepault and suicide-prone. One can argue very Gemme asked whether they had done persuasively using current divorce The authors studied sexual attitudes so in the past six months. statistics that the state of marriage is a and behavior of 629 single people be- The reviewer was somewhat sur- pretty sorry mess as well. Possibly, my tween the ages of 19 and 22. The sub- prised that the authors translated personal adverse reaction is based on jects were students, workers or un- “caresse des parties sexuelles” (cares- being an exception to all those employed persons of French Canadian sing the genital area) into “active neck- categories, except perhaps the occa- origin and of the Catholic faith resid- ing.” Similarly, fellatio and cunnilingus sional loneliness that a single person ing in Montreal, Canada. were called “active petting.” The read- may experience. The first 110 pages are subdivided er might have been better off if the Gilder quotes the French sociologist into three chapters: The traditional authors had stuck strictly to French and Emile Durkheim, “When we have no model of sexual differentiation, pre- called a rose a rose. other object than ourselves we cannot marital sexuality outside of Canada, In the eight page bibliography of a avoid the thought that our efforts will and premarital sexuality in Quebec. French book on premarital sexuality I finally end in nothingness . . .” and The second half of the book is taken had hoped to find many recent refer- argues that single life may be less fulfill- up by seven well organized appendix- ences to French articles and books on ing if the single person is only caring es, containing numerous tables, de- this subject, but was disappointed. In- for his own welfare and direction. But, voted to the questionnaire, methodol- deed many of the French books men- are sharing and caring relationships to ogy and the experimental conditions of tioned are translations from the English be found only among the married? the survey. There are eight pages of (e.g. Margaret Mead, Erich Fromm, Gilder makes his points very directly, bibliography. Betty Friedan, Kate Millet . . .). Others selectively choosing his “experts” to The authors demonstrate from their are translations from the German support his arguments and ignoring survey that females feel that premarital (Freud). As for the “original” French those who might contradict them. His sexual experiences should take place in references, they are few and not re- a discussion of the sexual revolution and the context of love. Males, on the other cent. No mention, for instance, is made its impact/destructiveness on the single hand, feel that love is desirable but not of P. Simon’s voluminous report on the male is interesting, but difficult to sub- necessary. Sexual attitudes and be- sexual behavior of the French (“Le Continued on page 12

SIECUS Report, November, 1975 11 Continued from page 11 the nuclear family in which they have productive to the authors’ intentions of stantiate. Also, it was hard for me to lived and raised their children. helping people to struggle with the equate non-marriage with inadequacy, The book is divided into eleven chap- question of what it means to be a man because I’ve seen too many exceptions ters or lessons (the usual is 11 to 13 for or to be a woman. If I were a parish to the trends he cites. a Sunday School quarter). The book pastor and I wanted to provide a His historical approach to the con- centers about the issues of maleness teacher in my parish with materials with tinuing suppression of the male’s abil- and femaleness as related to the sexual which to lead a class on what it means ity to express his masculinity (sexual revolution, the Kingdom of God, man to be a man or a woman and a Chris- identity and aggression) seems quite and woman relationships, fallen soci- tian, I believe I’d find a way other than hypothetical at this point. It is plausi- ety, the fallen person, and the dimen- to offer this book as a guide. A, PR ble, in my opinion, but not to be ac- sions of body, mind and spirit. A con- cepted blindly without more substanti- cluding lesson deals with life in the ation. church. The language might prove con- His emphasis on the value and power fusing to the uninitiated in Christian of love holds some credence. “Love doctrine. changes, deepens and channels the Each lesson is followed by several flows of energy, emotion, and will that pages of teacher-pupil aids and learn- impel a man’s most important coming suggestions: a lead question for the mitments and most extreme be- lesson; a stated goal of the lesson; a haviors.” ” Wife and family give future rather detailed outline of the lesson like nothing else can.” “This is the material (for teachers who prefer to ultimate barrenness of the single life. lecture); ten or twelve questions for Nothing really happens. The past is discussion; learning/teaching sugges- meaningless and the future irrelevant. tions such as role play, and biblical The present is boring, because it does references for further study. not flow from a significant past or into a As I read the book I was reminded of connected future. It has no plot or days of teaching recipe-type Sunday ABOUT THE REVIEWERS development of character. Because it is School curricula usually based on not dependent on anyone, or respon- teacher knowledge and pupil igno- Reviews of books, journal articles sible for anyone, it does not care. So rance. In one sense the book is decep- and audio visuals are written by present drama is lost as well.” There is obvi- tive. Lesson titles, graphics, cover and and former members of the SIECUS ously a relationship between love and a layout are attractive, mode,rn and pro- Board, Advisory Panel and Staff, unless sense of the future, but Gilder’s faith in vocative. They imply a “new look” at otherwise noted. Background informa- the pervasive power of love is closer to old issues for church people. The tion about these persons is found on a sermon than it is to reality. book, in reality, clearly intends to in- the back cover of the SIECUS Report. The total impact of Naked Nomads doctrinate, convert to a viewpoint and Identification of all others follows: for me was a great deal of thought and reinforce rather traditional stereotypes. self-reflection. I found it valid in some For example: the lesson on “The Fallen Frederick E. Bidgood, M.A., formerly cases, controversial and biased in Person” is introduced by the title and Director of SIECUS Publications and others. If nothing else, I no longer take picture page showing a destitute man, Public Information, is presently a my singleness so nonchalantly. A sitting upon an upturned basket in the free-lance editor and writer in New street, warming his hands over rubble York City. To Be A Man/To Be A Wom- and ashes, as if there were a parallel to Gabriel V. Laury, M.D., Psychiatrist at an. Kenneth and Alice Hamilton. be drawn between the “poor” and the Kings Park Psychiatric Center, Kings Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1975. (159 “fallen.” Park, New York and Associate Pro- pp.; $2.95, paper). The book is a noble, and I think, fessor in Clinical Psychiatry at State honest attempt to bridge the gap be- University of New York at Stony Reviewed by James A. Siefkes, B.D. tween the traditional and more liberal Brook. present day norms and standards, but Maude I. Parker, M.A. Supervisor of This book is co-authored by a the authors didn’t make it. The style is Family Living and Sex Education, husband-and-wife team at the Univer- parent to child and dogmatic. Certain Board of Education, New York City. sity of Winnepeg, Canada. Religion and assumptions about “the will of God”, Linda Steichen-Hodes, MSW candidate English are their respective disciplines. homosexuality, or the single lifestyle at George Williams College, instruc- The style and content reflect their ex- clearly reflect the authoritarian, tradi- tor in transactional analysis at Col- perience and bias regarding the church tional and legalistic approach of the lege of DuPage and psychotherapist constituency, for which it is written; authors. at Oak Park Family Service Agency, the ministry in which they have served; I fear this approach may be counter- Oak Park. IL.

Audience Level /ndicators. The bold type letter(s) following book reviews indicate the general audience level. Keys to categories are as follows: C-Children (elementary grades), ET-Early teens (junior high), LT-Late teens (senior high), A-College, general adult public, P-Parents, PR-Professionals (educators, physicians, clergy, public health workers, nurses, etc.).

12 SIECUS Report, November, 1975 /AUDIO-VISUAL REVIEWS

Audio-visual material is reviewed by Derek L. Burleson, Ed.D., S/ECUS Director of Educationaland Research Services, unless otherwise indicated.

Would YOU Kiss A Naked Man? 16n-m uses the medium of film to probe into Not Together Now: End of a Marriage. sound/color, 20 min. Perennial Educa- adolescent feelings and values. Suc- 16mm, sound/color, 25 min. Polymorph tion, P.O. Box 236, Northfield, IL 60093. cessful use of this film requires a level Films, 331 Newbury Street, Boston, MA Price: $275; rental, $28. of trust and open communication that 02115. Price: $325; rental, $30. is by no means present in many class- Here is a beautifully produced film rooms or youth groups. Young men, in Here on film is an actual case history on teenage sexuality which is neither particular, might tend to make a big of a marriage gone stale. Why? Not for clinically sterile nor crisis-oriented. It joke of the situation presented in the the usual reasons-money, sex, in- treats such issues as virginity, peer film as a defense against dealing with laws, alcohol or infidelity. In fact, the pressures, sexual game playing, nudity, their personal feelings which the film viewer never really finds out all the teen-parent relationships, sex roles, will certainly generate. In the hands of reasons for the failure of this marriage, and the meaning of love and commit- an experienced teacher, skillful in the which of course is reality. The ment, all within a dramatic framework use of group dynamics, this film can be dynamics of a marriage are a complex that is tender, but for some perhaps a valuable instructional tool. It is not network of factors that even close too idealistic. recommended for beginners. friends can seldom comprehend in The producers of this educational their totality. In this low-key documen- film have taken a calculated risk in tary film using a camera-as-interviewer promoting it to the school market since Are We Still Going to the Movies? technique, an attractive and intelligent it includes a brief nude scene. It re- 16mm, sound/color, 14 min. CRM Edu- young couple with three children share mains to be seen whether the field of cational Films, Del Mar, CA 92014. Price their feelings about why they were at- sex education has matured enough to $150; rental $15. tracted to one another, why they got accept tasteful displays, however brief, married, the tensions in their life to- of the nude body on film in the class- Through use of a dramatic conflict gether and the lives they lead now that room. situation this film attempts to deal with they are separated. There is no rancor The dramatic scenario of this film male and female role expectations in a or vindictiveness as they comment on approaches a teenage romantic fantasy teenage relationship. A young couple their marriage. Neither comes off as a and could be criticized on grounds of are on a picnic. The young man’s villain in the relationship. On the sur- credibility, but it provides a framework amorous advances are rejected and a face one wonders why this marriage for a lot of serious discussion about heated argument ensues. There is an didn’t succeed. Its erosion is more sub- sexuality as a good sex education film implication that sex is not a new ex- tle-different goals, different interests, should do. perience for this couple, but on this his driving ambition, her lack of fulfill- A young couple walk through the occasion the young woman has ro- ment as mother and housewife. Both meadow with their picnic basket. They mance on her mind, not sex. The speak about their marriage with candor decide to have a swim in a secluded dialogue is intense, the acting good, and sensitive introspection. The hus- pond before eating. While diving the but the message of the film-that sex is band, in particular, shares his feelings girl’s swim suit halter comes off and the not all there is to a relationship-is so about separation from his children, boy friend retrieves it with much teas- labored that it is likely to elicit a “So about the loneliness and meaningless- ing. Their picnic plans are suddenly what’s new” response from young ness of his new single status, which are interrupted by a flash thunderstorm people today. They will also resent and male points of view too often lacking and they run for shelter to an old barn reject the stereotypic portrayal of the in the literature on marriage and di- filled with fresh hay. Cold and shiver- young man in the film as a turned on vorce. This marriage has failed, but ing in their wet bathing suits, they stud who can only respond with sar- these people are not failures. As an agree that it’s sensible to take them off casm or pouting to his girl friend’s educational tool the film is not an (here comes the nude scene) and wrap rejection. Exploration of male and object lesson on what makes marriages up in their towels. As contrived as this female attitudes and expectations in go wrong. Rather, it can serve as an scenario is, the dialogue centers teenage relationships is an essential as- open-ended case history to look at the around many issues related to the pect of any good sex education pro- dynamics of marriage without the over- psychosexual development of adoles- gram for adolescents. Educational films romanticizing and stereotyping so fre- cence that a skillful teacher can direct can make a contribution to this explo- quently seen in educational films on toward many hours of valuable discus- ration by presenting positive models of marriage. Recommended for high sion. teenage communication and interac- school or college courses on marriage This is a new and different kind of tion. Leave the hyped-up dramatic con- and family life, and for young adult sex education resource which effectively frontations to the soap operas. study groups.

SIECUS Report, November, 1975 13 Continued from page 7 growth movement, and have been supportive in establishing churches in North America are now taking clear-cut stands a new national non-sectarian organization founded by Vera encouraging research in human sexuality. For example, The and David Mace two years ago-ACME (Association of United Methodists declare the “Medical, theological and Couples for Marriage Enrichment), 403 South Hawthorne humanistic disciplines should combine in a determined effort Rd., Winston-Salem NC 27103. to understand human sexuality more completely.” Also, Another significant contribution to sexual enrichment is Masters and Johnson report that ministers are not only being made through my own church’s Marriage Communica- utilizing the results of their research but are prominent tion Labs-one of the major forms of marital growth groups among professionals being trained in various centers in their in North America-which my wife and I pioneered in de- methods of sexual therapy. veloping 10 years ago. During that time we have trained more than 500 couples in 15 denominations and 12 countries to lead these labs. Some of these couples have trained an addi- Movement From Rigid Rules tional 200 leader couples. We estimate that more than 10,000 to Broad Ethical Principles couples participate in Marriage Communication Labs each One of the most significant developments in religion’s year. Each of these labs gives a major block of time to sexual efforts to formulate bases of ethical judgment for sexual enrichment. In addition, we have developed a full 48-hour behavior, is the trend away from relying on rigid rules for Marriage Lab on Sexual Enrichment using explicit erotic films. sexual conduct to an effort to find broad ethical principles In its 1975 meeting the General Synod called on the Reformed which individuals might use in specific situations as Church in America to “continue to provide financial re- guidelines in their sexual decisions. More and more both sources to assist congregations and classes in Marriage youth and adult studies are based on the exploration of Communication Labs.” ethical principles and not on prescribing rules. This exploration requires free and open communication regarding all Concern for Equal Status kinds of sexual behavior, as well as the relevant ethical of Men and Women principles. Churches are so concerned about affirming the equal status of men and women that they are joining in the struggle Emphasis on Individual Freedom to overcome sex stereotyping and discrimination based on and Responsibility sex. They are making policy decisions (Christian Church- Closely related to basic ethical principles is the trend Disciples of Christ), employing women specifically for which affirms personal freedom and responsibility in sexual consciousness-raising responsibilities (Church of the Breth- behavior. The churches are beginning to support efforts to ren), or establishing commissions on the status and role of abolish legal restrictions on private sexual activities. This women to see that women are given equal treatment trend is illustrated in efforts to remove abortion from the throughout the church (United Methodist Church). Many are criminal code (placing it instead under laws relating to other eliminating sex stereotyping and discrimination in church procedures of medical practice) and in calls to churches to occupations, in ordination of women and in curriculum work for removal of laws which define as criminal, sexual acts materials. privately committed by consenting adults. Affirmation of Acceptance of Different life Styles Sexual Intercourse for Pleasure

With the recognition and acceptance of our pluralistic Although there are still some persons who consider sex culture, there is a trend away from punitive attitudes toward as “dirty” or “sinful,” there is a definite trend of affirming not persons whose sexual practices may be different from one’s only sexuality in its broadest sense, but more specifically own or from those of the majority, and away from rejection sexual intercourse itself. Intercourse is affirmed for the of such persons toward genuine Christian concern for them. purpose of giving personal pleasure to women as well as men Instead of ostracizing persons of alternate life styles, as and of enriching their relationship. It is to be enjoyed entirely churches once did, now they are making efforts to under- apart from its role in procreation. This attitude is being stand them and to provide special ministries for them. One encouraged in official church publications for pastors in example is the Lutheran Church of America’s official state- premarital counseling, for couples in workshops in marriage ment which says the church “seeks to respond understand- enrichment and marriage counseling, as well as in the train- ingly to persons who enter into relationships which do not ing of ministers in theological schools and continuing demonstrate a covenant of fidelity.” education.

Emphasis on Marriage Enrichment Redefinition of Pornography

At the same time, perhaps the most extensive effect of The churches’ affirmation of human sexuality has contrib- the new sexuality is taking place inside marriage, in the uted to a redefinition of pornography in the Christian enrichment of marriage as a vital, growing relationship which community, as well as in the general society. Of course, this enhances the personal development of both partners with a redefinition is not yet complete, but the direction is clearly strong emphasis on sexual enrichment. toward a reverent appreciation of the body and a joyful All major religious groups in North America, Catholic, celebration of the erotic. Nudity is no longer considered Jewish and Protestant, are in the forefront of the marital Continued on page 15

SIECUS Report, November, 1975 pornographic, nor are certain explicit films depicting various ment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a kinds of sexual behavior. fellowship which enables reconciling relationships with God, The National Sex Forum, which produces explicit erotic with others and with self. Further, we insist that all persons films for education and research purposes, was founded by a are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured.” Methodist minister in one of our Methodist churches in San But, I am sorry to report, when it was brought to a vote, this Francisco. He is Ted Mcllvenna, a former colleague of mine. affirmative statement was amended by the following con- Many church groups in addition to other professional groups tradictory clause: “though we do not condone the practice of are using these films in SAR-Sexual Attitude Reassessment homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with -seminars. In the church-sponsored SARs I have conducted, Christian teaching.” more than 95% of the participants have found the experi- With the success of the amendment, the negative forces ence very helpful. Requests for these seminars are increas- felt their power and moved to reopen a previously adopted ing. (See SIECUS Report, July 1975). statement on marriage. They succeeded in inserting the following sentence: “We do not recommend marriage between two persons of the same sex.” This action is a clear Affirmation of Masturbation give-away to the fact that an increasing number of ministers The Christian community is at the very beginning of a are presiding at a religious ceremony celebrating the com- trend toward affirming masturbation, for both males and mitment of persons of the same sex to a life of love and fidel- females, as a healthy form of sexual behavior throughout life. ity to one another. Although we still have a long way to go, to more and more religious leaders, masturbation is not limited to a develop- Summary mental stage nor rejected after marriage. It is being considered as a wholesome, complementary sexual experience at Even though the above descriptions of trends are neces- appropriate times and places in a person’s life. sarily sketchy and incomplete, they do convey some sense of Many pastoral counselors share this view of masturba- the struggle now going on in the religious community to tion in their counseling with individuals and couples seeking come to terms with the new sexuality. Obviously most of the help with their sexual needs. This view is frequently dis- above trends are happening in the total culture as well as in cussed in the sexual enrichment sessions in Marriage Com- the churches. What is distinctive about these trends in the munication Labs. The subject is also included in sex educa- churches is that they are based on a deeper understanding of tion sessions with parents and youth to help them to be free the Bible and are an effort to spell out the implications of enough to discuss masturbation and to develop a positive ethical principles derived from the faith. attitude toward it. Books with this affirmative attitude are To be sure, the struggle is not yet over-in many cases, it recommended for church libraries to be made available to is only beginning. Nevertheless, I believe the direction is parents and youth. clearly one of affirmation of human sexuality as essentially good, not to be rejected or abused, but to be accepted and Full Acceptance used for personal and relational fulfillment. of Homosexual Persons

In recent years an unmistakable trend has emerged in the direction of full acceptance of persons of homosexual orientation, whether male or female. Religious leaders are beginning to see homosexual behavior no longer as deviant, with all its negative connotations, but as variant, a much more neutral word. Generally the churches are still ambivalent regarding homosexual behavior, but they are clear in affirming homosexuals as persons of worth. The central issue currently is the ordination of known homosexuals. In 1970 the Lutheran Church in America officially said: “Scientific research has not been able to provide conclusive evidence regarding the causes of homosexuality. Neverthe- less, homosexuality is viewed biblically as a departure from the heterosexual structure of God’s creation. Persons who Continued from page 3 engage in homosexual behavior are sinners only as are all other persons-alienated from God and neighbor. However, As these issues of the confusion about the feminist they are often the special and undeserving victims of prej- movement in this country and the. complex factors involved udice and discrimination in law, law enforcement, cultural internationally become clarified, the critical focus might then mores and congregational life. In relation to this area of be sharpened. In my opinion, the right to choose to have life concern, the sexual behavior of freely consenting adults in options without prejudice or judgement of one group to- private is not an appropriate subject for legislation or police wards another, is the right that women must have. Regardless action. It is essential to see such persons as entitled to of country of origin, the effort it takes to be free from the understanding and justice in church and community.” legal, political, sexual, economic or social barriers which The United Methodist Church said at its 1972 General would obstruct this right to choose is what the women’s Conference: “Homosexuals no less than heterosexuals are movement is about. Those who believe in the human dignity persons of sacred worth, who need the ministry and guid- and integrity of this effort hopefully will shout “Hooray” and ance of the church in their struggles for human develop- join in with it.

SIECUS Report, November, 1975 15 “SIECUS OFFICERS-1975 J. NOEL MACY HASKELL COPLIN, Ph.D. ROBERT J. LEVIN, M.A. Washington, D.C. Professor of Psychology Articles Editor Chairperson-Wardell B. Pomeroy, Ph.D. Amherst College REDBOOK Magazine Amherst, Massachusetts New York, New York Past-Chairperson-Evalyn S. Gcndel, M.D. J. ROBERT MOSKIN. M.A Vice Chairpersons- New York, New York FOSTER Q. DOAN, B.A., B.D. E. JAMES LIEBERMAN, M.D., M.P.H. Alan P. Bell, Ph.D. Westtown School Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry Howard University Medical School Richard A. Chilgren. M.D. WARDELL B. POMEROY, Ph.D. Westtown, Pennsylvania Psychotherapist Washington, D. C. Mette Strong New York, New York LORNA BROWN FLYNN, M.A. Secretary-The Rev. Leon Smith, Ed.D. Washington, D.C. HAROLD I. LIEF, M.D. Director, Marriage Council of Treasurer-Georgia Neese Gray PHILIP M. SARREL, M.D. ISA0 FUJIMOTO, Ph.D. Philadelphia, Inc. Associate Professor of Obstetrics Assistant Professor, Department of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Gynecology Sociology and Applied Behavioral Sciences Director, Yale Sexuality Program University of California ROBERT C. LONG, M.D. Yale University School of Medicine Davis, California Associate Professor of Obstetrics and “SIECUS BOAR0 OF DIRECTORS-1975 New Haven, Connecticut Gynecology and Director, THE REV. WILLIAM H. GENNE, M.A.. B.D. Division of Human Sexuality University of Louisville School of Medicine ALAN P. BELL. Ph.D. Coordinator of Family Ministries LARRY PAUL SCOlT National Council of Churches Louisville, Kentucky Senior Research Psychologist Personnel Director New York, New York Institute for Sex Research Touche, Ross & Company W. RAY MONTGOMERY, President Indiana University Newark, New Jersey PERRY E. GROSS, M.D. Realty Trust Company Bloomington, Indiana General Practice Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas THE REV. JAMES A. SIEFKES, B.D DONALD H. RIDDLE, Ph.D. DIANE B. BRASHEAR, M.S.W., Ph.D Director for Discovering Ministries JOHN L. S. HOLLOMAN, JR., M.D President Private Practice The American Lutheran Church John Jay College of Criminal Justice Indianapolis, Indiana President, Health & Hospitals Corporation New York, New York Minneapolis, Minnesota City of New York WILLIAM P. BROWN, Ph.D. New York, New York RABBI JESHAIA SCHNITZER, Ed.D. THE REV. LEON SMITH, Ed.D. Temple Shomrei Emunah Professor of Criminal Justice Director of Educational Ministries JACQUELYN JOHNSON JACKSON, Ph.D. School of Criminal Justice Montclair, New Jersey in Marriage Associate Professor of Medical Sociology State University of New York, Albany United Methodist Church Department of Psychiatry ETHELRINE SHAW, R.N., M.S Albany, New York Nashville, Tennessee Duke University Medical Center Assistant Professor Durham, North Carolina School of Nursing JUNE DOBBS BUTTS, Ed.D Ohio State University METTE STRONG MARCUS H. JAFFE, A.B. Associate Professor Greenwich, Connecticut Columbus, Ohio Division of Public Health Senior Vice President & Editorial Director Bantam Books, Inc. RALPH SLOVENKO, Ph.D. University of Massachusetts FRANK E. TAYLOR New York, New York Amherst, Massachusetts Professor Editor Wayne State University Law School Frank E. Taylor Books/Praeger G. WILLIAM JONES, M.Th., Ph.D. Detroit, Michigan MICHAEL CARRERA, Ed.D. New York, New York Associate Professor of Film Art Associate Professor of Health Education Southern Methodist University HELEN F. SOUTHARD, M.A. Community Health Education Program Dallas, Texas Acting Director, Data Center Hunter College School of the National Board, YWCA Health Sciences GARY F. KELLY, M.Ed. New York, New York New York, New York Director, Student Development Center and Program in Human Sexuality WILHELMINA THOMAS “SIECUS ADVISORY PANEL-1975 RICHARD A. CHILGREN. M.D. Clarkson College of Technology Principal, Walker-Jones Elementary School Potsdam, New York Washington, D. C. Director, Program in Human Sexuality ROBERT L. ARNSTEIN, M.D. Universitv of Minnesota Medical School Psychiatrist-in-Chief LESTER A. KIRKENDALL, Ph.D. EARL UBELL Minneapdlis, Minnesota Department of University Health Professor Emeritus of Family Life L&W&, Local TV News-Ne; York Yale University Education EVALYN S. GENDEL, M.D. New Haven, Connecticut Oregon State University New York, New York Director, Division of Maternal and Cowallis, Oregon VERNON E. WILSON, M.D. Child Health (on leave) DERYCK D. CALDERWOOD, Ph.D. Vice Chancellor for Medical Ethics Kansas State Department of Health Associate Professor of Health Education RABBI BERNARD KLIGFELD, M.A. New York University School of Education Temple Emanu-El of Long Beach Vanderbilt College Topeka. Kansas New York, New York Long Beach, New York Nashville. Tennessee

GEORGIA NEESE GRAY GEORGE C. CHAMIS, Ph.D. DANIEL H. L&BY, M.D. ‘” Board and Advisory Panel Members are Chairman of the Board Coordinator, Family Life Education Program Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry Capitol City State Bank & Trust Co Flint Community Schools University of Oregon Medical School not serving SIECUS as representatives Topeka, Kansas Flint, Michigan Portland, Oregon of their organizations, but as individuals.

SIECUS STAFF President: Mary S. Calderone, M.D., M.P.H. Director, Educational and Research Services Executive Director: Joyce Dudney Fleming, Ph.D. and Publications: Derek L. Burleson, Ed.D. Administrative Assistant: Agnes Pilgrim

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