Study guide

Religion and Sexuality

Master G_MKVPR4

Period 1 2016-2017
Days/times (6 EC), Mondays/Wednesdays 17.30-19.15
Lecturer:

Prof. Dr. R.Ruard Ganzevoort

tel 020 598 8914, e-mail r.r.ganzevoort@vu.nl
Dr. Annette Mosher
e-mail: a.k.mosher@vu.nl

Introduction
The ambivalent intersection of sexuality, gender, and religion (and here especially
Christianity) is the topic of this course. Issues include the biblical, theological, and ethical
issues; the meanings of sexuality and gender; and much more. This course is intended for
every student who wishes to understand the complexities of the interaction with and the
theological interpretation of sexual and gender diversity. The course aims to contribute to
positive dialogues, as well as awareness about self-care and ethical development of clergy.
The course is organized along three general topics (concepts, normativity, dialogue) and six
important cases (sexual abuse, homosexuality, transsexualism, prostitution, honor issues, and
pedophilia). This course will be a self-directed research course supplemented by four
meetings with your instructors. The first two meetings will be 5 and 7 September, and we will
discuss further dates for meetings.
Aims
You understand the complex relation between religion, gender, and sexuality (historical,
psychological, sociological, theological)
You understand the power aspects of sexuality and gender
You understand the main aspects of different sexualities
You can analyze and deconstruct religious conflict around sexualities
You can contribute to debates regarding sexual diversity in such a way that mutual
understanding and respect are fostered.
Key issues
How to interpret sexual diversity?
How are sexualities construed in different times and cultures?
How to interpret and apply biblical notions?
How to recognize and evaluate your own religious/social perspectives and the
repercussions they will have in ministry to congregations and societies.
How inclusive are religious communities and societies?
How to build dialogue instead of conflict?
How to offer pastoral/spiritual counseling and when to refer.
Elements
4 working meetings with instructors supplemented by 6 weeks research activities (22 hrs)
Literature study (128 hrs)
Reflective assignment (2 hrs)
Interview assignment with report (4 hrs)
Weekly position papers (4 hrs)
Concluding essay (20 hrs)
Course plan
05.09 Lets talk about sex (and gender)

Although the terms used in this course seem self-evident, they prove to be more
complex and culturally determined. This session will offer a critical discussion of the
concept of sexualities, the history of defining sexuality, and their many different
cultural guises. We will try to discover issues involved in the debate and the processes
of appropriating religious traditions. We will discuss what it means to be a sexual
being and how that informs our theology. In a similar vein, we discuss how gender
makes a difference in how we approach sex and religion. We will look at the
development of feminist religion and ethics. Does gender personification of the Divine
contribute to our perspectives of gender, or is it a neutral aspect?
In preparation for this class read chapter 1 and 2 in your textbook, the article about
Artemis at http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Artemis.html, and 1 Timothy 1-4. Prepare
your position paper. This will be used for the discussion.
08.09 Sexual and reproductive health issues
In traditional religious ethics, sexuality is closely related to reproduction.
Contemporary issues include HIV/AIDS and other STDs, abortion, adoption, as well
as the normative views on appropriate boundaries for sexual behavior. We set out to
evaluate the WHOs definition of sexual health as a state of physical, emotional,
mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of
disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful
approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having
pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and
violence.
12.09 Love, sex, covenant
Although a large part of this course will focus on contested issues in sexuality, it is
helpful to start exploring the connection between love and sex. This critical
exploration will involve psychosexual development, spirituality and sexuality,
heteronormativity, and the question how sexuality should (or not) be framed in the
context of a covenant relation of love and trust. This also invokes ethical questions
regarding for example masturbation and adultery. How Christian are family values?
15.09 Sexual Abuse
Recent events bring awareness and discussion about the formerly taboo issue of sexual
abuse within the religious and general society(ies). What is it about sex that leads it to
be used for great pleasure but also great pain? What are the dynamics of sexual abuse,
and what are the religious and emotional consequences of sexual abuse? How do we
care for the victims of sexual abuse without compromising our own sexuality and
well-being? In this lesson we will discuss the process of sexual abuse, the wide
repercussions, and the many influences other than sex that are involved with abuse
events.
18.09 Homosexuality
In Christian churches, the Bible plays a pivotal role in discussions about
homosexuality. Sometimes this is reduced to seven texts that (seem to) speak about
homosexuality. In this session we will discuss possible readings of such texts, ask
whether these suffice for a biblical treatment of the questions, and address the more
fundamental hermeneutical question of connecting biblical elements with
contemporary life.

22.09 Transgender
Although there are no reliable statistics for the prevalence of gender dysphoria,
transgenderism, and transsexualism, researchers offer estimates up to 1:1000. There is,
however, very little attention to this group and even less theological reflection. What
role does ones (religious) identity play when gender identity is at stake and what are
the theological and pastoral implications. This session will include a conversation with
a female-to-male transsexual.
25.09 Prostitution
Described as the oldest profession in the world, prostitution brings its own questions to
the table when we discuss sex, gender, and religion. Society and power issues again
appear when we discuss prostitution. Does thinking of prostitution as a womans
profession impact how we see and respond to prostitutes? What do we think about
sacred prostitution as a religious act? How should we respond to prostitution when it
becomes a system that can be criminalized and used to traffic human victims? Added
to our consideration of sex and gender will be the powerful, and sensitive, influence of
money.
29.09 Honor Issues, Gender, Community, and Sexuality
We often hear of murders and beatings involved with sexuality in foreign countries.
But can honor issues play a role in Western countries? And can honor play a role in
our own religious community or is it only the other who struggles with honor,
gender, and sexuality? In this lesson we invite guest speakers to discuss honor,
sexuality, gender, and the role that they play in community, as well as the communitys
role in these issues.
02.10 Pedophilia
In recent years, few issues have been as controversial as pedophilia. Shocked by the
massive reports of sexual abuse (especially in the Roman Catholic Church and in child
care), many wish to remove pedophiles from society. In this session we try to
disentangle the complexities. We return to the dynamics and consequences of sexual
abuse, and proceed to ask what this means for people with pedophile feelings,
especially when they choose not to engage in sexual contact with children. We also
need to look at the societal responses to pedophilia and sexual abuse.
06-10 Clergy Care, Ethics, and Sexual Abuse
We often project sexuality and sexual issues outside of ourselves, but when we are
counseling or leading a dialogue we are an actor in the event just as the other
participants. Leadership demands that we approach sexual and gender issues ethically
and consider how we are influencing the discussion. Additionally, clergy members
need to know how to practice self-care in cases of abuse in order to maintain a healthy
boundary with the victims and perpetrators. We must not forget that in several cases of
sexual abuse clergy are the perpetrators. What is necessary in order to minister to
others while maintaining our own sexual health and the safety of the pastoral
relationship?
09.10 Dialogue and Inclusion
The course concludes with a reflection on the interpretation and theological evaluation
of sexual diversity and the implications for religious communities. How can we build

profound dialogues and inclusive communities? What expressions of sexual diversity

should be excluded from this community and on what grounds?

Literature
Required reading: Thatcher, A. (2011) God, sex, and gender. An introduction. Chichester:
Wiley-Blackwell. 250 pp.
- Reader (215 pp) (required)
Althaus-Reid, M. (2001) Indecent theology. Theological perversions in sex, gender, politics.
Abingdon: Routledge, 11-46, 125-164. (Chapter 1: Indecent proposals for women
who like to do theology without using underwear and 4:The theology of sexual
stories).
Berg, M. van den, Bos, D.J., Derks, M., Ganzevoort, R.R., Jovanovi, M., Korte, A.J.A.C.M.
& Sremac, S., 'Religion, Homosexuality, and Contested Social Orders in the
Netherlands, the Western Balkans, and Sweden.' In: Ganiel, G., Winkel, H. & Monnot,
C. (eds.), Religion in Times of Crisis. Leiden/Boston: Brill, 2014, 116-134.
Cornwall, S. (2009) Apophasis and ambiguity: The Unknowingness of transgender. In:
Isherwood, L. & Althaus-Reid, M. (ed.) Trans/Formations. London: SCMP, 13-40.
Ganzevoort, R.R., (1999) Tussen trauma en tolerantie. Seks met kinderen in de context van
kerk en geloof. Nederlands Theologisch Tijdschrift 53(2), 117-134.
Ganzevoort, R.R., van der Laan, M. & Olsman, E. (2011) 'Growing up gay and religious.
Conflict, dialogue, and religious identity strategies.' Mental Health, Religion, and
Culture 14(3), 2011, 209-222.
Gray, E.R. & Thumma, S. (2005) The gospel hour. Liminality, identity, and religion in a gay
bar. In: Thumma, S. & Gray, E.R. (eds.) Gay religion. Walnut Creek: Altamira, 285301
Haldeman, S. (1996) Bringing good news to the body. Masturbation and male identity. In:
Krondrfer, B. (ed.) Mens bodies, mens Gods. Male identities in a (post-)Christian
culture. New York: NYUP, 111-124.
Hipsher, B.K. (2009) God is a many gendered Thing. An apophatic journey to pastoral
diversity.' In: Isherwood, L. & Althaus-Reid, M. (ed.) Trans/Formations. London:
SCMP, 92-104.
Nelson, J.M. (1988) The intimate connection. Male sexuality, masculine spirituality.
Philadelphia: Westminster, 85-112 (Chapter 5: Embracing masculinity).
Toft, A. (2009) Bi-sexual Christians. The life-stories of a marginalized community. In: Hunt,
S. (ed.) Contemporary Christianity and LGBT sexualities. Farnham: Ashgate, 67-86.
- Books (suggested reading)
Allender, D. (2008) The Wounded Heart: Hope for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse.
Colorado Springs: NavPress. 272 pp.
Eisler, R. (2012) Sacred Pleasure: Sex, Myth, and the Politics of the Body. New York:
HarperOne. 512 pp.
Kundtz, D.J. & Schlager, B.S. (2007) Ministry among Gods queer folk. Cleveland: Pilgrim
Press. 230 pp.
Long, R.E. (2004) Men, homosexuality, and the Gods. An exploration into the religious
significance of male homosexuality in world perspective. New York: Harrington Park
Press. 150 pp.
Pomeroy, S. (1995) Goddesses, Whores, Wives and Slaves: Women in Classical Antiquity.
New York: Schocken. 304 pp.

Assignments and deadlines

All assignments have to be submitted by email to your instructor. Deadlines are strictly kept.
1. Position paper
Each week write a one page position paper on each of the subjects before performing your
research. What do you already know about the subject? What have you learned in your
readings? What is the position held by your religious community in general? What do
you consider the ethical dimensions of the topic discussed? Deadline: The position paper
will be turned in each Monday before research.
2. Weekly Reflective Assignment
Describe your experiences with the conflicts about religion and sexual diversity. Where
did you first meet people from sexual minorities and how did you respond? What are the
religious messages you received about sexuality? How has your perspective evolved?
Compare what you have learned in class to your position paper prepared for those classes.
Deadline: Fridays beginning 09.09.
3. Interview assignment
Conduct an interview of approximately one hour with someone from a sexual minority.
Focus on the persons life story, ask how religion and sexuality have been negotiated and
how the views of the religious community affect the person. Write a summary with
meaningful quotes and two questions for class based on this interview. Size: max 1000
words. Deadline 26.09.
4. Concluding essay
- Write a 1000 word article for a / your local (church) newsletter about religion and
sexual diversity, aiming at furthering mutual understanding and acknowledging your
own perspective (that is, in line with the course aims).
- Write a 2000 word companion academic article in which you explain and corroborate
the first article, building on the literature and the classroom discussions and materials.
Deadline 24.10
Grading
The mark for this course will be defined by
- Participation and evidenced research
- Assignment 1,2,3 together
- Concluding essay

20 %
30 %
50 %

Practical issues
See more information on Blackboard and/or contact the lecturer for more information.